Leading Associates

Firms To Watch: Natural resources and regulation

Co-led by Frederico Barbosa, Gustavo Godinho Capanema, and Lívia Guimarães Gonçalves, the regulatory law practice at Godinho Barbosa Advogados acts for an expanding client base from the mining and energy sectors in matters pertaining to environmental and urban planning, project development, and regulatory compliance.

Natural resources and regulation in Brazil

Azevedo Sette Advogados

With a strong focus on the mining sector, Azevedo Sette Advogados‘ practice supports key industry players through the entire project lifecycle, from initial investment and development to complex transactions and dispute resolution. Leonardo Pereira Lamego, who specialises in transactional work, environment permitting, compliance and due diligence, and Gabriela Salazar Silva Pinto, another name to note for transactions in the mining sector, jointly oversee the group. Ana Paula Terra Caldeira is a key contact for mining-related M&A, foreign investments and corporate matters, while Leonardo Farinha Goulart focuses on dispute resolution.

Responsables de la pratique:

Leonardo Pereira Lamego; Gabriela Salazar Pinto


Autres avocats clés:

Ana Paula Terra Caldeira; Leonardo Farinha Goulart; Svetlana Maria de Miranda


Les références

‘The firm stands out for its combination of technical excellence, close client relationships, and a strategic, personalised approach to resolving legal matters. The team is made up of highly qualified professionals with solid experience in the field. Their constant availability to clients and ability to act swiftly are also noteworthy.’

Principaux clients

Vale


Samarco


Nexa Resources


Jaguar Mining


Pan American Silver


Angloamerican


Cymi


J. Mendes


Sandvik Mining And Rock Technology


Carmeuse


AMG Brasil


Andrade Gutierrez


Ceara Lítio Mineração Ltda


Timbro Trading


MV Fosfato S.A (Mineração Morro Verde)


Neomina Mineração Ltda


South Service Trading


Mineração Rs2 Ltda


Catarpe Mineração E Investimentos


Mineração João Vaz Sobrinho


Principaux dossiers


Freitas Ferraz Advogados

Freitas Ferraz Advogados‘ natural resources and regulation practice is led by Thiago Riccio, who advises on a wide range of matters, including the siting of power plants and mining operations, power and ore purchase agreements, project financing, and renewable energy policy. Under his leadership, the team acts for mining and energy clients in complex transactions, regulatory compliance and litigation. Marcela Assis is a key member of the team, providing crucial support on transactions with a focus on due diligence, risk assessments and compliance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thiago Riccio


Autres avocats clés:

Marcela Assis


Les références

‘The firm is excellent at what it does. It has a full-service profile but serves its clients as if it were a boutique firm. As a client, I feel very well looked after; all the lawyers are always up-to-date, inspire great confidence, and are easy to reach. They are constantly one step ahead, suggesting innovative legal strategies during the acquisition, implementation, and commercial operation of our projects.’

‘Thiago Riccio has extensive experience in public, regulatory, real estate, mining, and environmental law, particularly involving the infrastructure, energy, and natural resources sectors. He is always available, highly accessible, and stays current with legislative and regulatory changes in the sector. This allows him to propose legally innovative solutions to facilitate the acquisition, implementation, and commercial operation of clients’ projects.’

‘Marcela Assis inspires great confidence when advising clients in the energy, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors, especially on real estate, environmental, regulatory, and mining law matters. She has a very pro-deal approach focused on enabling the client’s desired transaction. She proactively identifies risks and mitigation strategies and is extremely accessible, always ready to assist the client at any time.’

Principaux clients

Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras (Eletrobras)


América Gestão Serviços em Energia


MIP Investimentos


Brazilian Nickel


NEC Desenvolvimento de Projetos em Energia e Participações


CEI – Companhia Energética Integrada


Tria Comercializadora de Energia


PST Empreendimentos e Participações


Horizonte Minerals


IVI Energia


ATMO Comercializadora


Horizonte Minerals


Parque Brasil Group


Air Liquide


Magnefértil do Brasil Ativos Minerários e Participações


TRIEX Group


Greenland Participações e Agropecuária


Nicolau Carvalho Esteves and Rosângela de Oliveira Tavares


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised América Gestão Serviços em Energia on the negotiation and sale of 70% of its shares to Santander Corretora de Seguros.
  • Advised IVI Energia on the negotiation and acquisition, from Enerside Energy, of all the shares issued by two SPEs that hold GD projects.

Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados

Rolim Goulart Cardoso Advogados advises clients across the natural resources, electricity and mining spaces, offering support with project development, compliance issues, and representation in both administrative and judicial proceedings. With a core focus on mining and environmental law, Thiago Pastor Alves Pereira is also well-versed in matters concerning water resources, forestry, solid waste, sanitation and energy. Fábio Appendino focuses on M&A and reorganisations in the mining sector, and Luís Gustavo Miranda handles corporate, compliance, and infrastructure matters. Helvécio Franco Maia Júnior is the name to note for contentious mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Thiago Pastor Alves Pereira; Fabio Appendino; Luis Gustavo Miranda; Helvécio Franco Maia Jr.


Autres avocats clés:

Marcus Vinicius Neves Vaz


Les références

‘Notable for the experience and competence of its lawyers.’

‘Collaboration is certainly a distinguishing factor, in addition to solid technical knowledge.’

‘Highly qualified professionals, with an incredible personal approach and a willingness to understand the client’s needs, delivering impeccable technical work.’

Principaux clients

Helexia (Voltalia subsidiary)


The National Grid Operator (ONS)


Cemig Distribuição


Norte Brasil Transmissora de Energia S.A.


ArcelorMittal Brasil S.A.


AngloGold Ashanti


Companhia de Transmissão de Energia Elétrica Paulista|(CTEEP)


Elleven S.A.


Associação Brasileira de Veículos Elétricos (ABVE)


Evoltz Holding


Companhia de Geração e Transmissão de Energia Elétrica do Sul do Brasil (CGT Eletrosul)


EDF Norte Fluminense (EDF Brasil Group)


Grupo Globo


Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Transmissão de Energia Elétrica (ABRATE)


Eneva Group


CPFL and CPFL Renováveis


Telefônica Brasil S.A.


Algar Group (Algar Holding and Algar Telecom S.A.)


America Movil Group (Claro, TV SAT Telecomunicações) and former Embratel, Net and Nextel (Claro Nxt Telecomunicações)


Hughes Telecomunicações do Brasil


Associação NEOTV (Cable TV operators association)


Oi


The Brazilian Association of Competitive Telecommunications Service Providers (TelComp)


Conexis Brasil Digital (former National Union of Mobile and Personal Phone and Mobile Services Companies/Sinditelebrasil)


Vero S.A.


Ligga Telecom (former Copel Telecomunicações, Horizons Telecom, Nova Fibra e Sercomtel)


CYMI


Grupo Cobra


Brazilian Green Hydrogen Industry Association (ABHIV)


Electra Hydro


Principaux dossiers


  • Representation of the Brazilian National Grid Operator (ONS) in a lawsuit to discuss the Brazilian Power Regulatory Agency (ANEEL)’s illegalities during the ONS’ budget accountability process in past years.
  • The Brazilian Association of Electric Vehicles (ABVE) has requested the firm to elaborate a legal opinion analysing the current regulatory environment in the electric recharge market and provide suggestions for improving the current legislation on the matter.
  • Representing Algar Telcom in one of the most relevant disputes currently discussed in the telecoms sector in Brazil.

Sion Advogados

Sion Advogados handles a wide range of legal matters, including environmental law and regulatory issues, in the mining, energy, steelmaking, logistics, oil and gas and infrastructure sectors. The practice is anchored by founding partner Alexandre Sion, who has extensive experience in complex environmental law cases. He is supported by Bernardo Pessoa, who brings together transactional expertise in M&A and infrastructure projects with a strong background in environmental and regulatory compliance.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alexandre Oheb Sion


Autres avocats clés:

Bernardo Pessoa


Les références

‘The firm is a go-to when it comes to the law surrounding the mining sector.’

Principaux dossiers


Tavernard Advogados

Tavernard Advogados‘ practice is anchored by the deep public utility regulation expertise of department leader Murilo Melo Vale. His proficiency in this area informs the team’s comprehensive offering, which covers the full project lifecycle, from environmental impact assessments and concession structuring to handling public procurement and contractual disputes. This integrated service is particularly valuable for clients in the energy, infrastructure, construction, and technology sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Murilo Melo Vale


Les références

‘Working with Tavernard Advogados’ public law and regulation team, coordinated by Murilo Melo Vale, has been a unique experience. The team stands out for its technical excellence, strategic vision, and deep knowledge of regulated sectors, providing highly customised legal solutions. Unlike many firms, Tavernard combines legal rigour with innovative communication and a close client relationship. They keep an attentive eye on regulatory changes and the economic impact of legal decisions, which translates into a real competitive advantage.’

‘Murilo Melo Vale is a leading professional in his field. Beyond his technical expertise, he excels in his ability to anticipate scenarios and propose strategic, results-oriented solutions. The quality, dedication, and sense of security he and his team provide make the firm an indispensable partner.’

‘The firm has notable expertise in public law and regulated infrastructure sectors. Led by the extensive legal knowledge of DMurilo Melo Vale, the team consistently presents surprising and effective legal solutions. They work closely with our management to understand our commercial concerns, and their combination of technical skill, client proximity, and prompt service truly differentiates them from other law firms.’

Principaux clients

BNDES E MINISTÉRIO DAS RELAÇÕES EXTERIORES


STATE OF SANTA CATARINA (SCPAR – SC PARTICIPAÇÕES E PARCERIAS S.A.)


FIBERX DISTRIBUIDORA DE PRODUTOS DE TELECOMUNICAÇÕES LTDA.


EKTOR – SERVIÇOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA


LAAGE MONTAGEM E ENGENHARIA LTDA


CERES INTELIGÊNCIA FINANCEIRA LTDA.


CAM ENGENHARIA LTDA


ISQ BRASIL E ISQ PORTUGAL


FRISA S.A


STOQUE SOLUÇÕES TECNOLÓGICAS S.A


ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS E GPA GESTÃO PRISIONAL


WAYCARBON


MINISTÉRIO DA ECONOMIA (UNIÃO) AND UNDP (UNITED NATIONS – UN)


ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS – “STATE MINING PLAN”


SOFTPLAN


CONCERT SPACE


123 MILHAS


VIAÇÃO RIO DOCE


Principaux dossiers


  • Subcontracted by the company ‘Tetra Mais Consultoria Econômica e Ambiental’ for the legal conduction of the elaboration of the State Mining Plan.
  • Hired by BNDES and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct a privatisation project of the former Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Hired alongside Ceres Inteligência Financeira to assist the UNDP and Ministry of Economy in creating indicators and methods to evaluate federal State-owned Companies’ performance in public policy implementation.