A core practice area for Bofill Mir Abogados, its eight-strong mining department advises major copper and iron producers, investment banks and junior mining companies on corporate, finance, regulatory and project development work in Chile (as well as the wider Latin America region). The team routinely leverages the expertise of the firm’s environmental, regulatory, tax, M&A, financing and capital markets practices for mining matters. Recent highlights include advising Lundin Mining Corporation on the $950m acquisition of 51% of SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile. The group is led by founding partner and veteran mining and natural resources law specialist, Pablo Mir, who advises domestic and foreign clients on mining operations, financings, M&A, and engineering and construction projects. Also key to the group are Alina Bendersky, who has notable experience in natural resources deal-related due diligence processes, lithium-related transactions and mining property issues; and Francisco Ducci, an adviser on mining-related corporate and transactional matters (and currently based at the firm’s New York desk). In the senior associate pool, Francisco Miranda focuses on mining and natural resources mandates; and Alonso Calderón's workload includes foreign investment projects, mining property strategy matters and project financings, along with royalty, offtake and streaming agreements.

Full-service legal giant Carey fields ‘highly skilled people with high ethical standards’, who consistently act on major mining projects in Chile, including development, financing and M&A transactions. The 11-strong mining department acts for both domestic and international mining (metallic and non-metallic minerals) companies on their exploration, exploitation and processing matters. The group also has longstanding experience in assisting the Chilean Government with preparing amendments to mining law-related regulations. The team’s expertise further extends to mining, water, and land use surface rights, environmental and community issues, and mining litigation. Recent highlights include acting for Marimaca Copper Corp on the implementation of a copper project in the Region of Antofagasta. The practice is co-led by mining law expert Rafael Vergara (‘one of the greats in this field’), whose mining law practice covers concessions, environmental regulations, litigation, M&A, project finance and restructuring; and highly-regarded water rights specialist Alberto Cardemil, an adviser on natural resources transactions and litigation, along with agribusiness, corporate issues, and commercial law. In the firm’s associate ranks, senior Maximiliano Urrutia's experience includes assisting Pan American Silver with the $4.8bn acquisition of Yamana Gold. Former counsel Francisco Corona and senior associate Esteban Fresno departed the firm in December 2023 and February 2024, respectively.

The nine-strong mining practice at full-service law firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos is consistently mandated by both domestic and international clients for M&A deals, including the acquisition and sale of mining companies and assets (in relation to copper, gold, silver, nitrates, iron ore, coal and salt). The group also assists with mining companies’ joint venture projects, while its broader coverage extends to the exploration, development, financing and operation of mining projects, along with worksite closures and associated aspects. Said assistance also ranges from initial exploration to construction, start-up and expansion stages, including strategic advice on legal investment vehicles, project finance, and due diligence processes. The team is co-led by Carlos Pérez-Cotapos, a specialist in corporate, commercial, mining and environmental law, who routinely advises on significant foreign mining investment projects; and Gonzalo Grez, an expert in M&A, corporate law, and mining and project developments. At associate level, senior Cristóbal Herrera is experienced in mining property-related constitution processes and judicial defences, as well as mining litigation; Patricio Turner also focuses on mining law work; María Belén Fuenzalida's practice includes project development; and Sebastián Manzur's experience covers foreign investments and financings. Macarena Salazar, Agustín González and Pablo Sotomayor round out the team.

With ‘extensive knowledge of the current mining legislation’, Guerrero Olivos' eight-member mining practice acts for domestic and international mining clients, as well as private investment funds. The department is experienced in a range of mining areas, such as copper, lithium, gold, saltpetre, iodine and potassium. Clients additionally benefit from the team’s ability to leverage the firm’s regulatory mining, environmental law, corporate and financing expertise. Its specialisms also encompass local community issues, mining judicial work, and project acquisitions and financings, as well as royalty and streaming agreements, joint ventures, and M&A deals. The mining practice is led by mining-related project development and finance expert Pedro Lyon; Marco Zavala assists mining companies and investment funds with transactions and regulatory issues; and the wide-ranging practice of Benjamín Pérez includes mineral exploration, project development, mining agreements, M&A, and regulatory and environmental issues. At associate level, Sebastian Mozó advises on mining-related project development, due diligence, and regulatory and environmental aspects. In a notable boost to the team, María Paz Pulgar and Ignacio Aswani joined the firm in August 2023 (as partner and associate respectively) from Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría. Paz advises on the acquisition, development and operation of mining projects, while Aswani’s practice includes due diligence, and environmental and regulatory issues.

The Santiago office of full-service regional law firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría is home to lawyers who ‘generate a lot of trust’ and whose ‘mastery of the issues on which they are consulted is absolute’. The 11-strong mining team (which routinely leverages the firm’s enviable credentials in energy, natural resources, environmental issues and water law) has a substantial track record that includes major mining sector M&A deals, project financing, and mining-related dispute resolution. Recent highlights include acting for Lithium Power International on its sale to Chilean state-owned copper mining company, Codelco. The mining and natural resources group is led by natural resources and corporate law expert Juan Paulo Bambach, who has longstanding experience in mining sector transactions; and mining and energy law specialist Jerónimo Carcelén, whose broad practice covers advice to governments on their public policies and legal frameworks as regards the mining industry. Carcelén also regularly acts for multilateral entities and private companies on foreign investments, financings, construction issues, easements, and the acquisition of mining companies and projects. At associate level, principal Felipe Ossa P is experienced in both mining-related regulatory work and advising mining companies on corporate, M&A and financing issues. Former counsel María Paz Pulgar departed the firm in August 2023.

The Santiago office of Baker McKenzie Chile fields an eight-strong energy, mining and infrastructure team that has an enviable track record for assisting large, medium-sized and small mining companies with transactional, regulatory and operational matters (including high-profile mining projects). Clients looking to internationalise additionally appreciate the firm’s global network, while those with operations across the Latin America region seek out the practice for its significant regional coverage. Examples of the department’s recent mandates include its advice to global mining services company Orica on regulatory matters; and its assistance to Sierra Gorda SCM regarding compliance with mining regulations. The practice is led by Antonio Ortúzar Jr, a longstanding specialist in significant natural resources projects, whose experience includes international joint ventures, project finance, foreign investment, corporate and commercial arrangements, and major infrastructure projects. The practice also showcases Chilean mining law expert Mirco Hilgers, who advises on the incorporation and development of foreign mining businesses. In the firm’s associate group, infrastructure, environment, mining and corporate law-focused senior Santiago Vial advises on a broad range of mining matters, such as the acquisition of mining companies, including the implementation of mining property-related strategies. Vial also assists with mining-related environmental, regulatory and energy issues.

With ‘extensive mining and regulatory knowledge’, CMS Carey & Allende's five-member mining team in Santiago advises on the gamut of work involving mining projects and operations. The practice notably benefits from the firm’s track record in major domestic and international acquisition and project finance transactions in the energy and natural resources sectors, including due diligence work, project sales and M&A deals. It also has longstanding experience in the procurement and oversight of mining properties (including litigation issues). The group, which advises Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama on the legal aspects of its daily operations, additionally fields specialists in permits, licenses and mining contracts - such as option, exploration and net smelter return agreements. The practice further advises on land acquisition for mining purposes. The team’s key practitioners are veteran mining project expert Jorge Allende Z, whose expertise is complemented by his significant experience in engineering and construction matters; and Ignacio Errazquin, who regularly advises the governing bodies of major mining companies on both their daily operations and financing of projects. From the firm’s senior associate ranks, mining rights expert Manuel Ponce - who ‘shows a high level of knowledge and commitment’ - advises on mining processes and permits, particularly the protection of projects’ subsoil rights.

With ‘great knowledge of mining law and its regulations’, Larrain y Asociados Abogados' eight-strong mining law team is routinely mandated by significant mining companies - such as BHP and Gold Fields - to advise on major mining projects in Chile. The group’s expertise covers the survey, exploration, development, operation and construction stages, as well as the acquisition and sale of mining companies and mining assets. The department also assists its mining clients with the negotiation of supply and infrastructure project-related agreements for gas, fuel, chemicals, mining equipment, and train and port services, as well as royalty and stream contracts. The ‘very precise and efficient’ team is co-led by Jorge Granic, who is ‘always attentive to clients’ needs’ and is consistently sought out by large mining companies; and Cristóbal Morandé, whose practice areas cover energy and natural resources, along with project financing, M&A, and commercial and corporate law. Also key to the team are project development and financing expert Joaquín Larrain; and of counsel Ricardo Peña, who is a longstanding project development practitioner. In the firm’s associate pool, Francisco Cerda assists with natural resources, electricity law, project finance and commercial law; while Javiera Méndez is an expert in energy, gas, public law and regulated services.

‘Able to give comprehensive, complete and accurate recommendations’, Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's seven-strong mining practice acts for both Chilean and international clients at every stage of a mining projects’ lifecycle. A member firm of the Multilaw and World Law Group international networks, the firm’s specialisms range from mining title reviews, to drafting and negotiating agreements for purchase options, financings, joint ventures, explorations, construction, royalties, streaming and easements. The team also assists with reviewing water-rights titles, obtaining permits and reclamation actions. The practice is additionally able to leverage the firm’s notable expertise in environmental law, labour matters, taxation and litigation for major mining projects. Recent mandates include advising Osisko Gold Royalties on the acquisition of two royalties. The team is headed by veteran mining industry specialist Sergio Orrego, whose wide-ranging caseload includes advising on the implementation and operation of projects. The department further includes Gonzalo Rencoret, whose expertise includes mining project matters; and Rafael Rencoret, an adviser to significant clients such as BHP, Minera Escondida and Minera Spence. In the firm’s associate ranks, the deeply experienced Verónica Roa assists with drafting and negotiating exploration, option and joint venture agreements; while Javiera Vicuña is an adviser on mining, water, energy and corporate law issues.

Able to leverage the expertise of its M&A, financing and regulatory practices as necessary, the natural resources practice at full-service player Barros & Errázuriz fields specialists with experience in both domestic and cross-border mining matters. The five-member group handles option agreements, joint ventures and mining leases, along with streaming and royalties. It also assists with environmental matters, permitting issues and day-to-day mining issues. The group’s principal advisers are longstanding energy industry expert Fernando Garrido; and Felipe Allende, who assists mining companies with M&A transactions and project management issues. Particularly active advising on the processing of mining concessions, Martin Vial is the senior associate to note.

Fielding ‘a mix of experienced and nationally recognised professionals’, Claussen & Velasco specialises in mining, environmental and corporate law. The nine-strong team advises mining companies at every stage of mining projects, its expertise covering both implementation and exploitation phases, as well as closure at the end of a project's lifecycle. The practice’s advice also encompasses mining, water and land rights, along with environmental issues and community relations. The team is co-led by mining law specialist Carlos Claussen; and Felipe Velasco, an adviser on mining sector-related commercial, corporate and tax matters. Among the firm’s associates, mining and environmental law specialist Lester Maxwell heads the litigation group.

The mining department at Dentons‘s Santiago office is composd of mining, environmental, water, energy and natural resources specialists, who advise on all stages of mining project development. The group also routinely defends mining companies in complex litigation. The practice is led by Gonzalo Nieto, who focuses on both mining law and natural resources litigation; his expertise covers the acquisition of concessions, obtaining permits and authorisations, and operational stages. The department also includes José Ignacio Morán, who assists with the water and environmental law aspect of mining projects; and mining litigator Pauline Chiffelle. At associate level, senior Jaime Cruzat specialises in mining and natural resources law; Juan Pablo Alliende ‘provides very effective support before the courts’; and Cristián Vial advises on mining concessions.

The four-strong mining team at Lembeye covers exploration work, project development, acquisitions and financings. The group also assists with permits, environmental approvals, construction issues, operational matters and closures. Moreover, in addition to acting in litigation involving mining concessions, the practice is particularly experienced in cross-border mandates. Leading the team, veteran mining sector expert Rony Zimerman advises global companies (frequently Canadian), as well as their Chilean subsidiaries, on transactional and regulatory matters. The practice also includes Guillermo de la Jara, an adviser on mining regulatory issues, such as exploration permits, easements and environmental authorisations; while at senior associate level, Lukas Hudson assists with a range of mining-related work.

Morales & Besa's five-strong mining practice acts for major clients such as large mining company Rio Tinto Exploration (Rio Tinto), and copper and silver producer KGHM; recent highlights include advising the former on negotiations to obtain a permit to explore on military land. The team covers a range of mining project issues, including regulatory work, project feasibility issues, and exploration and exploitation matters. The group also handles environmental law, along with mining-related acquisitions and financings. The department is led by former head of the Ministry of Mining’s sustainability division, Aldo Cardinali, who is experienced in project development, transactions and regulatory issues. Semi-senior associate Catalina Troncoso provides primary support.

Prieto Abogados' ‘responsible, proactive and punctual’ team is able to leverage the full-service firm’s expertise in energy, infrastructure and real estate for mining matters. The 13-strong group can also boast strong relationships with major investment funds. The practice is co-led by Juan Tagle, a regular adviser on mining projects who also leads the firm’s M&A offering; and Agustín Martorell, whose experience includes both advising major mining companies on mining option agreements and participating in mining industry-related administrative sanctioning procedures. Projects and infrastructure partner Nicolás Yuraszeck K is also active in the sector as necesary. In the firm’s associate pool, Ignacio Matte assists with mining, environmental and regulatory matters, while Ignacio Quintana departed the firm in July 2023.

The five-member natural resources and mining practice at Barros Silva Varela & Vigil is notably focused on companies involved in mineral exploration and prospecting. The department is routinely mandated to advise on the development of mining projects, from the initial stages of exploration, through to execution, financing and permit stages. The team is led by Francisco Varela, an adviser on mining companies’ M&A transactions and projects. 2023 saw mining, energy and natural resources practitioner Javier Poblete, a former Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos lawyer, join the firm as a senior associate in April, while former associate Fernanda Contreras left the firm in August.

The six-member mining group at full-service firm Claro & Cia. routinely advises on the the regulatory, contentious and corporate law aspects of mining work. Its expertise also includes mining project-related financings and developments, M&A deals and environmental law issues. The practice recently advised global mining technology company Index on the acquisition of Norwegian company Devico (and its subsidiaries). The natural resources group is led by Nicolás Eyzaguirre, who advises on mining, energy, natural resources and environmental law. Eyzaguirre’s practice also covers litigation, M&A and regulatory issues.

Launched in early 2020 as a natural resources and environmental law boutique, Lawgic Abogados’ expertise covers mining property, rights of ways, due diligence and asset acquisitions, as well as options, royalties and streaming agreements. The team also assists with regulatory and corporate issues, along with project development, financing and permits. The practice is co-led by senior of counsel Andres Verdugo, a veteran adviser on mining law, corporate matters, M&A and compliance; and Agustín Walker, who ‘has excellent knowledge of mining law’.

The 11-strong natural resources and regulatory department at Schenke Brancoli Abogados | SLBZ comprises experts in mining concessions, easements and contracts, mining property audits, and due diligence concerning mining companies and projects. The team also acts for Mining Code-governed companies and routinely provides legal reports on mining law issues. The department is led by mining and water law specialist Hipólito Zañartu, while Ricardo Brancoli represents companies in regulatory, environmental and natural resources disputes. At associate level, Camila Pozo Parot also advises on mining law.

The ‘very approachable and accessible’ team at Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados is best known for its expertise in mining-related environmental and regulatory matters. The boutique firm routinely advises domestic and foreign companies on the environmental assessment of mining projects, its experience including obtaining the authorisations required for the development, construction and operation of mining projects. The practice is led by mining, water and energy law specialist, Winston Alburquenque, who has ‘a lot of experience and knowledge’.