Noted for its participation in the ‘main hydrocarbon projects of the last 10 years, which have had a significant impact on the development of the industry in Ecuador‘, ECIJA GPA fields a diverse team of specialised lawyers with expertise in oil and gas, mining and renewable energy matters. The group acts for domestic and international clients, most notably from China, in contractual matters, investments, projects and contentious issues. A key contact for oil and gas and mining heavyweights, Gonzalo González advises on the acquisition of assets throughout South America and on the execution of contracts. Another name to note for oil and gas clients, Bayardo Poveda is active in cross-border M&A, financing deals and public contracting. Other key individuals in the team include Álvaro Ordoñez, who oversees the mining practice, and Gustavo Arrobo, who focuses on hydrocarbons matters.

Flor Bustamante Pizarro Hurtado Abogados has a prominent natural resources and energy practice with substantial experience in the mining industry. The team’s expertise covers both regulatory and transactional mandates. Andres Ycaza jointly leads the team with Roque Bustamante, a name to note for oil and gas and mining matters, and Mario Flor, a prominent figure in Ecuador’s renewable energy projects. Agustin Hurtado Larrea is active in the oil and gas sector.

‘Distinguished for its comprehensive approach and deep knowledge of the sector', Pérez Bustamante & Ponce possesses a strong track record in major oil and gas, mining, electricity and renewable projects in Ecuador. A popular destination for hydrocarbon players, the team often advises on tenders for the processing of LNG-to-power projects and the negotiation of contracts with the Ministry of Energy and Mines and national oil company Petroecuador. The practice is also active in environmental, tax, financing and litigation matters in the mining sector, as well as private investments in the power segment. Francisco Roldán-Cobo is a reference for clients from the oil, gas and electricity segments, while Sebastián Pérez-Arteta has a strong track record in landmark transactions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Jaime Zaldumbide-Serrano is experienced in oil, mining and alternative energy projects; Sebastián Cortez focuses on regulatory matters and renewable energy project development; and María Isabel Aillón advises on investments in the mining and oil and gas spaces. Other noteworthy individuals include Estefania Lopez-Verdu, who assists with energy, infrastructure and public procurement mandates, and Patricio Albuja, who primarily focuses on oil and gas investments but is increasingly seen advising on alternative energy matters. Since publication, López-Verdú has been raised to the partnership; and the firm has significantly boosted it's environmental law capabilities with the hire of specialist Rafael Pástor Vélez (plus three associates and four technical specialists) from his own boutique (Pástor); effective as of January and April 2025, respectively.

Bustamante Fabara is regularly retained by multinational companies in the oil and gas, mining and energy industries for assistance with regulatory matters, as well as the structuring, development and financing of projects. Rafael Valdivieso, who focuses on the downstream and upstream segments, handles a combination of contractual, project finance, and M&A matters. He jointly leads the team with Juan Carlos Bustamante, who is noted for his expertise in foreign investments and international arbitrations in the oil and gas sector. At associate level, key seniors include: Gustavo Almeida, who assists with regulatory, environmental, corporate and public law matters in the hydrocarbons and electricity segments; and Bruno Pesantes, an expert on mining issues. Since publication, both Almeida and Pesantes have been raised to practice directors - effective as of April 2025.

The energy and natural resources department at Robalino acts for oil, mining and energy companies in their investments in Ecuador, with team members often advising on the negotiation, structuring, development and financing of upstream and downstream hydrocarbon projects. Andrés Donoso advises on matters at all levels of the crude production and distribution chain, including contractual processes, M&A and project finance. Donoso leads the practice with managing partner Javier Robalino-Orellana, who is experienced in a wide range of energy matters. Cristina Coello focuses on mining, environmental and oil and gas mandates.

With a ‘good legal team in mining’, Tobar ZVS advises on the entire life cycle of mining, energy, natural resources and infrastructure projects. Its broad service offering covers bidding procedures, licensing, financing and development matters, as well as investments, disposals and regulatory issues. The firm is a key destination for mining concessionaires and also stands out for its understanding of the renewable energy segment. Practice head César Zumárraga advises major mining clients on policy and regulatory mandates and is also skilled in cross-border transactions, project finance and development. Juan Fernando Larrea, who oversees the environment and sustainability unit, works alongside Zumárraga in a host of energy-related matters. Andrés Paz y Miño Borja is a name to note for companies, investment funds and lenders seeking advice on mining and infrastructure projects, while Juan Martín Alarcón focuses on mining and renewable energy issues.

AVL Abogados fields a 'a multidisciplinary and highly complementary team' which has a wealth of experience in the hydrocarbon, mining and electricity sectors. Proficient in all phases of exploration, production and refining projects, the practice is also regularly engaged in administrative law and public procurement mandates in the power segment, and in mining-related M&A and project finance. The group is under the joint leadership of a capable trio: Rodrigo Borjas Callisto focuses on the oil and mining industries, often advising on project finance and development; Xavier Andrade Cadena excels in mining investments; and Jorge Cevallos Carrera handles a mix of transactional, projects and contractual work in the energy space. Rafael Paredes Corral and Francisco Ortiz Pérez are other team members who stand out for their involvement in energy-related mandates, with a special emphasis on the mining sector.

Clients from the natural resources, oil, gas and mining sectors regularly turn to Pino Elizalde Abogados for advice on the setting up of operations in Ecuador, licensing issues, financing structures and projects. Former practice director Stevie Gamboa was raised to the partnership in January 2025; he can draw on his previous experience in the regulatory departments of major energy companies to assist domestic and foreign players in the hydrocarbons and mining sectors. He co-leads the group with name partner Daniel Pino, who excels in corporate and transactional work - including M&A, project finance, and investments - in highly regulated industries. Senior associate Fernanda Guzmán handles corporate, contractual and regulatory matters across a broad range of sectors, including energy, and was recently promoted to practice director for company law (derecho societario) matters.

Focused on mining, hydrocarbons, and non-renewable natural resources, Spingarn provides legal support to major clients in contractual negotiations, due diligence, public procurement and investments. Noted for his profound understanding of the energy sector, practice head Sebastián Saá Tamayo has a strong track record in energy-related transactions, most notably involving mining, oil and gas, and renewable assets. Lisseth Armijos Romero, whose experience covers conventional and renewable energy, handles transactions and public procurement in this space.