Baker McKenzie Chile

The six-member team in Baker McKenzie Chile's Santiago office has ‘a thorough understanding of the relevant law and regulations’. The practice has notable experience in advising mining companies on their transactional, regulatory and operational requirements. Clients particularly benefit from the firm’s regional Latin America coverage; and it is increasingly mandated by lithium and lithium-related companies, including commodity traders and international corporations, to assist with the acquisition of lithium projects. Recent work for the group includes advising Swiss mining company Wildspitz on the acquisition of mineral properties, mineral asset incorporations, mining projects and corporate-entity structuring. Other key clients include Capstone Copper Corp, Compañía Minera Bonanza and Wenco International Mining Systems, as well as Guardian Metals, KGHM International and Battery Mineral Resources. The practice’s principal figures are Antonio Ortúzar Jr, who has over 25 years’ experience in natural resources and large-scale projects in Chile, and serves as joint coordinator of the firm’s Latin America energy, mining, chemicals and infrastructure group; and Mirco Hilgers, an adviser on natural resources projects, particularly mining; Hilgers’ experience covers mining-related incorporations, financing, commissioning and operations. At associate level, senior Santiago Vial assists with the acquisition of mining companies and the implementation of mining property strategies.