Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría (PPU)’s market leading water law practice is ‘always ahead of the curve’, frequently advising on complex, high-impact projects across key sectors including mining, energy, sanitation and agriculture. The practice is focused on providing comprehensive legal counsel throughout the entire life cycle of water-dependent projects, from planning and environmental evaluations to permitting, operations and litigation. The group’s expertise encompasses water (re)distribution agreement negotiation, and processing and obtaining all types of hydraulic authorisations – particularly for significant mining projects. The team is also skilled at representing such clients in contentious and administrative matters before the General Water Directorate (DGA). Notable recent mandates include advising mining company Minera Los Pelambres on the development and implementation of its water strategy; and advising state mining company, Codelco, on key matters – including defence against DGA sanctioning procedures and successfully challenging unfavourable regulatory restrictions. The team recently secured the first-ever DGA approval for operating a hydraulic barrier under new regulations The team is led by practice head Matías Desmadryl, an environmental and natural resources law expert and former General Water Director of Chile. Senior associates Sergio Jaque and Franco Valenzuela support the practice, bringing additional experience obtaining permits and sector authorisations before the DGA, along with expertise advising on regulatory compliance and strategic risk management for major water-reliant projects.