Handling both transactional and regulatory aspects, Bofill Mir Abogados ‘has an excellent team that is highly respected in the mining legal market’. The firm’s mining and natural resources practice has longstanding experience in advising on the acquisition and operation of small and large mining projects, both in Chile and overseas; and its expertise in mining projects covers a range of minerals, including copper, gold, iron ore and lithium (among others). Highlights include advising Lundin Mining Corporation on its acquisition of an additional 19% of SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile from JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation (and certain of its subsidiaries). With over 30 years’ experience in mining and natural resources law, practice head Pablo Mir is the ‘undisputed number one mining lawyer in Chile’, according to one client. Mir routinely acts for domestic and foreign clients on mining operations, financings, M&A, and engineering and construction projects. The department also showcases Alina Bendersky, an adviser on both natural resources transaction-related due diligence and mining property-related strategies; and Francisco Ducci, who focuses on mining-related M&A and financing, along with offtake agreements, operational contracts and mining companies’ corporate governance, insolvency and restructuring matters. At senior associate level, Francisco Miranda's workload includes project development and financing agreements; while Alonso Calderón is experienced in mining M&A, due diligence, permits, concessions, project development and finance, along with royalty, offtake and streaming agreements.

The 16-strong team at Carey is routinely mandated to advise on significant mining development and financing projects in Chile, as well as major M&A transactions. The full-service practice acts for junior, medium and large metallic and non-metallic mineral mining companies on their exploration, exploitation and processing activities; and its expertise further encompasses water and land use surface rights, as well as environmental and community issues. The natural resources and environment department, which additionally acts in litigation concerning mining and related environmental matters, is co-led by mining law expert Rafael Vergara, whose recent experience includes playing a key role on Codelco’s association agreement with Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile (SQM), which regulates all stages, rights, obligations and terms and conditions, in relation to the optimisation, modernisation and enhancement of lithium production in the Atacama salt flats between 2025 and 2060; and Alberto Cardemil, who focuses on water law and natural resources transactions and litigation, along with agribusiness, and corporate and commercial law. Cardemil also heads up the firm’s China Desk. At associate level, the experience of natural resources, mining and energy senior, Maximiliano Urrutia, includes advising Marimaca on the mining, corporate, regulatory and environmental aspects of a copper project’s implementation in the Region of Antofagasta.

Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos' mining and natural resources department is sought out by a range of international and domestic mining companies to advise on major joint ventures. The full-service firm’s nine-strong group also assists with project-related exploration, development, financing and operational issues, as well as worksite closures. The practice additionally covers the acquisition and sale of mining companies and assets, its sector-specific expertise encompassing copper, gold, silver, nitrates, iron ore, coal and salt. The track record of corporate, commercial, mining and environmental law expert Carlos Pérez-Cotapos includes leading teams on foreign mining investment projects, mining companies’ M&A deals, and mining project-related financings; while Gonzalo Grez specialises in M&A, corporate law and mining project development. Grez is particularly experienced in mining-related high-tech contracts, community issues, land access and cross-border transactions. In the firm’s senior associate ranks, the experience of Cristóbal Herrera includes mining property constitution processes and defence-side mining litigation; Patricio Turner focuses on mining law, regulatory work and project development and financing, alongside commercial matters, M&A, cross-border deals and foreign investment (among others); and María Belén Fuenzalida's practice also covers mining and natural resources law. At the more junior end, Lucas Antúnez, Macarena Salazar, Agustín González and and Pablo Sotomayor complete the team.

Acting for domestic and international mining majors and juniors, Guerrero Olivos also assists non-mining clients, such as private investment funds that have significant mining sector interests. The nine-strong group is experienced in a wide range of natural resources and metallic (and non-metallic) mineral mining, such as copper, lithium, gold, saltpeter, iodine, potassium, and limestone. Fusing regulatory mining and environmental expertise with significant corporate and financing specialisms, the full-service practice covers environmental and local community issues, as well as regulatory work, mining litigation, and project acquisitions and financings. It additionally advises on joint ventures, M&A, and royalty and streaming agreements. The department’s principal figures are: Pedro Lyon, a widely-respected mining project development and financing practitioner; ‘exceptional ally’ Marco Zavala, who acts for domestic and international mining companies, as well as investment funds, on both transactional and regulatory matters, including environmental and indigenous community issues; Benjamín Pérez, whose recent experience includes assisting with the sale of a major mining project; and María Paz Pulgar, an adviser on mining project acquisitions, developments and operations. In the associate pool, Ignacio Aswani specialises in mining developments, as well as regulatory issues, environmental matters and permitting processes; while Sebastián Mozó is another key member of the firm’s mining, water law and environmental law teams.

The natural resources practice at Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría is home to specialists in mining, environmental, water and energy law. Consistently mandated to advise on mining project developments, the full-service practice in Santiago covers the sustainable management of water rights, real estate issues and environmental resources. Considered ‘one of the best mining law teams in Chile’, it also assists with reducing and mitigating mining-related legal risks; while clients additionally benefit from the firm’s legal teams in Colombia and Peru, as well as its enviable knowledge of other South American jurisdictions, such as Ecuador. Co-heading the firm’s mining and natural resources group, professor of mining law at the Universidad de Los Andes, Juan Paulo Bambach, has enviable experience in large-scale mining transactions; while Jerónimo Carcelén is a mining and energy law expert who advises governments on mining-sector public policiy and legal frameworks, as well as assisting multilateral entities and private companies on foreign investment, and mining company and project acquisitions. Carcelén’s practice also covers mining-related dispute resolution and arbitration, along with financing, construction issues and easements. The principal associate to note, Felipe Ossa P's workload encompasses mining-related regulatory issues and assisting mining companies with corporate, M&A and finance matters.

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.

With ‘deep legal knowledge and business skills that enable the commercial development of mining businesses’, CMS Carey & Allende has longstanding experience in mining-related project finance, land acquisitions, due diligence and litigation. Covering both domestic and international mining projects, the five-member team is particularly focused on mining property procurement work, permits, licenses and mining contracts, including options, and net smelter return (NSR) and exploration agreements. The group routinely advises medium-sized copper mining company, Compañía Minera Sierra Atacama, on its daily mining operations; and assists electricity production company Hidroeléctrica Lumen with procuring mining licences. Co- leading the mining department, Jorge Allende Z has over 25 years’ experience in major mining projects, his experience including negotiating, executing and closing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts; and Ignacio Errazquin, a mining, corporate law, M&A, project development, foreign investment and contract specialist, who regularly acts for companies’ governing bodies on their daily operations, as well as their supplier relationships, expansion plans and project financings. At senior associate level, the track record of experienced mining and water law practitioner Manuel Ponce includes advising on mining concession processes and representing clients in judicial and administrative proceedings.

Dentons' ‘legal advice is first-rate and the team always responds promptly to clients’ needs’. The natural resources, environmental and litigation department in Santiago comprises mining, water and energy specialists, who act for national and international clients in mining disputes before arbitration venues, as well as before Chile’s ordinary and specialised courts. In non-contentious matters, the practice recently advised Compañía Minera Arqueros on the mining aspects of its copper mine construction project, such assistance covering mining easements for an electricity transmission line. The department is led by mining law and litigation specialist Gonzalo Nieto, an adviser to both small miners and large mining companies on project development; the workload of Nieto, who ‘combines intelligence with expertise’, ranges from the acquisition of mining concessions and obtaining permits, to operational and closure stages. Other names to note are José Ignacio Morán, who acts for mining companies on water, mining and environmental issues; and mining litigation specialist Pauline Chiffelle. In the associate group, the practice of senior Jaime Cruzat covers mining and natural resources law; Juan Pablo Alliende is ‘very efficient and effective’; and Cristián Vial focuses on mining and water law.

Acting for mining companies in Chile, Larrain y Asociados Abogados' seven-member mining practice advises at survey, exploration, development, operation and construction stages. It also assists with the acquisition and sale of mining companies and related assets. The department additionally covers the negotiation of key supply and infrastructure project contracts; in relation to gas, fuel, train and port services; as well as on chemicals, mining equipment, and royalty and streaming agreements. Other key areas range from project financing, treatment plant construction, and agreements for the development of mining industry-related technology, to proceedings to create mining properties and rights of way. Jorge Granic routinely acts for major mining companies; and the practices of both Cristóbal Morandé and Joaquín Larrain encompass energy and natural resources, project finance, and commercial and corporate matters. In a boost to the group, Francisco Cerda , whose former experience includes a stint as foreign associate in Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer’ New York office, was promoted to partner in January 2025; however, former associate Javiera Méndez left the firm in April 2025 to establish her own practice.

A member firm of the Multilaw and World Law Group international networks, Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's mining pactice has longstanding experience in advising domestic and international clients at all stages of mining projects’ lifecycles; its expertise includes purchase options, financings, joint ventures, and mining and water rights' reviews. The team also houses experts in construction, royalties, streaming and easements, as well as obtaining permits and reclamation actions. Representative experience includes advising major foreign investors on exploration programmes, along with drafting and negotiating a range of financing and development-related agreements. The practice, which advises global mining company BHP on its mining operations in Chile on an ongoing basis, is led by Sergio Orrego, who has over 35 years’ experience in advising domestic and foreign clients on a broad array of transactions. Also key to the practice, Gonzalo Rencoret's experience includes acting for both domestic and foreign clients on mining projects; while Rafael Rencoret is regularly mandated by Minera Escondida and Pan American Silver. At associate level, Verónica Roa advises on exploration, option and joint venture agreements; and Javiera Vicuña's workload encompasses mining, water, energy and corporate matters.

Fielding a ‘team of lawyers who rely on collaboration to handle complex cases’, Barros & Errázuriz's six-member mining practice is experienced in a range of mining agreements, in relation to options, joint ventures, streaming and royalties, as well as mining leases and easements. The full-service practice also houses specialists in in mining sector M&A and litigation, along with project development-related environmental and permitting issues and day-to- day operational matters. The group further leverages the expertise of the firm’s well-known M&A, financing, energy, environmental and regulatory teams. With significant experience in advising mining companies on mining agreements, M&A, financing and project management, Felipe Allende leads the group; while senior associate Martin Vial assists with the regulatory aspects of mining projects, his experience covering mining concessions, permits, water rights and environmental authorisations.

Claro & Cia.'s natural resources practice group comprises specialists in regulatory law, mining, litigation and corporate matters. The practice also covers financing, project development, M&A and mining-related environmental cases. Recent highlights include advising glass container manufacturer Cristalerías de Chile on lime extraction processes, its assistance including reviewing mining concession lease agreements and mining operation contracts. The team also assisted Chilean mining company SCM Carola with the strategic reorganisation of its mining assets. Nicolás Eyzaguirre's wide-ranging expertise ranges from mining, natural resources and environmental law, to litigation, M&A, regulatory issues and energy law. In the associate ranks, Ximena Vargas, Ignacio García, Joaquín Calderón, Ignacio Bas and Cristóbal Valdés all advise on mining matters.

Specialised mining, environmental and corporate law firm Claussen & Velasco acts for small, medium, and large mining companies during all phases of mining projects. Its coverage encompasses both implementation and exploitation stages, including closures, as well as advice on mining, water, surface and land rights. The nine-member mining group also covers environmental issues and community relations. Co-leading the firm’s mining offering at name-partner level, Carlos Claussen is a highly-regarded mining law specialist, whose track record includes assisting mining companies with both corporate matters and defence-side litigation; and Felipe Velasco, an expert in the commercial, corporate and tax law aspects of mining. At associate level, litigation head Lester Maxwell assists company clients with civil, administrative, mining and corporate matters.

Lembeye's four-member practice advises at all stages of mining projects, its assistance including exploration work, project development, acquisitions, sales, financings, and permitting. The team also assists with environmental approvals, construction, operational issues and closures; and its experience extends to mining-related options, earn-ins and farm-ins, along with joint ventures, shareholder agreements, royalties and streaming contracts. The department, which additionally covers local community matters and mining concession-related litigation, is led by dual-qualified Canadian and Chilean lawyer Rony Zimerman, a mining industry specialist who acts for global companies (often Canadian) and their Chilean subsidiaries on transactional and regulatory mandates. Providing key support, Guillermo de la Jara advises mining clients on regulatory matters, and associate Valentina Contreras assists national and international clients with mining contracts. Former senior associate Lukas Hudson departed the firm in September 2024.

Morales & Besa's July 2025 hire of Daniel Weinstein as the new head of the mining practice sees him return to the firm after more than a decade, in which time he has accrued extensive in house and public sector experience – including as legal manager at BHP and a stint at the Ministerio de Minería which culminated with his election as President of the Civil Society Council of said ministry in 2024. He joins a small practice group that nevertheless has experience throughout the entire mining project life cycle, from prospecting and property acquisition through to the development of exploration and exploitation projects; project finance, development and operation; and royalties and streaming agreements. The advisory capacity also includes all relevant corporate, labour, tax and environmental aspects. Weinstein is supported by senior associate Catalina Troncoso, a member of the Compliance Committee of Women in Mining, whose practice focuses on regulatory, energy and natural resources matters. Former practice head Aldo Cardinali departed the firm in May 2024 for an in-house role.

The 13-strong natural resources and mining practice at full-service firm Prieto Abogados combines specialisms in energy, infrastructure and real estate, as well as investment funds. The group advises on a range of mining-related projects and transactions; while on the contentious side the team regularly acts in both proceedings before Chile’s civil courts and private arbitrations at the Santiago Chamber of Commerce. Juan Tagle's track record includes mining and desalination construction projects; and Agustín Martorell's experience takes in mining option agreements and administrative sanctioning procedures. The practice also showcases project development, financing and M&A expert Nicolás Yuraszeck K ; and at counsel level, Andrés Laymuns, who  regularly leads multidisciplinary teams on local and cross-border mining sector deals.

With ‘thorough knowledge of the regulations applicable to mining safety’, Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's natural resources and mining practice is routinely mandated by companies that focus on mineral exploration and prospecting. The practice’s expertise covers high-stakes transactions, joint ventures, M&A, day-to-day corporate issues, contracts, and mining and natural resources-related authorisations and bidding processes. Heading up the group, Francisco Varela regularly leads mining companies’ M&A deals, along with advising on mining project developments; while the experience of senior associate Javier Poblete includes mining industry-related sale, purchase, option and exploration agreements, as well as joint ventures.

Specialist mining industry-focused boutique law firm, COYC, MINERÍA Y REGULACIÓN is consistently sought out by large (and mid-sized) copper mining corporations, as well as lithium, caliche, gold, iron, coal, and zinc companies, to assist with mining operation-related regulatory compliance issues. With ‘extensive experience in the field and a well-rounded understanding of the mining business’, the practice’s key figures are former chief legal counsel at Chile’s National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin), José Manuel Correa, a ‘highly-regarded industry leader in Chile’ and expert in mining operations and property; and Felipe Curia, whose career includes a 10-year stint at the Ministry of Mining.

The mining practice at Lawgic Abogados is experienced in due diligence work, establishing mining properties, territorial protection, and litigation. The group also advises on mining-related pledges, options, mortgages, easements, royalties and financing, as well as streaming agreements. Managing partner and head of the projects practice, Agustín Walker has significant experience in mining development projects; while senior of counsel Andres Verdugo has longstanding expertise in large investment projects in the mining sector; both were formerly of counsel at leading mining boutique Núñez Muñoz Abogados. Verdugo’s workload also covers corporate matters and M&A, along with contractual, regulatory and compliance issues; while Walker also has considerable experties in water and electricity matters.

Schenke Brancoli Abogados | SLBZ's natural resources, mining and water law department routinely assists with the constitution and protection of mining concessions, as well as mining legal easements and mining contract negotiations. The practice also acts for mining companies governed by the Mining Code, while fielding experts in mining property audits and project-related due diligence. Ricardo Brancoli’'s broad practice ranges from civil, criminal and arbitration lawsuits, to corporate reorganisations, company liquidations and labour matters; and Hipólito Zañartu is an expert in natural resources and environmental law, particularly in relation to mining, electricity and water law. Longstanding mining project specialist Francisco Charlin was recruited from DS Abogados in July 2024, while former associate Camila Pozo Parot left the firm in February 2025.

With ‘strong mining sector experience’, Valdivieso, Gutierrez & Manríquez Abogados' five-member team has been increasingly involved in lithium project-related investments and developments of late. A case in point saw the group advise CleanTech Lithium on the acquisition of mining concessions for its lithium project. The practice’s expertise also encompasses public law, including assisting with defending mining operations against governmental institutions’ sanctioning. Natural resources and corporate law specialist Francisco Javier Valdivieso is particularly focused on the acquisition and development of mining projects, as well as water, land, regulatory and permitting issues; and natural resources and litigation expert Juan Francisco Gutiérrez, who advises on mining, energy, and infrastructure projects.

Well known for its environmental and regulatory law experience, Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados assists with the environmental assessment of mining projects, including obtaining development, construction and operation permits. The sizeable team also covers compliance and mining project-related litigation, as well as the constitution and protection of mining property, and the processing of project licence-required easements. Professor of mining law at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Winston Alburquenque, is a highly-rated mining, water and energy law specialist; providing key support, name partners Javier Vergara and Mario Galindo, along with Cecilia Urbina and José Luis Fuenzalida, are all well-known environmental law specialists.

VOMA Abogados’ three-member practice advises on the full range of mining activities, including the acquisition, sale and development of exploration and mining projects. It also assists with mining property management, water rights, environmental assessments, obtaining permits and negotiating various agreements. Other key areas range from project financing and legal audits to corporate issues, labour matters, taxation, litigation and environmental matters. The group is led by Marcelo Olivares, a professor of mining and water law at the Universidad de Chile law school, who is experienced in mining projects involving both foreign and domestic investors. In June 2024, senior associate Daniela Veth joined the firm from Freeport McMoran South America Mining, where she worked as an external lawyer.