Carey's ‘extremely professional team' is consistently sought out for its expertise in environmental impact assessments, as well as environmental sanctioning proceedings for clients from across the mining, energy, infrastructure, water utilities, aquaculture and agriculture sectors. The full-service, 15-strong environmental, indigenous and regulatory practice also acts in complex administrative disputes and environmental litigation, including defence-side work before the Environmental Courts. Among the team’s several active figures, Rafael Vergara's broad practice encompasses natural resources, mining, water rights and energy law, along with environmental, ESG and surface land issues; Alberto Cardemil is a water rights and supply expert; and co-head of the firm’s litigation group Aldo Molinari acts in administrative and environmental regulatory litigation. Both raised to partner level in late 2022, Manuel José Barros focuses on Environmental Impact Assessment System work, environmental audits, administrative proceedings, and litigation; and the ‘highly qualified' Julio Recordon is a specialist in the environmental law aspects of energy, mining, aquaculture, forestry, health and real estate projects. In August 2022, former senior associate Tomás De La Maza moved in-house at Frutura.
Environment in Chile
Carey
Responsables de la pratique:
Rafael Vergara; Alberto Cardemil; Manuel José Barros; Julio Recordon
Les références
‘A very large firm that covers all areas of law and an extremely professional team with business vision.’
‘Meets the deadlines agreed with the client.‘
‘The environment team led by Julio Recordon is a very reliable group.‘
Principaux clients
Sonnedix
Nova Austral
Empresa Eléctrica Carén (Latin American Power Group)
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Sonnedix, the global solar independent power producer, with its defence of a case filed before the 2nd Environmental Court, challenging the environmental approval of its Meseta de Los Andes solar PV plant.
- Advised Empresa Eléctrica Carén (Latin America Power) on the final approval of two hydroelectric plants in the Carilafquén and Malalcahuello rivers.
- Assisted Chilean salmon farmer and processor Nova Austral with its defence of five suits brought before the 3rd Environmental Court, challenging the imposition of sanctions by the Superintendence of the Environment.
FerradaNehme
The environment and natural resources department at FerradaNehme is particularly focused on the development and permitting aspects of complex projects; and the eight-strong team routinely works alongside its clients’ government and community relations teams to develop preventive strategies to avoid environmental conflicts. It also assists with the development of compliance programmes for clients’ environmental obligations; and the group is increasingly active in sanctioning procedures, particularly before the Superintendency of the Environment. Also of note, the practice has developed strong credentials in relation to the newly-enacted recycling and extended producer liability legislation (EPR Law). Heading up the firm’s environment and natural resources department, Patricio Leyton specialises in the development of mining and energy projects, particularly permitting and the Environmental Impact Assessment System; Valeria Ruz is experienced in permits and project development, her expertise including community relations, administrative matters and litigation; and Carola Salamanca‘s current practice includes development issues, land-use planning, and EPR Law advice. The firm’s second line of key advisers features director Claudio Tapia, a former public sector Prosecutor of sanctioning administrative procedures at the Superintendence of the Environment; and senior associate María-Pilar Dominguez, who regularly acts in high-profile environmental law disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Patricio Leyton
Principaux clients
Andes Iron
Barrick Gold
BHP
Etex
Hochschild Mining
Teck Resources
Codelco
Minera Santo Domingo
American Tower Chile III
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for Andes Iron in relation to a controversial and litigated project, and the filing of an appeal before the Environmental Court.
- Defended BHP against an environmental damage lawsuit for the alleged damage that water extraction caused to the Tilopozo wetlands.
- Providing Teck Resources with technical and strategical advice in relation to the development and processing of an environmental impact assessment.
Moreno Sáez & Avilés
Exclusively focused on environmental law, boutique firm Moreno Sáez & Avilés' client base comprises major mining, energy, green hydrogen, pulp and forestry players, as well as oil and gas, port, infrastructure, fishery, real estate, waste management and chemical sector clients. The sizeable, 17-member practice is consistently sought out for its advice on environmental assessments, environmental sanctioning procedures, environmental litigation, and indigenous and citizen participation processes. The team is co-led by name partners José Adolfo Moreno, an expert in environmental and sectoral permits, enforcement procedures, and environmental litigation; energy, real estate, mining and infrastructure sector specialist Andrés Sáez, who advises on environmental permitting processes and associated judicial reviews; and regulatory enforcement and litigation expert Sebastián Avilés, whose ‘very deep strategic vision is present in all his advice'. Promoted to partner in December 2022, Luis Prieto is an urban planning and construction law expert; while at director level, Doris Sepúlveda Solar specialises in regulatory issues, sanctioning procedures, and risk assessment and compliance strategies; and Paulina Rivera Muñoz, the recently promoted Magdalena Prieto Pradenas and Paula Gajardo Matthews (a 2022 recruit from Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados) all focus on environmental law work. Former practice director Pablo Méndez left the firm in June 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
José Adolfo Moreno; Andrés Sáez; Sebastián Avilés
Les références
‘The lawyers know how to weigh up complexities and have very good judgement when determining the criticality of the cases they analyse.‘
‘This team has shown an optimal level of compliance, great dedication, and exceptional professionalism.‘
‘Its work in coordination with technical advisory teams has been very good, and crucial for the progress of mining projects.‘
Principaux clients
AES Andes
Generadora Metropolitana
Albemarle Corporation
Andes Mining and Energy Corporate
Celulosa Arauco y Constitución
Copec
Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi
Empresa Portuaria Valparaíso
Terminal de Graneles del Norte
Los Andes Copper
Principaux dossiers
- Advised AES Andes on its portfolio’s transformation from coal thermoelectric energy to renewable energy.
- Assisted Teminal Puerto Coquimbo (Ultramar Holding) with defending the environmental permit obtained for its port expansion.
- Advised HIF Energy (Andes Mining & Energy) on submitting a series of environmental impact studies for its 7,500MW green hydrogen project in the Magallanes region.
Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría
The six-lawyer environment and sustainable development practice at full-service international law firm Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uría has an enviable market reputation for high-stakes environmental projects. The team’s expertise takes in domestic environmental procedures (including project development and permitting issues), the environmental aspects of local and international M&A and financing deals, and high-profile administrative and judicial environmental litigation. Department head Juan José Eyzaguirre has long-established experience in major environmental projects and disputes; Felipe Arévalo (who was raised to the partnership in January 2022), is an administrative and judicial environmental litigator; and former Carcelén, Desmadryl, Guzmán & Tapia name partner, Matías Desmadryl, is a water resources, environment and natural resources specialist. At principal associate level, Mario Mozó routinely acts on the environmental law aspects of the energy, mining, agribusiness and infrastructure sectors.
Responsables de la pratique:
Juan José Eyzaguirre; Felipe Arévalo
Principaux clients
Anglo American Chile
Inmobiliaria Las Salinas
Compañía Minera Maricunga
Compañía Minera Mantos de Oro
Kinross Minera Chile
Empresa Nacional del Petróleo
Sociedad Nacional de Oleoductos
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros Metro
Minera Salar Blanco
Linde Gas Chile
Bodegas San Francisco
Sacyr Concesiones
Consorcio Eólico
Grenergy Renovables
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Anglo American with the preparation and processing of an appeal (before the Executive Director of SEA), against an Environmental Qualification Resolution of the Valparaíso Region’s Environmental Assessment Commission.
- Advised Inmobiliaria Las Salinas on the environmental impact assessment of a remediation project.
- Leading the defence of Compañía Minera Maricunga against two environmental damages lawsuits filed by the Chilean State Defense Council before the Environmental Court.
Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados
Vergara Galindo Correa Abogados' sizeable environmental and regulatory department comprises specialists in the environmental assessment of natural resources projects (predominantly mining and water) of all sizes. It also assists with obtaining the authorisations and permits required for the development, construction and operation of such projects, as well as advising on compliance issues. On the contentious front, the team regularly litigates in constitutional, administrative, civil and criminal law disputes. The team inclcudes several partners with past-public sector experience: Mario Galindo‘s career includes 10 years as a litigator at National Environmental Commission (CONAMA); Javier Vergara is a former CONAMA (Metropolitan Region) technical secretary, prosecutor and director; and Cecilia Urbina's curriculum includes being the first compliance and sanction division head at the Superintendence of the Environment (SMA). The team also includes highly-rated environmental law specialist José Luis Fuenzalida, while current litigation department head Ignacio Mujica (raised to partner in December 2022) acts in environmental damage litigation claims. At director level, Francisca Olivares routinely assists with obtaining projects’ environmental approvals and the processing of environmental and sectoral permits; and Elena Fischman focuses on environmental compliance and risks. Associate Josefa Conget acts in environmental and administrative litigation, but former senior Paula Gajardo left the firm in May 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mario Galindo; Javier Vergara; José Luis Fuenzalida; Cecilia Urbina
Barros & Errázuriz
With ‘expertise that is hard to find in other firms', Barros & Errázuriz's eight-strong environmental team advises on environmental assessments, permitting issues, relations with local authorities, and social conflicts and community matters. The practice also fields experts in preventive advice, compliance, enforcement proceedings and litigation before the environmental and ordinary courts (including the Supreme Court). Additionally, the team demonstrates experience in water rights law, proceedings before Chile’s health authorities, urban planning and climate change matters, along with waste management, recycling and aquaculture regulations. Fernando Garrido heads the firm’s water rights' practice; while director Matias Montoya, a former Environmental Assessment Agency general counsel, is noted for ‘his knowledge of environmental issues' and advises on environmental assessments, environmental compliance, litigation, and due diligence. In the associate team, senior Mara Angelini and Cristóbal Gil both focus on environmental issues. Former senior Ignacio Urbina moved to Estudio Fermandois in September 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fernando Garrido
Les références
‘The ByE environmental team has expertise that is hard to find in other firms.’
‘B&E is characterised by its provision of available, committed and always- collaborative support.‘
‘The issues are addressed as a team, and everyone is always informed and involved in the issues – so if a B&E lawyer is absent, the service is never affected.’
Principaux clients
Austria Energy & Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Fund JV
Albemarle
Microsoft
Eletrans
ISA
Colbún
SAESA
Seché Group Chile (Soluciones Ambientales del Norte)
Coca Cola Embonor
Aleatica
Esmax
Compañía Regional Aguas Marítimas
Empresas Gasco
Agrícola Coexca
RBT Energy/Sonnedix
Compañía Puerto de Coronel
Indesa
Ecosalmon
Principaux dossiers
- Advised a consortium (incorporated by AE, OK and CIP) on the environmental side to the production of 100% renewable green hydrogen and green ammonia in the Magallanes Region.
- Provided environmental advice to Albemarle Corporation in relation to mining development projects.
- Advised Eletrans on compliance with forestry environmental commitments in relation to a transmission line.
Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos
The seven-member group at full-service law firm Cariola Díez Pérez-Cotapos is best known for its environmental law advice on complex projects, including its expertise in the identification of political and social issues, as well as legal risks. The practice is also noted for its capabilities regarding the environmental law aspects of the development of energy, food and telecoms facilities; and it is increasingly sought out for high-stakes environmental litigation. The team is jointly led by industrial, energy, infrastructure and telecoms project development expert, Martín Astorga, whose practice encompasses environmental impact assessments, atmospheric emissions, territorial planning, and public contracting; and regulatory law head Gonzalo Jiménez, whose experience covers concessions, permits and other administrative authorisations. The associate ranks include senior Verónica Cuadra, who has experience advising on the recently-enacted extended producer liability (EPR) legislation (Bill N° 20.920); and Raúl Alvarez and Miguel Ortiz, who both maintain active regulatory and environmental law practices.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martín Astorga; Gonzalo Jiménez
Principaux clients
Esmax
IBM
Soprole/Prolesur (Fonterra)
Junta De Vigilancia De La Primera
Sección Del Río Aconcagua (Association Of Water Right Owners Of The Aconcagua River)
Vidrios Lirquén
Iansa
Nutrecco
Medtronic
ATCO
B Braun Medical
Enex
Enel
Maersk
Imerys
Celulosa Arauco
Minera Cordillera
Campbell Global
New Hope
Econeu
South 32
Enel Green Power
China Three Gorges Corporation
Ocean Basic Intertrade
Schörghuber Stiftung & Co Holding
Disa
Principaux dossiers
- Ongoing advice to Junta de Vigilancia de la Primera Sección del Río Aconcagua on all its environmental issues, particularly in relation to water.
- Acted for Soprole on several environmental law matters.
- Advised Vidrios Lirquén on the implementation of an emissions reduction system.
Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti
Particularly active in the energy, aquaculture, mining and industrial sectors, Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti’s ‘environmental law practice stands out from other teams’. On the contentious front, the practice’s recent mandates include sanctioning proceedings before the Environmental Superintendence, and an administrative claim involving an environmental license. The seven-strong department is co-led by two of the firm’s name-partners: the ‘very prepared, fast, intelligent and competent’ Jose Domingo Ilharreborde focuses on the environmental assessment of energy and industrial projects, his caseload including high-stakes environmental and administrative litigation; and environmental and regulatory law specialist José Pedro Scagliotti, who routinely acts in administrative proceedings and disputes involving major energy and industrial companies. Experienced senior associate Felipe Infante specialises in environmental law, mining, energy and infrastructure.
Responsables de la pratique:
José Domingo Ilharreborde; José Pedro Scagliotti
Les références
‘Echeverría Ilharreborde Scagliotti’s environmental law practice stands out from other teams in this area. Despite being young lawyers, they have a lot of experience in the development and environmental evaluation of projects; and they fully understand how the Administration operates, which greatly facilitates processes before the authorities.‘
‘High levels of knowledge of environmental law.‘
‘Clear and solid in its analysis and proposals – great commitment to the client.’
Principaux clients
Anglo American
SQM (Soquimich)
Aqua Chile
Salmones Aysén
Embotelladora Andina
Re-Ciclar
Torretagle
SOLEK Group
Fotovatio Renewable Ventures
Sociedad Industrial y Minera Los Esteros (Greenrec Lepanto)
Cintazul
Agrícola San León
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Anglo American on the environmental assessment of a $3bn project for the Los Bronces mine.
- Defended Salmones Aysén against a sanctioning procedure before the Environmental Superintendence, further to certain alleged breaches to environmental authorisations (caused by a salmon escape in 2019).
- Advised Re-Ciclar (a joint venture between Coca-Cola Andina and Embonor) on the design of its environmental assessment strategy.
eelaw
The large, 12-strong team at boutique law firm Eelaw routinely acts on the environmental law aspects of significant projects; and it stands out in the market for being specialised in mine closure regulations. The group is also routinely sought out to advise on the environmental impact assessment of projects and the management of permits, as well as acting in defence-side environmental and sectoral sanctioning proceedings, particularly before the Superintendence of the Environment. The practice is additionally experienced in litigating matters before the Environmental Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. The wide-ranging practice of department leader Paulina Riquelme includes environmental compliance strategies, waste regulations, contaminated site remediations, emissions-related compensation, and litigation and administrative procedures. Key support comes from senior associates Jorge Brower, who focuses on the environmental law aspects of mining projects, and Camila Martínez, a former Superintendency of the Environment lawyer.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paulina Riquelme
Les références
‘Great for personalised attention, perseverance, and monitoring of environmental issues.‘
‘Solid availability – there is always a team member that will attend to clients’ requirements.‘
Principaux clients
Mainstream Renewable Power
Lithium Chile
Sociedad Nacional de Minería
Haldeman Mining Company
Grupo Minero Las Cenizas
Mitsubishi Corporation
Compañía Minera del Pacífico
Cerro Negro Mining Company
Dell Chile
Marimaca Copper Corp
KDM
Minera Tres Valles
Confederación de Producción y Comercio
Continental Compañía de Seguros
Aguas CAP
Puerto Las Lozas
Principaux dossiers
- Provided Mainstream Renewable Power with environmental legal advice on the permitting for the construction and operation of renewable energy projects in Chile.
- Advising Compañía Minera del Pacífico on environmental regulation compliance and environmental project management issues (in relation to its mining sites).
- Assisting Sonami associates (small, medium and large-scale mining companies) on different environmental matters, such as mining exploration, water resources, community issues and environmental regulations.
Grupo Evans
Emerging from the dissolution of Cubillos Evans Abogados in late 2021, Grupo Evans' six-member environmental law practice comprises partners and associates, whose careers include working at governmental agencies and public institutions. The team assists with project developments’ day-to-day issues, and is increasingly active in environmental damage actions, in addition to routinely advising governmental agencies on the assessment of current regulations. Other areas of notable strength are sustainability, recycling, clean energy, and waste management and recovery. With ‘vast experience', Fernando Molina has wide-ranging experience in environmental, regulatory and energy matters; while Aurelio de Diego is a former director of Endesa Chile's hydroelectric and non-conventional renewable energy projects for Latin America. At of counsel level, Yordana Mehsen Rojas advises primarily on project development, and Gianfranco Riaglianti is a sustainability and waste management specialist. Names to note in the associate group include Nicolás Galli, whose focus is on obtaining environmental and sectoral permits, defence-side sanctioning procedures, and litigation against the environmental authorities; and Elisa Anguita, who specialises in environmental, administrative and regulatory law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Fernando Molina
Les références
‘Very good litigants.‘
‘Knows very well the subjects in which they are expert.‘
‘At a very good level compared to other firms in this area.’
Principaux clients
Codelco
GNL Quintero
Eletrans II
Vías Chile – Abertis Group
AES Andes
Colbún
IADB – Chilean Ministry of Environment
Sociedad de Fomento Fabril – Sofofa
Sociedad Agrícola Kuriñanko
Inmobiliaria Teja Sur
Stericycle
Inerco
Santolaya
Principaux dossiers
- Advised energy company AES Andes on sustainability, green taxation, and waste management issues.
- Obtained a ruling against the State Defence Council on behalf of Inmobiliaria Teja Sur and in relation to an urban wetland.
- Advised Colbún on the revision and drafting of environmental impact assessment and environmental impact studies for its renewable projects.
Guerrero Olivos
With ‘a lot of experience in environmental and administrative issues', Guerrero Olivos' environmental and water law practice covers environmental litigation, regulatory compliance, and the environmental and law aspects of energy, mining, and construction project development. It also advises on the environmental due diligence for M&A deals. A quartet of partners co-lead the practice: Clemente Pérez, who assists with regulatory work, environmental litigation, M&A-related environmental issues, and the environmental side to high-stakes real estate and energy projects; Sebastián Abogabir, a specialist in environmental assessments for non-conventional energy projects; water law expert Benjamín Pérez; and Martín Santa María, who advises on the environmental assessment of project development and urban planning. At associate level, senior Francisca Pellegrini's practice includes compliance and permitting issues, while Antonia Ibarra regularly assists with energy project-related environmental and regulatory disputes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Clemente Pérez; Martín Santa María; Sebastián Abogabir; Benjamín Pérez
Les références
‘The Guerreros Olivos team has a lot of experience in environmental and administrative issues. Its knowledge and monitoring of problems that arise is highly valued.‘
‘This team is committed – solid actions, proposals and innovation.‘
‘Clemente Pérez stands out.‘
Principaux clients
Puerto Ventanas
TransAntartic Energy (TAE)
SCA Atacama Kozan
P&G Larraín
Empresas Carozzi
Rio 2
Fundación San Carlos de Maipo
GERSA
Bodenor Flexcenter
Empresas Ariztía
Mainstream Renewable Power
AAKTEI Energía
Sonnedix
Albemarle
Climatech
Cap Vert Energie
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Fundación San Carlos de Maipo, a non-profit entity that owns the Batuco Wetland, on developing an environmental protection and education project.
- Acted for TAE in an environmental litigation, in relation to the final development stage of the 8.14MW Embalse Bullileo run-of-the-river power station.
- Advised Empresas Carozzi on obtaining the environmental license for a project called Cambio Tecnológico del Sistema de Tratamiento de Riles del Complejo Industrial Nos.
LAWGIC Abogados
Launched in January 2020, natural resources and environmental boutique Lawgic Abogados acts for both domestic and international companies from the mining, energy, industry, aquaculture, agri-business, desalination, tourism, and real estate sectors. The group covers the gamut of environmental legal issues, while being increasingly active in administrative and judicial environmental disputes in relation to clients’ major investment projects. Founding partner and environmental practice head Felipe Meneses (a former director of Carey‘s environmental practice) is an environmental, indigenous, and regulatory law specialist; while both Agustín Walker (a former Núñez Muñoz Abogados of counsel) and Sebastian Del Campo (a former Carey senior associate) are water law experts. Key associate support is provided by Constanza Pelayo whose environmental law practice covers project development, regulatory compliance audits, environmental due diligence, and Environmental Impact Evaluation System procedures. Former fellow-associate Rodrigo Quezada exited the firm for the Comisión Nacional de Energía in August 2022, since when the firm has hired Josefina Barriga Martínez from consultancy WSP - effective as of January 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Felipe Meneses; Sebastian Del Campo; Agustín Walker
Principaux clients
Mowi
Renewable Energy Group
Statkraft
SGA
Essity
Cox Energy
Innergex
Unifrutti
Inmobiliaria Cumbre
Cosayach
PF
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for major salmon producer, Mowi, against the Superintendence of the Environment in seeking the Environmental Courts declare a fine null and void.
- Defended Peteroa Energy against a constitutional action filed by the Mayor of the Peñaflor Municipality, which requested the suspension of construction works.
- Defending Statkraft Eólico against an administrative process initiated by an NGO, which seeks to obtain the revocation of three administrative resolutions issued by the Environmental Service that approved modifications to three wind projects.
Schultz Carrasco Benitez Abogados
Fielding ‘professionals with extensive experience in environmental work', Schultz Carrasco Benitez Abogados' 13-strong environmental and natural resources department is increasingly active in environmental assessment work. The team also regularly defends clients against project developments’ administrative special procedures before the Courts of Appeal, Supreme Court and Environmental Court. It additionally advises on compliance with Chile’s environmental legislation. Jointly leading the department, former Environmental Assessment Agency regional director Edesio Carrasco focuses primarily on environmental and sectorial permits, energy, land-use planning and industrial project development; while former Ministry of the Environment’s legal division head, Rodrigo Benítez is a specialist in the environmental assessment of mining, energy, infrastructure and agro-industry investment projects. At associate level, Graciela Venegas ‘provides great support'; Carlo Sepúlveda focuses on administrative and environmental law, and environmental litigation at administrative and court levels; and Ingrid Henríquez advises on environmental, urban, energy and health law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Edesio Carrasco; Rodrigo Benítez
Les références
‘Absolutely committed to clients and it has a very balanced team that covers both technical and legal aspects).‘
‘Up to date on the issues and with great strategic vision.‘
‘Well prepared to understand clients’ requirements, the team understands technical issues and their legal impact very well.‘
Principaux clients
Socovesa Sur
EDF Renewables Chile
Transelec
Puerto Caldera
Compañía Minera del Pacífico
Sierra Gorda SCM
Sociedad Concesionaria Ruta de la Fruta
Obrascón Huarte Lain
InmobiliariaTánica
ESSAL
Principaux dossiers
- Advising Compañía Minera del Pacífico on the environmental assessments for all its projects.
- Advised Conexión Energía on the environmental assessment of the Kimal-Lo Aguirre transmission line project.
- Advised Aguas Pacífico on the environmental approval of the San Isidro-Quilapilún project, which allows desalinated water to be conveyed through two regions to supply the Metropolitan Region’s northern area.
Barros Silva Varela & Vigil
Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's public law and environmental department fields experts in environmental assessments, compliance with environmental and sectoral regulations, and sanctioning proceedings before Chile’s Superintendency of the Environment and Environmental Protection Agency. The team is co-led by public and regulatory law specialist, Claudia Ferreiro, whose practice takes in projects’ environmental impact assessments, defences before state agencies, concession-granting procedures and environmental litigation; and Felipe Riesco, whose past experience includes serving as both Ministry of the Environment Undersecretary and legal advisor to the Superintendency of the Environment. At senior associate level, José Ignacio Vial focuses on regulatory and environmental issues, while Esteban Carmona advises on regulatory public law and administrative sanctioning processes.
Responsables de la pratique:
Claudia Ferreiro; Felipe Riesco
Principaux clients
CMPC Maderas
Statkraft
Inversiones Rentas Inmobiliarias
Inversiones Pacífico Sur
Hot Chili
Club Andino Osorno
Antillanca
Rucalhue Energía
EL Zorro Sociedad Contractual Minera
Putaendo River Supervisory Board
Salmones Blumar
Municipality of Puerto Natales
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting Statkraft with a hydroelectric power plant’s conflict with an indigenous community, further to alleged environmental impacts not foreseen in the environmental assessment.
- Advising CMPC Maderas on the environmental assessment of the modernisation and expansion of a Los Angeles manufacturing plant project.
- Successfully defended Inversiones Rentas Inmobiliarias against a protection action that was filed against several real estate companies claiming that certain projects would destroy a wetland called Sargento Silva.
Claro & Cia.
The seven-strong environmental law team at full-service firm Claro & Cia. is regularly sought for its assistance with the environmental aspects of major projects. Clients, such as Anglo American Sur, InterEnergy Holdings and Biomar Chile, further benefit from the group’s sector expertise in energy, mining, forestry, agriculture, and water resources. The team features Nicolás Eyzaguirre, who acts for both domestic and international clients on natural resources and environmental law, along with energy, M&A, and litigation; recently-promoted partner Joaquín Rodríguez, whose career includes a stint as visiting lawyer in Sullivan & Cromwell LLP‘s New York office; and senior associate Tomás Darricades, a former litigator for Chile’s Environmental Protection Agency.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nicolás Eyzaguirre
Principaux clients
Anglo American Sur
Sociedad Anónima Viña Santa Rita
InterEnergy Holdings
Biomar Chile
Cristalerías de Chile
Actis GP (Atlas Renewable)
Grupo Gloria – Perú
Lesaffre Industrial Chile
Fundición Talleres
Esco Elecmetal
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Anglo American Sur in an environmental damage claim filed by the State of Chile before the Second Environmental Court.
- Assisting Viña Santa Rita with several information requests made by the Environmental Superintendence.
- Advised Cristalerías de Chile on the submission of several observations on an Atmospheric Prevention and Decontamination Plan that was proposed for the Valparaiso Region.
DS Abogados
Recent highlights for DS Abogados' four-member environment department include the design and execution of environmental and administrative strategies to permit and build real estate and logistics projects. Other matters for the group include defence-side work before Chile’s environmental authorities and courts, in addition to assisting communities with the submission of complaints against an illegal real estate project. The team is co-led at senior-partner level by Enrique Oyarzún Iglesias, whose recent experience includes extended producer responsibility issues, and hazardous waste and logistics-related projects; and environmental and regulatory law expert Jorge Ignacio García Nielsen. In October 2022, former senior associate Hugo Frías departed the firm for an in-house role at Anglo American.
Responsables de la pratique:
Enrique Oyarzún Iglesias; Jorge Ignacio García Nielsen
Les références
‘A team with excellent knowledge and skills.‘
‘Proactivity, quick responses, and active problem solving.‘
‘Flexible solutions that are adapted to the client’s business.’
Principaux clients
Empresas FG
Legrand-Bticino
Inmobiliaria Los Hualves
Andina Ingredients
Viña Santa Carolina
Rocas del Mar
Friosan
Aguas Patillo
Agrícola Tralcán
FRUSAN
Comunicación y Telefonía Rural
Odfjell Vineyards
Empresas Makro
Corporación Adelanto Farellones
CE – Constructora
Catamutún Energía
Corporación Educacional Federico Froebel
Viña Indómita
Equilátero
Agrícola Antumalal
Viña Indómita
Trilco
Principaux dossiers
- Provided Legrand-Bticino with strategic environmental legal advice and the administrative defence of a new wrapping and packaging regulation.
- Assisted Inmobiliaria Los Hualves with submitting constitutional actions in relation to ‘agrihood’ projects.
- Defended Inmobiliaria Makroceano against the Forest Authority’s environmental damage complaints.
Dentons Chile
The seven-strong environmental law team at Dentons Chile routinely advises on mining, water and electricity matters, as well as issues and negotiations concerning community relations. The ‘extraordinary' group also acts in disputes before ordinary, appeal and arbitral tribunals, as well as defence-side administrative processes. Heading the environment and natural resources department in Chile, José Ignacio Morán is particularly active in water issues; Gonzalo Nieto and Pauline Chiffelle both assist with mining, environmental, natural resources matters, along with litigation; and José Domingo Villanueva (who was raised to the partnership in January 2023) advises on the regulatory aspect to environmental and natural resources matters. In the firm’s associate ranks, Jaime Cruzat (mining litigation, environmental and natural resources law), Blanca Dominguez (environmental and regulatory issues) and Cristián Vial (water, environmental and mining law) are also active team members.
Responsables de la pratique:
José Ignacio Morán
Les références
‘The Dentons environmental law team is extraordinary and always exceeds expectations.‘
‘Clearly a team that has the capacity to cover all the edges of environmental matters, as well as natural resources such as water, mining and energy.‘
‘Quick to respond and knows the industries that its clients operate in very well, particularly the mining, energy, agriculture and agro-industrial sectors.‘
Principaux clients
International ESG Fund
Compañía Minera Arqueros
Compañía Minera Nevada
Agrosuper
Agrícola Puente Viejo
Energía de la Patagonia y Aysén
Inmobiliaria Las Brisas de Santo Domingo
Generadora Metropolitana
Rockcheck Group
Compañía Minera Zaldívar
Barrick Servicios Mineros
Agrícola Palma de Aculeo
Carsol Fruit
Bechtel Chile
Metra Inmobiliaria
National Astronomical Observatory of China
Consorcio Lácteo
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Carsol Fruit on the environmental strategy for the environmental evaluation of a water dam.
- Advised a multinational energy company on the water, environmental and regulatory aspects of a green hydrogen development.
- Advised Bechtel Chile Bechtel Chile on a sanitary/environmental inspection process, in relation to the operation of its liquid waste management at a construction site.
Lavin Abogados & Consultores
Lavin Abogados & Consultores' specialised environmental law team is well known for its advice on large-scale projects’ environmental impact assessments; environmental permits; defence-side audit and sanctioning procedures; and the implementation of environmental compliance programmes. It also defends high-stakes environmental damage claims. In addition to founding partner Julio Lavín's environmental law expertise, he is experienced in maritime and aquaculture concessions, mining, energy, utilities, and the wine exportation, and forestry and paper industries; Andrés Del Favero's wide-ranging experience covers large-scale infrastructure projects involving mining and maritime concessions. Key practice support comes from senior associates Gonzalo Lavin, whose practice includes community relations; Javiera Catalán, who focuses on administrative law matters; and Arturo Lavín, whose practice takes in environmental issues, maritime and aquaculture concessions, and mining and water law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Julio Lavin; Andrés Del Favero
Les références
‘A very good team and there is a lot of coordination between the participants involved.’
‘Great knowledge of the subjects covered and a great way of approaching cases.‘
Principaux clients
Empresas CMPC
Aguas Andinas
Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios de Los Lagos
Aguas Décima
Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe
Sociedad Marítima y Comercial Somarco
Inmobiliaria Príncipe de Gales
Hanwha Q-Cells Chile
Forestal Russfin
Patagonia Ridge
Del Monte Fresh Produce (Chile)
Inmobiliaria Manantial
Inversiones Almería
Agrícola Los Batros
St Andrews Smoky Delicacies
Chile Panel
Principaux dossiers
- Advised CMPC Papeles on an international environmental audit of all of the environmental permits of its plants in Mexico, Peru and Argentina.
- Advised Aguas Décima on the modification of its environmental authorisations to expand Valdivia’s sewage treatment plant.
- Advised Somarco on regularising its environmental infringement situation.
Morales & Besa
Morales & Besa‘s four-member team has notable experience in substantial environmental projects. Its expertise covers both environmental and regulatory aspects, including environmental assessments of projects, environmental litigation, and enforcement and sanctioning processes. The team additionally advises on urban matters, water issues, mining law and public contracts. Recruited as a partner in early 2022 for the firm’s environmental, mining, and natural resources practice from Infante Valenzuela Molina Abogados, Aldo Cardinali‘s recent experience includes providing environmental assessment advice to mining companies KGHM and Minera Carrizalillo. Former senior associate María Francisca Bannura left hte firm in August 2023.
Responsables de la pratique:
Aldo Cardinali
Principaux clients
KGHM Minera Carrizalillo
Las Cenizas, SCM Franke
Rio Tinto Exploration
The Republic of Chile – Ministry of Finance
EOSOL New Energy
Estabanell & Pahisa
Aconcagua Foods
Global Infrastructure Partners
Principaux dossiers
- Provided KGHM and Minera Carrizalillo with environmental assessment advice.
- Assisted Las Cenizas SCM Franke with obtaining environmental permits for the operational continuity of the Franke mine.
- Acted as special local counsel to the Republic of Chile and the Ministry of Finance, in relation to the issuance and global offering of the world’s first sovereign sustainability-linked bonds.
Prieto Abogados
‘One of the best with which clients could work‘, Prieto Abogados‘ energy-focused-environmental law team consistently participates in environmental assessment processes throughout Chile. The team additionally houses real estate industry experts, while also being active in environmental law-related sanctioning proceedings. The practice group’s recent mandates include assisting with environmental damages actions before Chile’s environmental courts in relation to soil, underground water and infrastructure, among other matters. Recently-promoted partner and practice head Agustín Martorell is an ‘exceptional lawyer‘, whose experience encompasses the mining, energy, infrastructure, and fishing and aquaculture sectors; while counsel and former Environmental Assessment Service legal department head, Romina Tobar, is an April 2023 recruit. In the associate pool, Ignacio Matte advises on environmental law and regulatory issues. Former associates Andrés Maldini and Isabel Becerra both departed the firm during 2022.
Responsables de la pratique:
Agustín Martorell
Les références
‘Compared to other firms, Prieto’s environment and energy group is one of the best with which clients could work.‘
‘Great knowledge of the industry, as well as regulatory issues – very beneficial from a client’s point of view.‘
‘In addition to having a highly disciplined and expert team in its fields, the practice has a close relationship with both people and government agencies, which gives its legal and regulatory knowledge an advantage.’
Principaux clients
Engie Energía Chile
Conexión Kimal–Lo Aguirre
Empresa de Transporte de Pasajeros
Verano Capital Holding
Solek Chile Services
Inmobiliaria Vivo Santiago
Engie Austral
Eduardo Kohn
DP World Chile
Transmisora Eléctrica del Norte
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted Zona Franca de Iquique with its claim against Engie in the Environmental Court for significant environmental damage to soil and water.
- Advised Conexión Kimal–Lo Aguirre on the regulatory and environmental aspects of a power transmission project.
- Assisted Metro with a sanctioning procedure that concerned charges for non-compliance with noise-emission standards.
Pruzzo Ruscica Brotfeld Abogados
Specialised environmental, water rights and energy law firm Pruzzo Ruscica Brotfeld Abogados' team consists of experts in the mining, ports, agribusiness, utilities, construction, infrastructure, and electricity generation and transmission sectors. It also routinely assists with investment project-related complaints, lawsuits, and dispute resolution at administrative and judicial levels. Jointly leading the practice, Dino Pruzzo is experienced in Environmental Impact Assessment matters and defending companies involved in Superintendency of the Environment administrative sanction procedures; and Javier Ruscica is an expert in the assessment and modification of environmental projects, proceedings to obtain sectoral permits, and maritime concession awards. The senior associate to note is Astrid Francke, whose practice includes contentious-administrative proceedings before Chile’s Environmental Courts.
Responsables de la pratique:
Dino Pruzzo; Javier Ruscica
Les références
‘The strength of the team is its focus on natural resources and the environment.‘
‘Great ability to analyse specific subjects that require a high degree of specialisation.’
‘What differentiates the team from its competitors is its professionalism, good treatment of clients, and seriousness.‘
Principaux clients
Minera Los Pelambres
Aguas de Antofagasta
Transelec
Sociedad Concesionaria Ruta G-21
Pares & Alvarez
Grupo FG
Acciona
Grenergy Renovables Pacific
Transmisora Valle Allipén
San Juan
Principaux dossiers
- Providing Minera Los Pelambres with strategic environmental advice regarding the construction of a complementary infrastructure project.
- Advised Aguas de Antofagasta on the environmental assessment of a desalination plant expansion project.
- Acting for Transelec in an administrative claim for the rejection of the environmental authorisation for an electrical substation and electrical transmission line.
Baker McKenzie Chile
Baker McKenzie Chile's environmental law practice routinely leverages the firm’s well-known mining law prowess. The team’s coverage includes assessments regarding compliance with environmental regulations and administrative procedures to obtain permits. In cross-border environmental work, clients additionally benefit from the Santiago office’s membership of the firm’s global and Latin America environment practices. Heading up the group, Chilean mining law expert Mirco Hilgers also has extensive experience in natural resources, energy and infrastructure work. During 2022, senior associate Santiago Vial (mining projects) re-joined the firm (further to completing a Master’s Degree in London), while former associate Rosario Preuss departed for an in-house role at Innergex.
Responsables de la pratique:
Mirco Hilgers
Principaux clients
Battery Mineral Resources Corporation
Eléctrica Cipresillos
Fortescue Metals Group
Trafigura PTE
Ferrovial Aeropuertos España
Aguas Pacífico
Mantos Copper
Cargill Inc
Haldeman Mining Company
Santiago Agrisupply
KGHM International
Deutsche Pharma
Vulco
Credicorp Asset Management
Gilbarco Latin America SRL
Live Oak Energy Investors
Minera Altair
San Miguel Industrias Pet
Unilever Chile
BHP Billiton Market
Camposol
Baskem
Pochteca Chile
G+E GTEC Holding
Marubeni Corporation
Nexus
Colgate Palmolive Comercial
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Battery Mineral Resources Corporation (BMRC) on the review of various environmental matters, in relation to BMRC’s Chilean subsidiary (Minera BMR) becoming a pivotal shareholder of Minera Altos Del Punitaqui.
- Advising Aguas Pacífico on the construction and operation of a desalination plant, which includes the issuance (and compliance with) of environmental permits.
- Assisted Fortescue Metals Groups with the review of the environmental aspects of the development of a green hydrogen industry in Chile.
Bofill Mir Abogados
Unwinding from Bofill, Mir & Álvarez Jana in March 2022, Bofill Mir Abogados‘ five-lawyer environmental law practice has extensive mining, infrastructure and energy industry expertise. Its assistance covers both environmental compliance and enforcement work, ranging from permits, presentations to the Environmental Assessment Service and Environmental Superintendence, and environmental law-related due diligence for project financings and acquisitions. The team is led by founding partner and renowned mining and natural resources specialist, Pablo Mir; and the practice of recently-promoted director Cristián Franetovic encompasses environmental issues, natural resources, regulatory matters and public law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Pablo Mir; Cristián Franetovic
Les références
‘What makes this office unique is how it gets to know clients and how it coordinates its work on different issues – this really makes the difference.’
‘Solves problems, and the teamwork between the internal and external lawyers is great.‘
‘Cristián Franetovic becomes part of the client’s team in order to resolve problems.‘
Principaux clients
Viña von Siebenthal
EMX Royalty Corp
Cesmec
Frontera Chile
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Viña Von Siebenthal on an environmental compliance programme.
- Advised EMX Royalty Corp on an environmental due diligence process.
- Advised Cesmec on a bidding process, overseen by the Ministry of the Environment, for a gas monitoring system certification in a highly contaminated industrial complex.
IMAD Abogados
Launched during 2021, IMAD Abogados' four-member team is experienced in water, mining and environmental matters, particularly in relation to major projects. Its expertise ranges from environmental impact statements and permits, to the administrative and judicial defence of clients’ interests before the Environmental Administration, Environmental Courts, Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court. The group also assists with sanctioning proceedings. The wide-ranging practice of name partner Domingo Irarrázaval (a former Aninat Abogados lawyer) includes environmental assessment strategizing and community relations.
Responsables de la pratique:
Domingo Irarrázaval
Principaux clients
Besalco Energías Renovables
Acuícola e Inversiones Nalcahue
Sociedad Comercial Agrícola y Forestal Quimey Co
Piscicultura Loncotraro
Algas Chañaral
Compañía Minera Teck Quebrada Blanca
Compañía Minera Teck Carmen de Andacollo
Frutera Aguas Blancas
Servicios e Inversiones Gestion Ambiental
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting Acuícola e Inversiones Nalcahue with defending the environmental authorisation of two aquaculture projects (before the Administrative Authority, Environmental Court and Supreme Court).
- Advising Compañía Minera Teck on water, mining and environmental regulatory matters.
- Defended Besalco Energías Renovables’ interests against several claims filed against the environmental authorisation of an electricity project.
Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr
Urenda, Rencoret, Orrego y Dörr's five-lawyer practice routinely advises on major mining and energy investment projects. Its assistance covers environmental impact assessments, obtaining and maintaining environmental permits and environmental compliance. The group also acts for both claimants and defendants during administrative sanctioning proceedings before the environmental, health and water authorities. The team is led by regulatory and environmental law specialist Ignacio Urrutia, whose career includes eight years at Chile’s environmental agency (then known as the National Environment Commission); he is supported by key associate Javiera Vicuña whose practice takes in water, energy and mining law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ignacio Urrutia
Principaux clients
Aceros AZA
Viña Miguel Torres
Dow Chemical Company
Asociación Gremial de Productores de Cerdos de Chile
Next Minerals
Agricola AASA
Sony Chile
EcoAZA
Principaux dossiers
- Acted for Aceros AZA n several administrative sanctioning proceedings before the Health Authority.
- Assisted EcoAZA with obtaining its permits.
- Acted for Viña Miguel Torres, which submitted claims before several authorities, in relation to the effect of a tannery’s putrid odours on its vineyard property.