Team size: 20

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

The negotiation of a financing facility for $925m, in connection with Volcan’s investment in the Port of Chancay, Perú has been our most significant challenge.

This financing involved cross border negotiations with international law firms in Hong Kong; advising our partner, Cosco Shipping Ports; international law firms advising the bank syndicate; and New York law firms advising Volcan and local counsel for each party.

Although the financing was granted to the project company, Volcan, as a local partner in Peru, oversaw the collaboration amongst all the parties. I was charged with the responsibility of interacting with international banks in mainland China, Cosco Shipping in Hong Kong, and the Project Company in Perú to align interests and streamline the process. I also oversaw obtaining internal approvals at Volcan level.

The process took approximately eight months of extensive conversations with different counterparties, which fortunately came to a satisfactory result with a proper alignment of interests.

Looking forward, what technological advancements do you feel will impact the role of in-house legal teams in the future the most?

In the mining industry, we appreciate the new development of software that helps to connect the legal function with the day-to-day operations of the business. We have in-house developed software and external providers that help us to connect with the operation and ensure daily interactions proceed smoothly. This allows easier and more transparent compliance with laws.

What is a cause, business related or otherwise, that you care about, and why?

We are extremely focused on HSEC activities in mining. Safety is our priority. The legal department makes significant efforts to maintain seamless collaborations with competent authorities to ensure that the company complies with safety legal requirements. This has led to visible progress, and we have the satisfaction of taking care of our people.

Another relevant aspect is environment regulation. We work very closely with the mining unit to comply with the increasingly demanding Peruvian regulation. Modern mining complies with environmental practices.