Bruchou & Funes de Rioja serves a blue-chip sectoral client base with specialist legal and environmental support at the municipal, provincial and national levels, advising mining companies along the length of the mining project development life cycle. The firm is a particularly sought out for its ability to handle large, complex cross-border mining projects and M&A deals; and is also top of the list for miners seeking expertise as regards mining permits, financing, project development and commercialisation matters, along with incident management and audits. The practice is jointly led by Sergio Arbeleche and Sebastián Vedoya, two of Argentina’s most respected and experienced mining lawyers who both trace their careers back to the Argentine mining boom of the early 1990s. They are supported by a capable team of associates that includes environmental and mining law senior Dolores Cattaneo; and counsel Pablo Crimer, head of the firm's environmenal practice and an expert in mining-related environmental matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Bruchou Funes de Rioja mining team is unique and comprised of high-quality professionals with specialisation in their area and many years in professional practice.’

  • ‘Sergio Arbeleche and Sebatián Vedoya are dedicated to clients. Their opinions are highly respected in the sector and they are always on top of the latest legal and regulatory developments.'

  • 'A very strong team with impressive industry and domestic knowledge.' 

  • ‘Great knowledge of mining law, and secondly, great knowledge of local circumstances.'

  • ‘Bruchou is the leading firm for mining transactions in Argentina. They are exceptionally knowledgeable in the industry and provide excellent service.’

  • ‘Sergio Arbeleche is a leader in mining law in Argentina. He provides exceptional advice on mining transactions and more generally on the mining laws and requirements in Argentina'

  • 'Sebastian Vedoya is an exceptional corporate and commercial lawyer with strong expertise in mining related transactions.'

Key clients

  • Barrick Gold Corporation
  • First Quantum Minerals
  • Yamana Gold
  • Lithium Royalty Corporation
  • Corriente
  • Minas Argentinas
  • Minera Andina del Sol
  • Barrick Exploraciones Argetnitna
  • Minera del Carmen
  • Lundin Mining Corporation
  • Minera Peregrine
  • Mexplort
  • Cerro Vanguardia
  • Stillwater Canada
  • Minera Agua Rica
  • Estelar Resources
  • Lumina Copper
  • Metalla Royalty & Streaming
  • Tolsa
  • Yacimientos Patagónicos
  • Isemar
  • Cementos Avellaneda
  • Ontario Inc
  • United Mining Projects Corporation
  • Mahren Lithium
  • BHP
  • General Motors Company
  • Latin America Minerals

Work highlights

  • Advised Barrick Gold Corporation on the expansion of the Veladero mine infrastructure through the construction and operation of an international power line connecting the Veladero Project to the Chilean Grid.
  • Advised Lundin Mining Corporation on land surface ownership matters related to its Josemaría Project, one of the biggest copper projects in Argentina.
  • Advise First Quantum Minerals and its Argentine subsidiary, Corriente Argentina on mining operations in Argentina, including environmental and commercial issues, particularly in relation to the development of the Taca Taca project.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sebastián Vedoya, Sergio Arbeleche