Latin America - Brazil • Energy and natural resources

Cescon Barrieu

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Rated as one of the top mining and metals practices in the country, Cescon Barrieu is singled out for its ‘deep knowledge of the sector’, which makes it well placed to advise on the full array of mandates, ranging from consequential M&A and financing deals to administrative and judicial proceedings. The Belo Horizonte-based team is the first port of call for some of the largest mining companies operating in Brazil and several financial institutions. Crisis management matters and tailing dams-related regulatory issues are other core areas of focus. With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Marcelo Mendo Gomes De Souza is a reference in the mining market. He oversees the practice with regulatory and transactional expert Maurício Pellegrino De Souza, whose previous in-house and academic experience is noteworthy; Paula Azevedo De Castro, who is regularly instructed by key mining players in relation to mining dam regulations; and Daniel Ribeiro Pettersen, a contact for real estate and mining contractual matters. Senior associate João Raso regularly works on tax issues and mining assets transactions.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'The firm has a highly differentiated technical team capable of meeting all demands related to the mining sector. A lot of commitment to deadlines, and in-depth knowledge of the clients' business.'
  • 'Paula Azevedo is recommended.'
  • 'Marcelo Mendo de Souza and Mauricio Pellegrino stand out.'
  • 'Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados is among the top three mining law firms in the country. They are totally focused on the business, and have a deep knowledge of the sector.'
  • 'Marcelo Mendo is one of the main names in mining in the country. He has been part of many transactions involving mining law, and is qualified to resolve any and all matters in the area.'

Key clients

  • Vale
  • Braskem
  • Gerdau Açominas
  • Samarco Mineração
  • Anglo American
  • AngloGold Ashanti
  • Lundin Mining
  • Aura Minerals
  • Appian Capital Advisory
  • Kinross Gold
  • InterCement
  • Equinox Gold
  • Yamana Gold

Work highlights

  • Advised Vale on transactional deals related to its mining rights.
  • Advised Aura Minerals on the acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Big River Gold.
  • Assisted Vallourec in crisis management following the tailing dam accident that occurred in January 2022.

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Practice head

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Marcelo Mendo Gomes de Souza, Maurício Pellegrino de Souza, Paula Azevedo de Castro, Daniel Ribeiro Pettersen