The leading mining practice at Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados continues to advise top-tier clients on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters in the industry, covering transactions, regulatory matters and disputes. On the transactional side, it is well known in the market for privatisations, M&A and financing deals, while on the contentious side, it handles administrative proceedings and domestic and international arbitrations. Team head and veteran practitioner Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado is on the board of several mining companies and is a name to note for corporate matters; he is supported by Oscar Benavides, who deals with M&A and joint ventures, as well as exploration, development and exploitation contracts. Francisco Tong is a further key practitioner, who is well versed in administrative regulations and environmental matters and has previously advised on the development of mining regulations in the Dominican Republic and the Republic of Colombia. Claudio Ferrero is another name for corporate transactions and reorganisations; Diego Pachas is recommended for licensing and permitting, and health and safety matters; and Francisco Barrios advises on permitting and strategies for new projects and the expansion of existing projects.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team at Rodrigo Elias Medrano (REM), led by Luis Carlos Rodrigo, is by far the best in Peru. The team is highly sophisticated, has an in-depth knowledge of the mining and energy industry acquired over the past decades, and provides outstanding advice. The support we have received is second to none.’
‘Luis Carlos Rodrigo is an absolute star. He is one of the best advocates I have ever met. He is brilliant. His knowledge of the mining sector is oustanding, and his advice is always well thought through. He is the leader of an absolutely fantastic team.'
‘It is one of the most prestigious law firms in Peru. It has lawyers specialised in the different areas required by a company.’
'Estudio Rodrigo is the leading law firm in Peru for mining law. Their partners are highly knowledgeable and proficient in this area.'
'Claudio Ferrero Merino understands mining law very well and he is also an exceptional M&A lawyer. He is very adept at dealing with complicated circumstances and explaining Peruvian law very well. I highly recommend Claudio. Oscar Benevides is highly specialised in mining and has hands-on knowledge of all aspects of mining exploration transactions. Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado is the senior partner of this group and is a trusted advisor.'

Key clients

Southern Peru Copper Corporation, Sucursal del Peru
Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde
Cerro de Pasco Resources, Sucursal del Perú
Compañia Minera Antamina
MINSUR
Marcobre
Minera Las Bambas
Minera Chinalco
Barrick Gold Corporation
Minera Barrick Perú
Lundin Mining Corporation
Hudbay Peru
Bear Creek Mining
Anglo American Quellaveco
Pan American Silver
Sumitomo Corporation
First Quantum Minerals
Adar Mining
Sierra Metals
Javellin Global Commodities
Hartree Partners
Trafigura Metals

Work highlights

Advising Freeport and Sumitomo in two ICSID arbitrations brought against the Government of Peru under the United States–Peru Free Trade Agreement and the Netherlands bilateral investment treaty, with claims in excess of $1bn.
Advising Anglo American Quellavec on the attainment of authorisation for the operation of the Quellaveco plant for processing 127,500 MT/day, and the corresponding beneficiation concession.
Advised Bear Creek Mining on a $400m credit facility for the financing of Project Corani, located in the district of Corani, province of Carabaya.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado

Hall of fameRodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados

Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado is managing partner of Rodrigo, Elias & Medrano Abogados and leads the Natural Resources practice area of the law firm. He specializes in mining law, project financing, mergers & acquisitions, and environmental matters.

Rising stars