CMS Grau’s team is led by María Cristina Alva and seasoned mining and oil-and-gas specialist Miguel Grau and is known for handling the environmental, regulatory and transactional aspects of mining projects. Alva has experience representing international and local mining companies in environmental disputes and advising on environmental permitting requirements. They are supported by senior associate Astrid López, who has strong environmental and regulatory expertise and provides clients with water permitting advice for mining projects. In October 2025, the team welcomed experienced associate Flor Ballesteros from the Ministry of Environment; she supports on the acquisition of mining projects.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- María Cristina Alva demonstrated a solid understanding of the legal framework applicable to mining projects, particularly regarding land ownership and zoning. Additionally, she invited us to an informational session with two lawyers from the mining team, where they presented recent regulatory changes relevant to the sector. This initiative struck me as a reflection of her professionalism and a genuine client-focused approach, extending beyond the specific task at hand.
- Positive attitude. Knowledge of the sector. Business/public sector perspective.
- They know the industry, they get to know the client to understand their needs. They are always available.
- Pragmatism, honesty regarding billed hours, and in-depth knowledge of the subject matter and the sector. María Cristina Alva understands the industry and, most importantly, how mining companies operate from the inside. This allows her to offer sound suggestions and recommendations and adapt her approach to different situations. Flor de María Ballesteros has extensive experience in the sector, enabling her to provide comprehensive support inquiries.
- I value the pragmatism of being able to make recommendations without needing more information than necessary. This is an advantage for clients, as they can have immediate preliminary information to help them make decisions.
- María Cristina Alva understands the needs and dynamics of mining operations, which enhances her role as a partner in the firm. She is open to providing solutions and is in high demand.
Key clients
- Compañía Minera Ares
- Consorcio Minero Horizonte
- Bear Creek Mining Corporation
- Gold Fields La Cima
- Anglo American Quellaveco
- Compañía Minera Zafranal
- Compañía de Minas Buenaventura
- Glencore Perú
- Aruntani (Perú)
- Hannan Metals
- NEXA Resources Peru
- Compañía Minera Sol de los Andes
Work highlights
Represented Anglo American Perú in an environmental dispute before OEFA related to an alleged failure to implement environmental rehabilitation measures.
Assisted Gold Fields La Cima with demonstrating that it was exempt from the requirement to modify its mining concession before the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Advised Compañía Minera Ares on mine closure obligations for the Sipán mining unit.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
María Cristina Alva; Miguel Grau
Other key lawyers
Astrid López; Flor Ballesteros