Mineral and Metals Industry

A holistic view of the industry, with a focus on regulatory complexities, market demands, and ESG concerns

A pillar of the Brazilian economy, the mining and metals industry carries a significant degree of risk, stemming from the low conversion rate of exploration projects into mineral extraction operations, long return periods, substantial CAPEX investment requirements, and a variety of environmental and regulatory factors.

Beyond the risks inherent to the industry, the sector has undergone numerous transformations in recent years to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, adding another layer of legal complexity.

Growing global demand for strategic minerals has also drawn new players from previously unrelated industries into closer collaboration with the mining and metals sector, creating opportunities for supply chains that had been underdeveloped in this country.

Dealing with the realities of the sector while maintaining alignment with modern trends in energy transition, the low-carbon economy and responsible management of natural resources requires legal advisers whose comprehensive vision of the industry enables them to understand its complexity from various perspectives – transactional, commercial and financial, regulatory, environmental, tax, real estate, labor and employment, and dispute resolution, among others.

Our collaborative approach means that we can provide tailored legal support to the full range of industry players, both national and international, including mining companies, steel producers, financial institutions, traders, offtakers, royalty and streaming companies, and service providers – whether small, medium, or large. Our support covers the entire lifecycle of mining operations, from exploration to mine closure, including dam decommissioning, crisis management, and cross-border litigation.

With unparalleled experience in major cases and transactions involving the sector, the various practice areas of our full-service firm have proven expertise in the mining and metals industry, and work together to offer our clients the integrated legal services they need.

OUR SERVICES

• Regulatory advisory and administrative litigation
• Negotiation of contracts and acquisition of mining assets/companies
  
• International investment and transactions
• Due diligence of mining assets and companies
• Mining project finance and capital market transactions
• Crisis and accident management
• Business-oriented ESG advisory
• Environmental advisory and traditional community engagement for mining projects
• Tax advisory for mining companies (including CFEM and TFRM)
• Real estate due diligence and contract negotiation
• Dam safety
• Complex dispute resolution involving mining companies, domestic and cross-border
• Sector-specific competition and intellectual property issues