The MHR Regional Legal Platform introduces foreign investors and local regional clients to the #1 legal team of the energy and natural resources industry in Argentina, as recognized by the leading international and domestic legal publications.
We have proven experience in the development of lithium mining projects. Our mining & lithium group practice integrates dedicated attorneys from all of our practice areas with significant experience advising industry clients. Using this integrated approach, our group provides the highest level of comprehensive legal advice to our clients in all phases of their businesses, from development and inception, to acquisitions, due diligence processes, financings, securities issuances and regulatory matters.
Referenced Cases
Tsing Shang Group
We advised Tsingshan in its bid to purchase Argentina-focussed Lithea Inc. which owned rights to two lithium salt lakes in Argentina’s mineral-rich Salta province. Lithea is owned by LSC Lithium B.V., which is in turn owned by Pluspetrol Resource Corp, an oil and gas mining firm.
MHR assisted the Tsing Shang Group in setting up its corporate structure for its mining projects in Argentina.
MHR provides Tsing Shang Group with day-to-day general law advice, including, among others, corporate, labor, foreign exchange, tax, and regulatory advice on the main mining projects that the group is currently developing in Argentina.
Imerys S.A.
MHR is currently advising Imerys, a world leader in mineral-based specialties, as Argentine legal counsel in connection with the local law aspects related to the sale of certain assets in Argentina in the context of a global sale (involving more than 20 countries worldwide) to Vuori Holding.
The transaction includes the corporate reorganization of Imerys Argentina through the spin-off of the target assets to a Newco which will be later acquired by Vuori. The corporate reorganization requires a complex process to transfer and/or obtain a substantial number of permits and regulatory approval for Newco.
Irkutsk Oil Company
MHR is currently advising Irkutsk, a Russian oil and gas company, in connection with the purchase and bidding for the award of lithium mines in Argentina, and the negotiation of joint venture agreements with local companies for the joint development of mining activities.
Red Eagle Exploration Limited v. Colombia
José Martínez de Hoz is acting as arbitrator appointed by a Canadian investor in the mining industry against Colombia under the auspices of ICSID (ICSID Case No. ARB/18/12). The final hearing took place in Washington DC in February-March 2023. The issuance of the final award is pending.
Appointment as arbitrator – ICSID Case No. ARB/22/3
José Martínez de Hoz is acting as arbitrator appointed by the claimants in an investment dispute against Ecuador in relation to the Llurimagua copper mining project. After the tribunal was constituted the proceedings have been stayed pending the outcome of an ICC arbitration between the same parties.
Head Coordinators
Tomás Lanardonne
- Resident in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- More than 10 years of experience in oil and gas, conventional and renewable energy, mining, and natural resources-related litigation and arbitration.
- Work practice in Houston.
- Co-head of the MHR Mining & Lithium team.
Tomás Lanardonne
- Resident in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- More than 10 years of experience in oil and gas, conventional and renewable energy, mining, and natural resources-related litigation and arbitration.
- Work practice in Houston.
- Co-head of the MHR Mining & Lithium team.
“She’s amazing, an expert in project finance and power with an excellent knowledge of the situation in Argentina; her expertise goes way beyond the legal aspects”. (Chambers Latin America 2020)
Juan Cruz Azzarri
- Resident in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- More than 15 years of experience in oil and gas, energy law and related-litigation.
- Co-head of the MHR Mining & Lithium team.
“Juan Cruz Azzarri joins the main bands for the first time, following solid market endorsement. A client notes that he deals with the public law side of projects, as well as project finance matters. An interviewee labels him an “excellent lawyer” in administrative matters.” (Chambers Global Guide 2021)