Mining & Lithium
Mining, Lithium, and Natural Resources Investment
Latin America holds the world's largest reserves of copper, lithium, and gold, along with other strategic metallic and non-metallic minerals. From early-stage exploration to large-scale operations, we cover the entire mining value chain with strategic vision and regional reach.
Rodrigo Dupouy is a recognized authority on mining and lithium in Chile, with more than 15 years advising investors, operators, and suppliers at every stage of the mining cycle.
How we work
Access to the LATAM mining market
Structuring entry into copper, gold, lithium, and other metallic and non-metallic mineral projects, plus early-stage exploration, navigating Chile's and the region's regulatory frameworks alongside experts who know the key players.
Mining project due diligence
Legal and financial assessment of mining properties, operating agreements, concessions, and environmental liabilities, identifying opportunities and risks before you invest.
Mining industry contracts
Negotiating option agreements, joint ventures, operating agreements, offtake agreements, and agreements with mining suppliers and contractors.
Lithium: a special regulatory framework
Advisory on Chile's special lithium regime (a non-concessible mineral), partnership structures with CORFO/ENAMI, and Special Lithium Operating Contracts (CEOL).
Trilingual advisory without barriers
Fluent communication in Spanish, English, and French, so communication with investors and foreign parent companies is never the bottleneck in a negotiation.
This service is for you if:
- Foreign funds and investors evaluating entry into Chile's mining sector
- Junior exploration companies structuring their projects
- Suppliers and contractors in the mining industry negotiating long-term contracts
- Operators evaluating lithium opportunities under the new regulatory framework
Let's talk about mining & lithium
Tell us about your situation and we'll respond within 24 business hours.
Schedule a meetingFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a private party own lithium in Chile?
Lithium is a non-concessible mineral in Chile, reserved to the State. A private party can participate through Special Lithium Operating Contracts (CEOL) or partnerships with CORFO/ENAMI. Structuring these agreements is different from a traditional mining concession and requires specialized advice from the outset.
What's the difference between an exploration concession and an exploitation concession in Chile?
An exploration concession grants the exclusive right to explore an area for up to 4 years (with the possibility of a reduction by half and an extension), while an exploitation concession is indefinite and grants ownership of the concessible mineral substances in the area. The legal strategy for a mining project depends on the stage at which the investment is structured.
What does a legal due diligence review in a mining project cover?
At minimum: title and standing of the concessions, chain of transfers, easements and water rights, environmental liabilities and permits (RCA), agreements with communities and indigenous consultation where applicable, and the project's labor and tax contingencies.
Contact
Let's talk about your case
We reply within 24 business hours.
- contacto@dmcia.cl
- +56 2 2940 2395
-
Badajoz 45, Piso 17
Las Condes, Santiago - Lunes a viernes, 9:00 a 18:00 hrs