Department profile
AVL Abogados

Energy & Natural Resources

Latin America Guide 2026 : Ecuador


AVL Abogados

Rankings

About

Provided by AVL Abogados

We are one of the first Ecuadorian law firms to have entered the mining industry more than 20 years ago. Both as in-house and outside counsel for mining companies, we have accompanied our clients throughout all phases of the industry, including mineral exploration, production, refining and commercialization.

Our firm advises our clients on day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with mining regulations and related areas (environmental, labor, corporate, commercial, administrative and foreign investment law). We ensure that our clients' mining activities are carried out smoothly, minimizing conflicts and risks involving the government, communities, workers, and the environment.

We have participated in the most important investment projects in the Ecuadorian mining industry in the last decades, providing counsel to foreign investors and mining concessionaires in the sale or acquisition of mining projects.

AVL understands the intricate steps of a mining transaction, involving international financial operations and the key regulations involved. Our clients benefit from our experience in advising in the following type of transactions:

  • Joint ventures
  • Opt-in and Farm-in agreements
  • Royalty and streaming structures
  • Strategic investments
  • Project finance
  • Offtake agreements
  • Sale and purchase of mines and mining entities
  • Shareholders agreements
  • Private placements.

Clients (14)

  • Cornerstone
  • Lundin Gold
  • Lucky Minerals
  • First Quantum Minerals
  • Southern Copper
  • Grupo Mexico
  • Neoen
  • Gransolar
  • Hidrosierra
  • Pelorus Minerals
  • Nemesia
  • Dundee Precious Metals
  • BHP
  • Adventus Mining Corp

Industries (3)

  • Mining
  • Oil & Gas
  • Energy

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources - Ecuador

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

AVL Abogados is a dynamic law firm in Ecuador with a strong reputation for advising clients from the mining industry on extraction mining projects. The legal team is well placed to assist with the negotiation and execution of concession agreements and the acquisition of mining projects. AVL Abogados is also skilled in assisting with sustainability-related matters in the mining and power industries.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • AVL Abogados was retained by Lundin Gold to advise on all mining regulatory aspects of its work, obtaining and complying with permits from municipalities to fulfil state obligations.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • What stands out when working with AVL Abogados is the depth of their knowledge of mining transactions and their excellent communication and client service skills.

    Energy & Natural Resources respondentLatin America

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Xavier Andrade Cadena
    Band 2Xavier Andrade Cadena

    Xavier Andrade Cadena

    Well-regarded partner and co-head of department Xavier Andrade Cadena is experienced in handling a variety of mining mandates in Ecuador, including the negotiation and execution of concession agreements and the acquisition of mining projects.
    • The most important aspect is the trust and security Xavier Andrade Cadena gives me. He handles confidential matters with the required professionalism, and he is super available, attentive and open.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentLatin America
  • Band 3Rodrigo Borja
    Band 3Rodrigo Borja

    Rodrigo Borja

    Partner and co-head of department Rodrigo Borja continues to receive praise from interviewees for his celebrated activity in Ecuador's hydrocarbon and mining spheres.
    • Rodrigo Borja is a highly competent professional with a lot of experience in mining exploitation contracts.

      Energy & Natural Resources respondentLatin America

Ranked Individuals at AVL Abogados (2)

Ecuador

Members

Provided by AVL Abogados

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