Department profile
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

Brazil Guide 2026 : Brazil

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Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados

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About

Provided by Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados

Our team has in-depth knowledge of the mining production chain and broad experience with its main players. We provide regulatory and transactional advice to major mining companies, financial institutions, suppliers, and other stakeholders. We are the only Brazilian firm with a leading practice in the sector and an office in Toronto, Canada, offering specialized services to the industry. In Brazil, we are among the most active firms, with a comprehensive practice in transactions, advisory, and disputes.

Our expertise covers regulatory matters, due diligence, asset and corporate transactions, mineral rights control, safety, taxation, supply and service provider contracts, options, royalties, easements, leases, and negotiations with surface owners. We also advise on mining policies and regulatory disputes, as well as crisis management.

We act as legal consultants and industry experts in strategic matters, including representing mining associations in discussions with authorities regarding regulatory changes, aiming to foster innovation, investment security, and meet the sector’s broader demands.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining - Brazil

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados is an established full-service firm with particular knowledge of regulatory and transactional matters in the mining sector. The firm houses a team of expert lawyers who are well equipped to advise clients on matters relating to mining royalties, the obtaining of environmental licences and sector-related M&A, as well as due diligence in relation to mining dams. The team also demonstrates experience of representing domestic and international clients before Brazilian courts and regulatory bodies.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Cescon advised ArcelorMittal on legal and regulatory strategies for the reinstatement of environmental licences and the decharacterisation of the Serra Azul tailings dam.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Cescon's team is very agile, technically excellent and delivers assertive, technology-driven solutions.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

  • Cescon demonstrates a clear understanding of our operational and regulatory context. It presents an approach that goes beyond traditional legal opinions, providing pragmatic recommendations aligned with strategic priorities.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

  • The partners' performance is outstanding. They have extensive expertise in the field and know the business very well, understanding our challenges and presenting them in an executive language. They've become my right-hand law firm.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

  • Cescon's team stands out for its strong technical knowledge, recognised presence in the market and a multidisciplinary approach.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

  • We work closely with Cescon; they have professionals of the highest calibre.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Marcelo Mendo de Souza
    Marcelo Mendo de Souza

    Marcelo Mendo de Souza

    Marcelo Mendo de Souza is a highly regarded mining specialist, recognised for his deft handling of complex regulatory matters and his strong transactional expertise.

    • In addition to technical qualifications, Marcelo Mendo possesses excellent interpersonal skills.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Marcelo Mendo is a point of reference in the industry.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Marcelo Mendo de Souza has a sound understanding of the mining sector in all its stages.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Marcelo is our focal point in the firm and is always attentive. I see his commercial vision as a major asset.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
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  • Paula Azevedo
    Paula Azevedo

    Paula Azevedo

    Paula Azevedo garners praise for her expertise in the mining sector, especially regarding dams. She regularly handles M&A and regulatory mandates for her clients, as well as cross-border financing transactions.

    • Paula Azevedo is certainly one of the strongest names in the sector. Willing, approachable, communicative and attentive to clients’ needs, she demonstrates deep knowledge and consistently high performance across all areas in which she is involved.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • I really like Paula; she’s highly experienced, knows how to relate to clients, is flexible in negotiations, advocates strongly for them and is deeply dedicated. Technically very strong, she navigates the institutional landscape and maintains excellent relationships with public bodies. A true point of reference.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Paula has outstanding expertise and is a leading specialist in dam regulation in Brazil.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Paula is an excellent professional and without a doubt, one of the main reasons for hiring the firm.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
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  • Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza
    Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza

    Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza

    Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza is a mining lawyer who maintains a strong focus on dam matters, in addition to offering expertise on regulatory industry-focused issues and environmental licensing and fines.

    • Mauricio Pelegrino has strong technical knowledge and a very good strategic perspective.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Mauricio is exceptional. Beyond his profound technical knowledge and willingness to help, he demonstrates strong leadership skills in complex situations, offering reassurance and calm during critical moments.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

    • Mauricio Pellegrino is a point of reference in the field. He has deep technical knowledge aligned with our business needs.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
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Ranked Individuals at Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados (3)

Brazil

  • Profile image of Marcelo Mendo de Souza

    Marcelo Mendo de Souza

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

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  • Profile image of Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza

    Mauricio Pellegrino de Souza

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

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Members

Provided by Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados

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