Department profile
Demarest Advogados

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining

Brazil Guide 2026 : Brazil


Demarest Advogados

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy & Natural Resources: Mining - Brazil

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Demarest Advogados inherits the strong footprint that William Freire Advogados Associados had in the mining market after incorporating the Minas Gerais-based firm. The team shows exceptional skills required to advise clients on mining matters involving transactional and regulatory affairs. The work can include assistance with M&A and administrative appeals or procedures. The firm is familiar with both domestic and international clients with mining operations in Brazil.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Demarest assisted China Nonferrous Mining Metal Company (CNMC) with the acquisition of 100% of the equity interest of Mineração Taboca, held by Minera Latinoamericana.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Demarest's team is highly influential, contributing to the development of doctrine and new theories in mining, regulatory and tax law. The firm stands out for its technical quality, expertise and strong relationships in the sector.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • They are a top-tier firm, particularly in mining law, land management, resettlement and environmental and regulatory matters. Their strength lies in the quality of their professionals and their ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex challenges.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • Demarest's lawyers are highly competent, with strong legal and technical expertise, and are recognised as references in their respective areas. The team provides excellent service and is well-equipped, interdisciplinary and highly dedicated.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • The team goes into real depth on the issues and demonstrates strong technical capability. They always meet deadlines and are reliable in delivering on agreed timelines. Demarest is my go-to firm for complex matters.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • What stands out is their ability to explain complex issues in a simple and practical way. Demarest's team understands our business very well and have a longstanding presence in the market - truly a reference in the field.

    Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleWilliam Freire
    Senior StatespeopleWilliam Freire

    William Freire

    William Freire is a practitioner who offers clients a wealth of knowledge in the mining industry. He is experienced across a range of mining matters, offering particular strength in handling regulatory mandates in Minas Gerais.

    • William Freire plays a central role in the strategic management of stakeholder relationships and in mitigating institutional and reputational risks associated with sensitive projects. His distinguishing feature lies in the combination of technical authority, institutional credibility and strategic vision, allowing him to align legal, regulatory and public image interests. Compared to other professionals in the market, he stands out for his ability to act proactively in protecting corporate reputation, especially in contexts of high visibility and public scrutiny.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • William Freire is a leading expert in mining law.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • William Freire is my intellectual mentor.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • William Freire is one of the country's greatest mining lawyers.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • Band 2Tiago de Mattos Silva
    Band 2Tiago de Mattos Silva

    Tiago de Mattos Silva

    Tiago de Mattos Silva is admired for his adept handling of regulatory issues arising from projects in the mining sector. He has additional strength in handling transactional matters and compliance.

    • Thiago brings strategic and overall market vision to the deal.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Thiago acts strategically in institutional relations and conflict management, especially in sensitive contexts involving multiple public and private stakeholders. His distinguishing feature lies in his ability to anticipate points of tension, structure consistent legal narratives, and conduct preventive strategies, avoiding the escalation of administrative, political or judicial conflicts. Compared to his market peers, he stands out for his systemic understanding of the institutional environment and his balanced handling of high-profile situations.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Tiago is exceptional. He possesses a sharp mind and is totally focused on his clients’ business.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Tiago de Mattos Silva is one of the most brilliant professionals I know. He combines technical knowledge, diverse expertise, academic background, market vision, commitment and the ability to anticipate scenarios, offering cutting-edge solutions for everything he undertakes. A truly exceptional professional in the field of mining law, he stands far ahead of his peers in competing firms. He is certainly top of mind.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • Band 4Izabella Reis
    Band 4Izabella Reis

    Izabella Reis

    Izabella Reis advises on regulatory and transactional matters in the mining sector, with particular expertise in M&A, equity acquisitions and due diligence.

    • What sets Izabella apart is her promptness and high level of organisation. She is always available and delivers quick responses, acting with the agility we expect from a partner who functions as an extension of our internal team, which brings a lot of security and fluidity to our daily work.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • An excellent professional, Izabella is extremely efficient and committed to the client.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Izabella Reis is an approachable professional with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and excellent business acumen.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • Band 4Thiago Maia
    Band 4Thiago Maia

    Thiago Maia

    Thiago Maia’s mining practice focuses on M&A advisory, mining asset assessments, and share acquisitions.

    • Thiago distinguishes himself in matters involving M&A, bringing strong market precedents from the energy sector.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Excellent professional. Thiago is extremely efficient and committed to the client. He also wisely manages complex M&A processes.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • An excellent professional, considered to be of international caliber and efficient negotiator with the ability to handle complex issues. Furthermore, Thiago Maia is very experienced in the mining sector - truly an asset at Demarest.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
  • Up and ComingBruno Costa
    Up and ComingBruno Costa

    Bruno Costa

    Bruno Costa is a mining practitioner who offers notable strength in regulatory, transactional and compliance work in the field.

    • Bruno is a great professional, with extensive technical knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Bruno has always exceeded expectations with his technical and practical approach.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil
    • Bruno Costa possesses a solid and highly specialised background in mining law and regulation, serving as a key point of support in interactions with the regulatory bodies, and in the practical interpretation of the mineral legal framework. He distinguishes himself through his ability to translate legal and regulatory requirements into practical solutions.

      Energy & Natural Resources: Mining respondentBrazil

Ranked Individuals at Demarest Advogados (5)

Brazil

Demarest Advogados has rankings in the following guides

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