Sneak Preview: Mergers & Acquisitions in Mining Tech with Ivan Gustavino
In this sneak preview, Ax Legal’s Managing Partner Cody McFarlane speaks with Ivan Gustavino, Managing Director at Atrico, who has advised over 100 high-growth companies in mining, industrial tech, and software. With M&A activity heating up, Ivan breaks down what investors and buyers really look for in mining technology companies today.
Argentina has quietly become one of the world’s most important mining stories…and it is now impossible to ignore. By the mid-2030s, the country could rank among the world’s top five copper exporters and top three lithium producers, and the foundations for that are being poured right now.
Importing mining equipment and industrial technology into Chile is perfectly manageable, but it requires more than just arranging freight. A successful import depends on getting several things right at once: customs, tax, regulatory approvals, technical documentation, and operational requirements specific to mining.
Argentina, Chile, and Peru are not just the world’s copper heartland. For the next decade, they are where the industry gets built — and where the smartest mining technology and service companies are already planting their flag.
Brazil’s tax reform presents both challenges and opportunities. In the short term, the country’s tax system will become more complex as businesses navigate both the existing tax structure and the new VAT-based model. However, in the medium to long term, Brazil will become more predictable and aligned with global standards, making it an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment.
Chile is one of the most attractive markets in Latin America for mining and industrial technology companies. It is also a market where small operational mistakes can create real delays. On paper, entry is simple. In practice, what matters is how you set up and run the business from day one. Here is what actually makes a difference.
Chile’s mining sector is starting to build real momentum again. In the past few weeks, the two largest projects submitted to Chile’s Environmental Assessment Service (SEA) since at least 1992 have been filed: a US$7.5 billion expansion by Freeport-McMoRan and a US$5.1 billion project from BHP.
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