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.
Ecuador is at a turning point. In just over five years, it has transitioned from a frontier jurisdiction to a credible mining destination. It’s essential reading for mining suppliers and technology companies looking to tap into one of Latin America’s most promising—and rapidly evolving—markets.
The Vicuña District, straddling the high Andes between Chile and Argentina, is shaping up to be one of the most significant new mining hubs in the Americas. For mining suppliers, it offers a multi-decade pipeline of work across some of the most advanced and exciting copper-gold projects currently in development.
Brazil is quietly undergoing one of the most significant mining investment booms in the world—and it’s no longer just about iron ore. With US$68.4 billion in projected investments between 2025 and 2029, the spotlight is now shifting toward critical minerals like lithium, copper, and nickel, positioning the country at the heart of the global energy transition.
The Peru 2025 Mining Investment Project Portfolio is more than just a snapshot of future mining activity — it is a strategic roadmap for suppliers that reveals where opportunities will emerge across the country’s US$64.1 billion mining pipeline, reflecting a 17.4% increase (US$9.5 billion) compared to 2024.
BHP is investing over $10 billion in Chile to strengthen its position in global copper production. The expansion of Escondida, Spence, and Cerro Colorado will boost demand for mining equipment, construction, and engineering, while automation, electrification, and digital technologies create new opportunities for tech suppliers.
Chile continues to be a dominant force in the global mining industry, with substantial investment directed toward copper projects, while gold developments have received comparatively less attention. The recent commencement of construction at Rio2 Limited’s Fenix Gold Project underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to diversify its mining sector.