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.
Brazil is a complex market, and winning work from a Brazilian mining client is only the first challenge. The harder part is often getting your people, equipment, and technology approved and ready to operate on site. Our latest blog helps foreign mining suppliers understand the mobilization process and the key steps required before starting work on a mine site in Brazil.
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.
From May 2026, NR-1 becomes more demanding in practice, with a clear focus on psychosocial risks. Companies are now expected to address issues like stress, burnout, and workplace pressure in the same structured way as physical risks. In simple terms, this moves NR-1 away from a paperwork exercise and into something that needs to work in day-to-day operations.
Although Brazil has not traditionally been viewed as a major copper producer, that narrative may be starting to shift. Ero Copper Corp. has released the inaugural Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Furnas project, outlining a 24-year open pit operation with the scale, economics, and longevity to position it as a potential cornerstone copper asset in Brazil.
Brazil’s mining sector is entering a new investment cycle that is both larger and more diversified than in previous periods. According to IBRAM’s latest outlook, total projected investments for the 2026–2030 period are expected to reach US$76.9 billion, representing a 12.5% increase compared to the previous investment cycle (2025–2029).
When foreign companies enter the Latin American market, partnering with a local distributor is often a practical and efficient entry strategy. However, this strategy also introduces a layer of complexity—especially when it comes to protecting intellectual property. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your IP in these relationships is through a well-structured distribution agreement.
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