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.
Industrial technology and engineering companies go where the projects are, whether that’s a copper mine in Peru’s southern Andes, a lithium operation in the Atacama or an offshore field in Brazil. Winning that first contract in a new country is exciting. But the way you deliver it, who you send, how long they stay and what they’re authorised to do, can create tax obligations you never planned for..
Ecuador has quietly positioned itself as one of the region’s most interesting emerging mining jurisdictions. A combination of geological potential, regulatory improvements, and a maturing investment environment is attracting the attention of major copper developers. The USD$3.5b Warintza project is one of the strongest early-stage copper projects globally, and it gives a clear indication of where Ecuador is heading as a mining country.
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.
While many mining companies are advancing with the easier, more accessible opportunities for reducing emissions, the challenge becomes significantly more complex when considering the entire mining value chain. Scope 3 emissions are just starting to receive more attention from mining companies. It is by the far the hardest to reduce because these emissions stem from services and products provided by their suppliers.
While many business executives understand the basics of how AI works, there is still a gap in knowledge that make it difficult subject to discuss in detail. AI’s rise means more than just keeping pace with technological advances; it’s about understanding the foundational concepts and principles that underpin these systems. These technical aspects – once the domain of data scientists and engineers – now intersect with law, ethics, and business strategy.
Ecuador has incredible potential to become a major copper and gold producer. In recent months, the mining sector has had positive news with projects starting to advance as they have overcome obstacles related to community relations and permitting. Although there is some positive signs that the project pipeline is starting to advance, there is still a long road ahead for the country to become a major mining jurisdiction.
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