We advised Macusani Yellowcake S.A.C. on the defense of 32 mining concessions against forfeiture proceedings initiated by the Peruvian mining authorities.
Macusani Yellowcake S.A.C., the Peruvian subsidiary of Canadian public company American Lithium Corp. and holder of one of the largest lithium and uranium projects discovered to date, faced forfeiture actions initiated by the Peruvian Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Institute (INGEMMET) and upheld by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). Our representation involved the defense of 32 mining concessions whose validity was challenged under Peruvian mining regulations.
Beyond an extensive analysis of mining regulation and administrative law—spanning proceedings before multiple administrative authorities and three judicial levels—the matter required a highly strategic approach combining administrative, judicial and constitutional litigation. Over more than six years of proceedings, the case resulted in three precautionary measures and favorable rulings on the merits at all levels, restoring and preserving the uninterrupted validity of the mining concessions.
In November 2023, the first-instance judgment upholding Macusani’s claims was unanimously confirmed by the Superior Court, expressly recognizing the continued validity of the 32 mining concessions and dismissing the appeals filed by INGEMMET and MINEM. Subsequently, in August 2025, the Permanent Constitutional and Social Chamber of the Supreme Court ruled in favor of our client, rejecting the cassation appeals filed by the authorities and definitively confirming the uninterrupted validity of the concessions.
The PRCP team in charge of the matter was led by partner Cecilia Gonzales and included counsel Liliana Pautrat, associate Carlos Zavala, partner Luis Bustamante and associate Joaquín Mejía.
