With a mining, oil and gas sector practice that spans almost eighty years, no other firm in Panama has Arias, Fábrega & Fábrega's depth of experience.

Mining Law and Regulations

ARIFA has unparalleled experience advising clients in the mining sector, in all legal aspects arising from their metallic and non-metallic mineral concessions.

In the 80’s and 90’s, ARIFA represented RTZ Corporation Plc. in connection with the negotiation of joint venture agreements with the “Corporación de Desarrollo Minero Cerro Colorado” (CODEMIN) for the exploration and eventual exploitation of the Cerro Colorado deposit.  We also advised RTZ Corporation Plc. in all aspects relating to the termination of its agreements with CODEMIN.

In the 1990’s, ARIFA advised Inmet Mining Corporation in connection with the negotiations relating to the concession agreement for the development of the Petaquilla copper deposit. ARIFA mining legal team participated in negotiations with representatives of the government and other investors in the drafting and enactment of Law 9 of 1997, which approved the contract-law that initially regulated the Petaquilla mining concession.

Petroleum Law and Regulations

ARIFA has been advising clients involved in all areas of the oil and gas industry (exploration, refining, terminaling services, storage, transport, distribution, and retail) since the late 1930’s. 

Since the mid-1950’s and until 2002, ARIFA acted as counsel to the only oil refinery that has operated in Panama. For over five decades ARIFA lawyers negotiated concession agreements for the oil refinery and advised on all aspects of its operations. They also advised Chevron, as operator of the refinery, in the successful settlement of arbitration proceedings with the government of Panama, which eventually led in 2002 to the closure of the refinery and its transformation into a terminal and storage facility, which was first operated exclusively by Chevron, and lately by a joint venture in which Chevron and Royal Vopak N.V. are partners.

ARIFA also represents operators and users of pipelines and tank farms, managers and users of oil free zone facilities, operators and users of port and marine terminals, gasoline distributors, natural gas importers and distributors, industry suppliers (barges, construction companies) and lenders.

Representative Clients

RTZ Corporation Plc., Inmet Mining Corporation, Korea Resources Corporation, BHP, Chevron Corporation, ExxonMobil y Puma Energy.