Mining in Peru

Hernández & Cía

Hernández & Cía’s mining team provides comprehensive advice to a range of both national and international companies in the mining industry, handling matters that range from exploration and extraction issues to project development and financing, permitting and regulatory compliance. Recognised for his significant expertise in the development of mining projects, Luis Felipe Huertas Del Pino jointly leads the team together in conjunction with mining, environmental and arbitration expert Luis Rodríguez-Mariátegui; and Miyanou Dufour, whose broad practice spans regulatory matters, the negotiation of corporate and financing contracts and mining project development. The senior team was further strengthened in January 2024 with the promotion of Juan Pablo Macassi to the partnership; he is an additional key contact for matters related to exploration and exploitation. Also promoted at the start of the year, counsel Lorena Tanji focuses on mining and environmental regulation; while senior associate Joseline Pérez's practice centres on regulatory matters and occupational health-and-safety in the mining sector.

Praxisleiter:

Luis Rodríguez-Mariátegui; Luis Felipe Huertas del Pino; Miyanou Dufour


Referenzen

‘Estudio Hernandez has a very efficient and proactive team.’

‘The service is personalised, the attention of Luis Felipe Huertas and Joselin Pérez is efficient and they both provide very quick responses.’

‘Excellent knowledge of the issues they advise on.’

Kernmandanten

Aurifera Tres Cruces


Camino Minerals Corp


Compañía Minera Antamina


Compañía Minera Antapaccay


Compañía Minera Raura


Compañía Minera San Ignacio de Morococha


Compañía Minera Santa Luisa


Consorcio Cementero del Sur


Gold Fields La Cima


Hudbay Perú


Lumina Copper


Marcobre


Minera La Granja


Minera Las Bambas


Minsur


Republic of Perú


Rio Tinto Minera Perú


Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration


Silver Crown Royalties


Southern Peaks Mining


Volcan Compañía Minera


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Rio Tinto Peru on the sale of its shares to First Quantum Minerals whereby the latter acquired a 55% interest in La Granja project, with Rio Tinto holding the remaining 45% interest.
  • Advised Minera La Granja on the implementation of development projects in the La Granja Project area, which is financed with 50% of the semi-annual payments made by Rio Tinto to the Peruvian State.
  • Assisted Compañía Minera Antamina with identifying and scheduling the applicable governmental approvals to obtain a life-of-mine extension.

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados

Rodrigo, Elías & Medrano Abogados maintains a sizeable and thriving mining practice which proves to be the go-to choice for a host of clients. The team stands out for its expertise in the full spectrum of both contentious and non-contentious matters in the mining sector, where it notably handles high-value M&A and financing transactions involving royalty, take-off and streaming agreements, as well as regulatory and disputes matters, including administrative proceedings and domestic and international arbitration. ‘Megastar’ Luis Carlos Rodrigo Prado heads a team that also includes Oscar Benavides, noted for his prowess in structuring and negotiation of exploration, development and exploitation contracts; Claudio Ferrero, an expert in financing and M&A transactions; and Francisco Tong, who is recognised for his understanding of mining administrative regulations and environmental issues. Francisco Barrios specialises in permitting strategies and the expansion of mining projects, while January-2023 partner promotion Diego Pachas focuses on licensing, legal audits of permits, and occupational health and safety matters. At associate level, senior Tomás Denegri focuses on project finance, M&A, and exploration, joint venture and mining project investment contracts; while Mariana Delgado specialises in mining law and environmental regulation.

Praxisleiter:

Luis Carlos Rodrigo


Referenzen

‘This is one of the most prestigious law firms in Peru. It has lawyers specialised in all the different areas required by a company.’

‘The team at Rodrigo Elias Medrano is led by Luis Carlos Rodrigo and is by far the best in Peru. The team is highly sophisticated, has an in-depth knowledge of the mining and energy industry acquired over the past decades and provides outstanding advice.’

‘Luis Carlos Rodrigo is an absolute star. He is one of the best advocates I have ever met. He is brilliant. His knowledge of the mining sector is outstanding, and his advice is always head-on and well thought through.’

Kernmandanten

Adar Mining Corp


Anglo American Quellaveco


Antofagasta Resources


Barrick Gold Corporation


Bear Creek Mining


Sociedad Minera Cerro Verde (Freeport-McMoRan and SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands – Sumitomo)


Cerro de Pasco Resources (sucursal del Perú)


Compañia Minera Antamina


First Quantum Minerals


Fortescue Minerals


Hartree Partners


Hudbay Peru


Javellin Global Commodities


La Arena


Lundin Mining Corporation


MINSUR


Marcobre


Minera Antares


Minera Las Bambas


Minera Chinalco


Minera Barrick Perú


Nittetsu Mining Co


Pan American Silver Corp


Reliant Ventures


Sierra Metals


SSR Mining Inc


Southern Peru Copper Corporation (sucursal del Peru)


Sumitomo Corporation


Trafigura Metals


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised First Quantum Minerals on the acquisition of a 55% stake in the La Granja project, a copper mining project in Peru’s northern Cajamarca region, from Rio Tinto, for an amount of $105m.
  • Advised Minera Barrick Peru on the acquisition and consolidation of exploration properties in southern Peru (Puno) from Teck Resources, Valor Resources (Kiwanda) and Xali (Minera Candente).
  • Advised Pan American Silver Corp. on the sale to Alpayana of a 92.3% stake in Compañía Minera Argentum, which operates the Morococha Mine – a copper, lead, silver, and zinc project in western Peru.

Miranda & Amado

A deep roster of major national and international mining companies routinely turns to Miranda & Amado for its team’s expertise across the entire spectrum of mining operations. In addition to advising on due diligence related to the acquisition of titles and handling complex disputes before local and international arbitration panels, the practice group also routinely assists with concessions and matters related to the exploration, permitting, development and financing of mining projects. Mining law specialist Alberto Delgado heads the team, with Guillermo Bracamonte - who is particularly focused on transactional mining matters - providing additional partner-level support. Assisting clients with permitting, environmental and operational issues, as well as handling due diligence on mining prospects, counsel Luzmila Zegarra is another name to note. At associate level, Cynthia Rebaza provides key support to major clients on issues including regulation, due diligence, permitting and administrative sanctioning, among others.

Praxisleiter:

Alberto Delgado


Referenzen

‘It is a top-notch studio covering all practice areas.’

‘Guillermo Bracamonte and Alberto Delgado are two stars of the mining sector.’

Kernmandanten

Analytica Mineral Services


Apurimac Ferrum


Banco Santander Perú


Bank of America Corporation


Compañía Minera Antapaccay – Glencore


Great Panther Silver


Heeney Capital


Hochschild Mining


Las Bambas


MCQ Copper


Minera Antapaccay


Minera Chinalco Perú


Minera Las Bambas


Mitsubishi Materials Corporation


Nexa Resources


Red Citadel Resources


Scotiabank Peru


Sierra Metals Inc.


Silver Mountain Resources


Sociedad Minera Reliquias


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Apurimac Ferrum with all its legal matters in Peru, including corporate and contractual issues, regulatory compliance with mining and environmental laws and the analysis of new projects and investment opportunities.
  • Advising Heeney Capital on the negotiation, execution and closing of a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of up to 90% of the issued shares in Antilla Copper, holder of the Antilla mining project.
  • Advised Minera Las Bambas on matters such as the legal structuring of new projects; mining, water and environmental permitting; transport regulations; financing (including a recent $105m financial leasing to acquire new production equipment), and litigation (including more than 35 cases involving complex issues such as claims to annul the company’s environmental permits and water rights).

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria

Philippi Prietocarrizosa Ferrero DU & Uria continues to provide strategic counsel to major mining companies, offering expertise in complex transactions, the negotiation of strategic contracts, permitting and regulatory affairs. The firm’s natural resources practice is co-led by the dual-qualified (Peru and New York) Rafael Lengua, who is recognised for his expertise in complex mining, corporate and financial transactions); and natural resources expert Raúl Ravina, a July-2023 partner hire from CMS Grau who contributes particular expertise in land acquisition and reclamation for investment projects. Natural resources' practice directors Roberth Rojas and Juan Pulgar-Vidal (who arrived at the firm with Ravina) specialise in acquiring and regularising surface lands for mining projects, along with associated negotiation, acquisition and titling processes. At associate level, experienced principal Sergio Cueva assists mining and natural resources companies with complex corporate/M&A, financing, and contractual matters; while senior Mitzy Longa focuses on mining and environmental regulations.

Praxisleiter:

Rafael Lengua; Raúl Ravina


Referenzen

‘PPU’s team has unique expertise in land reclamation matters, which it executes with excellent professionalism.’

‘Their experience in the field is outstanding; they are professional in every sense: treatment, knowledge, immediate response to requirements, first-class attention.’

‘They are unique in land reclamation processes, they execute it incredibly well with a lot of professionalism; they have professionals with a lot of experience in the field.’

Kernmandanten

JX Nippon Mining And Metals Exploration Peru


Minera Hampton Peru


Nexa Resources Perú


Operadores Concentrados Peruanos


Pampa Camarones


ICM Pachapaqui


Compañía Minera Caravelí


Anglo American Quellaveco


Pan American Silver


Minsur


BHP Billiton World Exploration Inc (sucursal del Peru)


Compañía Minera Miski Mayo


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised BHP on obtaining all the necessary permits to develop its mining exploration projects “Jatum Orcco”, “Huatana”, “Accopata”, “Corracorral” and “Qoya” located in the Peruvian highlands.
  • Advised Miski Mayo on all issues related to mining permits required for the operation of the Bayovar Phosphate project, located in Sehura, Piura.
  • Advised Compañía Minera Hampton on obtaining the necessary mining permits for the operation of its “Los Calatos” mining project.

Dentons Peru

Dentons Peru’s mining department advises clients on complex mergers, acquisitions, and project financing. Practice head Fernando Pickmann routinely handles M&A, permitting and financing matters, and in addition to having experience throughout the mining project life-cycle, has particular niche expertise working with start-ups in the sector. Fellow partner Mario Chirinos provides additional depth in terms of industry-specific transactional work and financings, and also handles listed and issues securities-related matters. The pair are supported by senior associate Andre Calmet who focuses on environmental regulation, permitting, and enforcement issues.

Praxisleiter:

Fernando Pickmann


Referenzen

‘The level of knowledge of Peruvian mining legislation makes Dentons the best option that I know of in the Peruvian market.’

‘Mario Chirinos is the partner handling my account and is supported by Carolina Cabada.’

Kernmandanten

Aftermath Silver


Alphastream Capital Management


Anthony Mining Corp.


Arena Investors


Aruntani Mining Group.


Bear Creek Mining Corp.


BEPO


C3 Metals


Centaurus Holding


Candente Copper Corp.


Chakana Copper Corp.


Hochschild Mining


Latam Battery Metals


Metales Estratégicos


Maverix Metals


PPX Mining Corp.


Rio2 Limited


Rayo Minerals


Regulus Resources


Sandbox Royalties Corp.


Silver X Mining Corp.


Silver Mountain Resources


Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp.


Tinka Resources


Xali Gold Corp


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Alta Copper Corp’s Peruvian subsidiary (Cañariaco Copper Peru) on the necessary regulatory requirements for the approval of the Environmental Management Instrument applicable to a mining exploration project.
  • Advised Regulus Resources on the negotiation, preparation, and revision of the agreements and documents related to a financing transaction between the client and Osisko Gold Royalties, including the preparation of the second amendment of the investment agreement, and the preparation of two additional royalty agreements and securities.
  • Advised Bear Creek Mining Corp on the negotiation and commercial strategies related to the agreement with Equinox Gold Corp for the acquisition of the Mercedes gold mine in Mexico.

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International

Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International houses a compact natural resources and environmental team which consistently guides clients through a comprehensive range of regulatory and transactional aspects in the mining industry. The team is actively involved in negotiating and drafting agreements, overseeing administrative proceedings to ensure compliance with mining obligations, and managing complex project finance and financing transactions for mining companies. Valentin Paniagua Jara heads a five strong practice, focusing on transactions in the mining and natural resources sector, including project finance, and company and asset acquisitions and sales. Following the departures of partners Ina María Drago and Cinthya Delgado in July and December 2023, respectively, key support is provided by senior associate Claudia Pacora (particularly as regards legal due diligence, agreement drafting, and corporate maintenance), and -on the environmental side- principal associate Nicole Freire.

Praxisleiter:

Valentín Paniagua Jara


Referenzen

‘They possess a deep understanding of the law and have a practical approach to implementing solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Activos Mineros


Andina Trade


Anglo American Quellaveco


Banco Internacional del Peru


Boyles Bros. Diamantina


Cerro de Pasco Resources (subsidiaria del Peru)


Compania Minera Santa Luisa


Compañía Minera María Reyna


Compañía Minera Zafranal


Compañía Minera Agregados Calcáreos


Compañía Minera Santa Inés y Morococha


Compañía Minera Aurifera del Sur


Consorcio ROVELLA – INMAC


Fortescue Metals Group


Freepoint Metals & Concentrates


Geotec


Global Servicios Mineros


Marcobre


Metalor Technologies (Peru)


Minera Hampton Peru


Minera Aurífera Retamas


Nexa Resources Peru


Nyrstar Ancash


OCIM Precious Metals


Organismo Supervisor de la Inversión en Energía, Minería, Energía y Petróleo – OSINERGMIN


Organismo de Fisclización y Supervisión Ambiental – OEFA


Shougang Hierro Peru


Sierra Antapite


Sociedad Nacional de Minería, Energía y Petróleo


Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada


Traxys Peru


Volcan Compañía Minera


Weston Energy


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Minera Aurífera Retamas on matters related to informal/illegal mining during 2022 following the changes in mining regulations which promote these types of activities even within areas owned by formal mining companies.
  • Advised Fortescue Metals Group on the development of a mining project in Peru, including in connection with Peruvian regulatory mining and corporate matters.
  • Advised Compañía Minera Maria Reyna on all its mining, corporate and transactional matters, including in connection with an option agreement entered into with Hudbay Peru which granted the latter options to potentially acquire several mining concessions near Hudbay’s Constancia Mine.

Rebaza, Alcázar & De Las Casas

Rebaza, Alcázar & De Las Casas’ mining team continues to be engaged by a broad array of both local and international clients for complex mining and natural resources transactions and regulatory matters. Led by mining projects expert Luis Miguel Elias, the team has ample expertise in managing corporate strategies, investments, project financing and joint ventures, among other matters. Elias is supported by a trio of experienced senior associates: David Baracco, who routinely advises on mining and other natural resources projects; Fiorella Wismann, who focuses on developing legal strategies and defences in regulatory surveillance and sanctioning processes; and Josefina Arana, whose practice is centred on M&A in the sector, (metal) streaming transactions, and advising on the development of mining projects.

Praxisleiter:

Luis Miguel Elias


Referenzen

‘The dedication provided by Luis Miguel Elias and David Baracco has been fundamental in our relationship with the firm. Their availability and response time are commendable. The meeting of deadlines has been key to handling the negotiation in the scheduled time.’

‘David Baracco, beyond being a great professional, has the necessary soft skills to be able to internalise the needs of the business units, in such a way that he outlines solutions that are narrowed down to the commercial issues but at the same time covered by his legal experience, which provides a robust and above all sustainable position. I consider David to be a very valuable lawyer, who guarantees solutions with a reliable legal basis.’

‘The knowledge of the sector and the diligent identification of the risks inherent in the agreed procedure allowed us to conduct a controlled negotiation and achieve the final objective, being at all times aware of the importance of the concessions we were granting.’

Kernmandanten

TripleFlag Mining


Doe Run Peru


Rivermet Resources


Precious Metals Concentrates


Volcan Compañía Minera


Hudbay Minerals


Nexa Resources


Glencore


Umicore


Atico Mining Corporation


BNP Paribas


Elevation Gold


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Glencore as majority shareholder in the publicly-traded company Volcan Compañía Minera, on the legal strategy and plan to segregate the non-mining assets from Volcan and restructure its multimillion-dollar debt.
  • Advised BBVA Securities, Citibank, HSBC Bank USA, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Mizuho Bank, MUFG Bank, Banco Santander (Brasil), and The Bank of Nova Scotia (as lenders) on the multimillion-dollar sustainability-linked revolving credit facility granted to Nexa Resources.
  • Advised Doe Run Peru on the restarting of mining operations at the Complejo Metalúrigico de La Oroya (CMLO), the largest metallurgic facility in Peru.

Rubio Leguía Normand

Rubio Leguía Normand's mining department stands as a trusted advisor to numerous local and international mining companies operating in Peru. The firm excels in providing comprehensive guidance across all facets of mining operations, from the development and acquisition of mining assets to addressing permitting and compliance challenges. Mining law expert Xennia Forno leads the practice, regularly advising clients on strategic planning, permit procurement, and various aspects related to the exploration, exploitation-beneficiation, and closure of mines. Complementing the leadership, younger partner Miguel Angel Soto's practice encompasses environmental regulation, energy and hydrocarbons, as well as the mining sector, where he is highly regarded for his proficiency handling the broad array of project matters, including corporate operations, agreement negotiation, permit management, and regulatory compliance. Diego Grisolle left the firm in March 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Xennia Forno


Referenzen

‘Rubio Leguía Normand’s partners have extensive knowledge of and experience in the market, which allows them to have answers and practical and innovative solutions for the various issues that are required of them.’

‘The mining team is led by Xennia Forno, who has extensive knowledge of the sector. Miguel Angel Soto’s advice is outstanding!’

‘They have an interdisciplinary team in the firm, which allows them to give support and backing to the various queries or requirements that we may have.’

Kernmandanten

Abundia Minerals


Barrick Gold Corporation – Minera Barrick Peru


Anglo American Quellaveco / Anglo American Perú


Aluminum Corporation of China – Minera Chinalco Peru


Cerámica San Lorenzo


Compañía Minera Santa Luisa


Consorcio Minero Horizonte


Fortuna Silver Mines – Minera Bateas


Fresnillo Peru


Gold Fields


Hartree Metals


Jinzhao Mining Perú


Minera Boroo Misquichilca


Metalúrgica Business Perú


Minera Caraveli


Minera Las Bambas


Minera Peñoles de Perú


Minera Poderosa


Minera Waricocha


Mitsui Mining & Smelting


Newmont Mining Corporation – Minera Yanacocha / Newmont Perú


Nexa Resources


Operadores Concentrados Peruanos


Pucara Gold – Pucara Resources


Quimpac


Shougang Hierro Perú


Southern Peaks Mining – Minera Condestable


South32 Group Operation


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Minera Las Bambas on social matters regarding illegal mining activities and implemented a legal and social plan against illegal miners who have invaded the mining concessions of Las Bambas expansion area.
  • Advised Minera Chinalco on mining matters for the development of the Toromocho Project expansion.
  • Advised Banco de Credito del Peru and Banco Santander in connection with an agreement with Sierra Metals, holder of the Yauricocha mine, to refinance a loan upto an equivalent of $100m to develop mining projects in Peru and Mexico, as well as the granting of a new credit facility totalling $18.75m.

Cillóniz & Valencia Abogados

'A highly specialised boutique in mining, energy and environmental matters', the team at Cillóniz & Valencia Abogados is led by the seasoned Diego Cillóniz, praised by clients for his expertise in the mining and oil-and-gas sectors. Cillóniz provides comprehensive guidance to mining companies throughout all stages of their exploration and operational phases. The team, while maintaining a focus on the mining exploration industry, also handles various corporate, permitting, and contractual matters. A key figure in this space is fellow name partner Fernando Valencia Dibós, who provides a full range of advice regarding environmental and regulatory compliance, permitting, facility siting and corporate transactions; he also assists with the implementation of land acquisition and permitting strategies for high-value exploration projects. Jimena Noriega is the key name at associate level, with the team being further strenghened with the hire of Aritha Neyra from Rebaza, Alcázar & De Las Casas in September 2023.

Praxisleiter:

Diego Cillóniz


Referenzen

‘Diego Cillóniz has extensive experience in mining matters, both in property and mining concessions as well as in mining contracts such as streamings, royalties, options, etc. He is always available and has a great knowledge of the local industry.’

‘Technical quality and knowledge of the local mining industry.’

‘Diego Cillóniz is an efficient executive corporate lawyer to be retained.’

CMS Grau

CMS Grau has a long trajectory in mining matters but is currently rebuilding its capabilities following departures during the course of 2023. Despite this, the team advises a broad range of clients across the mining industry on a range of complex regulatory and transactional matters while also handling administrative disputes with entities such as OSINERGMIN, OEFA, and ANA. The team is jointly led by senior partner Miguel Grau, who has an unparalleled trajectory in the sector; managing partner Juan Carlos Escudero, an expert in M&A transactions, and María Cristina Alva, a January-2024 hire (formerly in-house at Hochschild) who brings additional expertise in corporate, mining and environmental law. The team also includes environmental practice head Vito Verna and administrative law specialist Ramon Huapaya; both have been particularly active of late. Huapaya and associate Oscar Alejos are the key names for regulatory matters.

Praxisleiter:

Miguel Grau; Juan Carlos Escudero; María Cristina Alva


Referenzen

‘María Cristina Alva has significant experience as an in-house lawyer in the national mining sector.’

‘María Cristina Alva is a skilled person with an enriched knowledge of the mining sector, her experience in the mining sector is an exceptional benefit compared to other mining areas that do not have the know-how from inside the mining company. She has an exceptional ability to find practical solutions.’

‘María Cristina Alva is a lawyer with a lot of experience in the mining sector.’

Kernmandanten

Goldfields La Cima


Minera Las Bambas


Compañía de Minas Buenaventura


Minera Colquisiri


Compañia Minera Antamina


Apumayo


Nexa Resources Perú


Aruntani


Anabi


Compañía Minera Zafranal


Anglo American Quellaveco


Bear Creek Mining


Miski Mayo


Glencore


Depósitos Químicos Mineros


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted Compañía Minera Zafranal with an environmental legal compliance assessment.
  • Advised Anglo-American Quellaveco on environmental and mining legal compliance assessments.
  • Advised Compañia de Minas Buenaventura on the “Systematisation of Environmental Commitments”.

Cuatrecasas

Cuatrecasas has significantly enhanced the capabilities of its Lima-based mining team with the July-2023 appointment of specialist practitioner Ina Drago (from Estudio Echecopar member firm of Baker McKenzie International) as head of the firm’s natural resources and environmental practice. Drago advises clients on all stages of mining projects - including acquisition, development and operation - and is accustomed to acting for mining service providers, financial entities and private equity funds, as well as mining majors. The team provides comprehensive regulatory, administrative, and transactional advice, including advice on permitting, administrative and sanctioning procedures, and transactional counsel regarding M&A, service agreements, NSR royalties, and financings. Oscar Trelles heads the corporate, M&A and private equity practice at the firm and is a key component in the handling of complex cross-border and domestic M&A transactions in the mining sector. Key associate support is provided by Milagros Cacho, a September-2023 arrival from Rubio Leguía Normand.

Praxisleiter:

Ina Drago


Referenzen

‘Cuatrecasas Minería Perú, led by Ina Drago, is a very powerful firm and works hand in hand with the M&A team.’

‘They are very commercial and make deals go through. On the regulatory side they are also solid and make things happen.’

‘Ina María Drago leads the area and is an excellent mining lawyer. She is very good at regulatory and transactional matters. We recently managed to get a transaction through in 3 days.’

Kernmandanten

Stracon


Sierra Sun Group


Cerro de Pasco Resources Inc.


Bulmint


Hudbay Perú


Volcan Compañía Minera


American Sierra Gold Corp.


Aesa Infraestructura y Minería


San Martin Contratistas Generales


Sociedad Minera La Heroica


Minsur


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Stracon on buying a stake in EGM Colombia, which is developing the San Ramon Mine in Colombia.
  • Advised Cerro de Pasco Resources (and its Peruvian subsidiary) on day-to-day legal matters concerning mining, regulatory compliance, environmental matters, permit application, surface land management, corporate governance and transactional matters related to its Santander Mine in Peru.
  • Day-to-day legal advice to Sierra Sun Group regarding mining, regulatory compliance and environmental matters, along with permit applications, surface land management issues, corporate governance, and tax matters related to its Antapite and Sumac Rumi mines.