The nickel mining industry in Europe focuses on extracting and processing nickel, a vital metal for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy solutions. Companies in this sector range from large multinationals to specialized firms, each contributing significantly to regional supply chains. As the demand for sustainable technologies increases, the industry is leaning heavily towards environmentally friendly mining practices and innovation in refining processes. Interestingly, some European countries are discovering rich nickel deposits, positioning them as future key players in the global market. This shift indicates that Europe could become increasingly important for nickel supply.


The investors listed here are primarily corporate entities and private equity firms, predominantly headquartered in regions like London and Geneva. Established from 1873 to 2020, these organizations boast workforce sizes that range from several hundred to over 10,000 employees. In 2024, they collectively participated in several investments, showcasing their commitment to the nickel sector. Notably, firms such as Rio Tinto and Mercuria are heavily involved, reflecting a robust interest in sustaining growth within the European nickel landscape.


Top 10 Nickel Mining Investors in Europe


1. Glencore

  • Website: glencore.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: glencore

Glencore plc is a multinational commodity trading and mining company based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, founded in 1978. With over 10,000 employees, Glencore operates across various sectors, including metals, minerals, and energy. The company is known for supplying essential commodities such as copper, cobalt, and oil, supporting production and manufacturing needs across industries. In recent transactions, Glencore has demonstrated its active role in the mining sector, particularly through its involvement with PolyMet Mining. In July 2023, Glencore acquired approximately 82.19% of PolyMet's common shares during a rights offering that raised approximately US$195 million, which was used to repay debt owed to Glencore and fund a joint venture with Teck Resources Limited. This indicates Glencore's strategic interest in mining operations that may include nickel, aligning with their commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainability.


2. Rio Tinto

  • Website: riotinto.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1873
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: rio-tinto

Rio Tinto Group is a prominent mining company based in London, England, specializing in the extraction and refining of various metals and minerals, including iron ore, aluminum, and lithium. Founded in 1873, the company has a long history of operations across multiple countries, focusing on sustainable practices and innovation to meet the increasing demand for low-carbon solutions. In recent years, Rio Tinto has made significant investments, such as the acquisition of Turquoise Hill Resources for $3.3 billion in 2022, which may include interests in nickel mining. Additionally, their financing activities with companies like Western Copper and Gold demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a diverse portfolio, which could potentially include nickel projects as the market evolves. Overall, Rio Tinto's strategic investments and broad mining focus position them as a relevant player in the nickel mining sector.


3. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. The company operates globally in the commodity markets, primarily focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. They provide trading services and invest in sustainable projects, catering to businesses transitioning to net zero. In recent years, Mercuria has made notable investments in companies related to the supply of key metals, particularly those used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. For instance, they invested $120 million in TechMet, a company securing supplies of rare metals, which includes nickel, essential for EV batteries. Additionally, they participated in a $12.5 million Series A financing round for Nth Cycle, which focuses on recycling metals, further indicating their interest in the metals sector. Their loan of $42 million to Wiluna Mining Corporation, while primarily for gold production, showcases their active role in the mining industry. Overall, Mercuria's investments reflect a strategic interest in the critical materials sector, including nickel, making them a relevant player in this space.


4. Anglo American

  • Website: angloamerican.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1917
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: anglo-american

Anglo American is a prominent mining company based in London, England, specializing in the extraction and production of essential metals and minerals, including copper, diamonds, and platinum group metals. Founded in 1917, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is committed to sustainable practices in its operations. In 2023, Anglo American made a notable investment of C$26.15 million in Canada Nickel Company, acquiring over 12 million common shares. This investment is aimed at supporting exploration and operational activities in the nickel sector, highlighting their strategic interest in nickel mining. Additionally, Anglo American has a history of acquisitions and investments in various mining ventures, further solidifying their position as a key player in the mining industry.


5. Epiroc Construction Tools


Epiroc Construction Tools is a corporate investor based in Kalmar, Sweden, specializing in mining and construction equipment. Founded in 2018, the company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and focuses on enhancing productivity and safety in the mining and construction sectors through innovative technology. Epiroc has been active in acquiring companies that bolster its capabilities in the mining sector, including the acquisition of CR Mining in December 2022, which specializes in mining equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of Remote Control Technologies Pty Ltd in October 2022 enhances their automation solutions for mining operations. These transactions reflect Epiroc's commitment to supporting the mining industry, including potential applications in nickel mining, through advanced technology and equipment.


6. Metso

  • Website: metso.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: metso

Metso Corporation, founded in 2020 and based in Espoo, Uusimaa, Finland, is a corporate investor specializing in industrial machinery and technology for the mining, aggregates, and oil and gas industries. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Metso provides a range of products, including machinery, spare parts, and lifecycle services aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability for its business customers. In recent years, Metso has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the mining sector. Notably, they acquired Ab A. Häggblom Oy, a Finnish company specializing in mining truck bodies, which enhances their loading and hauling solutions. Additionally, their acquisition of HighService Service, which focuses on maintenance services for the mining industry in South America, demonstrates their commitment to supporting mining operations. These transactions indicate that Metso is actively involved in the mining industry, making it a relevant player in the context of nickel mining.


7. Stellantis

  • Website: stellantis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: stellantis-slovakia

Stellantis N.V. is a multinational automotive manufacturer based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2014. The company produces a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars and light trucks, with a strong focus on electrification and innovative mobility solutions. Stellantis operates through a diverse portfolio of iconic automotive brands and is committed to sustainability and technological advancement. In 2023, Stellantis made significant investments in the nickel mining sector, including a $9.9 million investment in Alliance Nickel and a $5.3 million investment in Kuniko, both of which are involved in nickel production. These investments reflect Stellantis's strategy to secure essential materials for electric vehicle production and support their goal of carbon neutrality by 2038.


8. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA is a public entity based in Stavanger, Norway, primarily operating in the energy sector with a focus on oil, gas, and renewable energy. Founded in 1972, the company has over 10,000 employees and is committed to becoming a net-zero emissions entity by 2050. In recent years, Equinor has expanded its investment strategy to include companies in the mineral exploration sector, particularly those that align with its sustainability goals. Notably, Equinor has participated in significant funding rounds for KoBold Metals, an AI-powered mineral exploration company that raised $537 million in Series C funding in October 2024 and $195 million in Series B funding in June 2023. These investments highlight Equinor's interest in securing access to critical minerals, including nickel, which are vital for the transition to renewable energy technologies. Additionally, Equinor's investment in Nth Cycle, which raised $37 million in December 2023, further emphasizes its commitment to sustainable practices in the mining industry.


9. Lansdowne Partners


Lansdowne Partners is an investment management firm based in London, England, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in fundamental equity investing and manages assets for sophisticated investors, including institutional clients and private wealth investors. Lansdowne offers a range of investment funds and strategies aimed at achieving long-term capital appreciation. Recently, they participated in funding rounds for TechMet, a Dublin-based start-up focused on securing the supply of key metals for electric vehicles and renewable energy, which includes nickel among other critical metals. Their involvement in TechMet's funding rounds in 2021 and 2023 highlights their commitment to investing in sectors that are pivotal for the transition to sustainable energy, thereby linking them to the nickel mining industry. Additionally, they were involved in a debt transaction with Tungsten West, further showcasing their active role in the mining sector.


10. Sgs

  • Website: sgs.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1878
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: sgs

SGS S.A., founded in 1878 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company with a global presence. The company provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In the context of mining, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities, including the acquisition of Geostat Systems International in 2008, which specializes in geostatistics and resource estimation services. This acquisition allows SGS to offer improved orebody modeling and resource estimation, which are critical for mining operations, including nickel mining. Additionally, SGS has acquired other companies like Holman-Wilfley Associates and Western Geotechnics, further expanding its expertise in the mining sector. While SGS does not directly invest in nickel mining operations, its services are vital for companies in the industry, making it a significant player in the mining support sector.



Nickel Mining Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
Rio TintoLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18734
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
Anglo AmericanLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19175
Epiroc Construction ToolsKalmar, Kalmar, Sweden10001+20183
MetsoEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland10001+20202
StellantisAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands10001+20147
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726
Lansdowne PartnersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20019984
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785


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