The surface mining equipment industry in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) plays a critical role in meeting the demands of natural resource extraction. Companies in this sector include equipment manufacturers, service providers, and technology firms that supply essential machinery such as excavators, loaders, and haul trucks. Exposure to sustainable practices and technological advancements is key, with strong trends towards reducing carbon footprints and improving operational efficiency. As the world increasingly prioritizes sustainability, companies are pivoting towards renewable energy solutions and improved mining practices to align with environmental goals. The future looks promising, with innovation driving industry growth.


This list highlights ten influential investors in the DACH surface mining equipment market, spanning corporate giants and private equity firms. Headquartered mainly in Switzerland and Germany, these investors vary significantly in size, with some employing over 10,000 individuals. Founded between 1864 and 2004, these firms engaged in a combined total of 49 investments in 2024, underlining their robust commitment to shaping the future of surface mining. Their strategic moves range from acquisitions that enhance capabilities to investments that focus on sustainability and innovative solutions, reflecting evolving industry dynamics.


Top 10 Surface Mining Equipment Investors in DACH


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 in the sectors of metals, minerals, and energy, supplying essential commodities like copper, cobalt, and oil to various industries. In 2023, Glencore was involved in a significant acquisition of approximately 82.19% of PolyMet Mining Corp. through a rights offering, which raised approximately US$195 million. This investment not only highlights Glencore's commitment to the mining sector but also indicates their strategic interest in companies that may require surface mining equipment. Additionally, Glencore has participated in various debt financing transactions with companies like Capstone and Vedanta Resources, further demonstrating their active role in the mining industry.


2. Holcim

  • Website: holcim.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Zug, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1912
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 12
  • LinkedIn: lafargeholcim

Holcim is a corporate investor based in Zug, Switzerland, specializing in innovative and sustainable construction solutions. Founded in 1912, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and is a leading manufacturer of building materials, including cement, aggregates, and ready-mix concrete. Holcim's investment strategy includes a focus on decarbonizing building practices and driving circular construction. Notably, Holcim has made several strategic acquisitions in the aggregates sector, such as Teko Mining in Serbia, which operates multiple quarries and sells millions of tons of aggregates annually. This acquisition enhances Holcim's presence in the Serbian market and aligns with their 'Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth'. Additionally, their acquisition of Comacsa and Utelite Corporation further strengthens their position in key growth markets and expands their range of low-carbon products. These transactions highlight Holcim's commitment to integrating sustainable practices within the surface mining and aggregates industry.


3. 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. is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 1878. With a global presence and a workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. Notably, SGS has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the mining sector. In 2008, they acquired Geostat Systems International, enhancing their expertise in orebody modeling and resource estimation, which are critical for surface mining operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Western Geotechnics further strengthens their position in the mining industry. SGS's commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and meeting regulatory standards makes them a significant player in the mining sector, including surface mining.


4. Sika

  • Website: sika.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1910
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sika

Sika AG is a specialty chemicals company founded in 1910, headquartered in Baar, Zug, Switzerland. With a global presence in 103 countries, Sika develops and produces innovative solutions primarily for the construction and industrial sectors. Their product range includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing systems, and flooring solutions, catering mainly to construction companies and contractors. In recent years, Sika has expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions, including the acquisition of Thiessen Team USA in July 2023, which specializes in shotcrete and grouting products for the mining industry. This acquisition aims to strengthen Sika's position in the US mining market and leverage cross-selling opportunities. Additionally, Sika has made other acquisitions, such as Sable Marco Inc. and LCS Optiroc, which, while not directly related to surface mining equipment, showcase Sika's growth strategy and diversification efforts in related sectors.


5. Hannover Finanz

  • Website: hannoverfinanz.de
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany
  • Founded year: 1979
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: hannoverfinanz

Hannover Finanz is a private equity firm based in Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in providing equity capital to medium-sized family businesses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on sustainable growth through strategic investments and consulting services. Hannover Finanz has been involved in several notable transactions, including the acquisition of Teupen Maschinenbau GmbH in 2012, a company that manufactures specialized machinery, potentially relevant to the surface mining equipment sector. Other acquisitions include WIDOS Wilhelm Dommer Söhne GmbH in 2017, VEMAG Maschinenbau GmbH in 1990, and Technotrans in 1991, showcasing their long-standing commitment to investing in manufacturing and technology-driven companies. In 2024, they also acquired a significant minority interest in PEAK Technology GmbH, further emphasizing their focus on growth funding and support for innovative businesses.


6. Palfinger Ag

  • Website: palfinger.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1932
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: palfinger

Palfinger AG, founded in 1932 and based in Bergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a leading manufacturing company specializing in cranes and lifting equipment. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Palfinger provides a diverse range of products, including knuckle boom cranes, service cranes, and marine equipment, primarily serving the construction, mining, and municipal sectors. Their offerings are designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety in heavy lifting applications. Notably, Palfinger has made strategic acquisitions to expand its market presence, including the acquisition of Bergen Group Dreggen, which is relevant to the mining sector. This acquisition, along with others like Ratcliff-Palfinger and Hidrokon, demonstrates Palfinger's commitment to enhancing its product range and capabilities, making it a significant player in the surface mining equipment industry.


7. Mercuria


Mercuria Energy Group Ltd. is a corporate investor based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded in 2004. It operates globally in the commodity markets, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. Mercuria provides trading services and invests in sustainable projects, catering to various industries reliant on energy procurement and management. Notably, Mercuria has engaged in significant transactions within the mining sector, including a US$42 million loan to Wiluna Mining Corporation to support their sulphide expansion program, aimed at increasing gold production. Additionally, Mercuria participated in funding rounds for companies like Lilac Solutions, which focuses on lithium extraction technology, and ClearFlame Engine Technologies, which develops renewable fuel technologies. These investments reflect Mercuria's strategic interest in sectors that intersect with mining and energy, reinforcing its relevance in the surface mining equipment context.


8. Heidelberg Materials


Heidelberg Materials, founded in 1873 and based in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading building materials manufacturer that produces and distributes essential products such as cement, aggregates, ready-mixed concrete, and asphalt. The company serves construction and infrastructure development customers, providing reliable and sustainable materials to meet the growing demands of housing and economic development. In recent years, Heidelberg Materials has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position, including the acquisition of Bach & Co. in 2023, which involved aggregate assets crucial for surface mining operations. Additionally, their acquisition of Alex Fraser Group in 2018, a provider of recycled construction materials and asphalt, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the construction materials sector. These transactions highlight Heidelberg Materials' active role in the aggregates market, which is closely linked to surface mining activities.


9. Deutz Ag

  • Website: deutz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 1864
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: deutzofficial

DEUTZ AG, founded in 1864 and based in Herten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a corporate investor and a leading engine manufacturer specializing in advanced drive systems and engine technology. The company offers a diverse range of products, including diesel, hydrogen, and electric engines, along with spare parts and maintenance services. Their customer base primarily includes businesses in agriculture, construction, and transportation, which rely on DEUTZ's solutions for efficient and reliable engine performance. Notably, DEUTZ AG has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its service network and market reach, such as the acquisition of DPS Power Group, which focuses on off-road applications, and the establishment of Deutz Service Center Barcelona to strengthen their service capabilities in Spain. These transactions reflect DEUTZ's commitment to expanding its influence in sectors that are relevant to surface mining equipment, making them a significant player in this space.


10. NRW.BANK

  • Website: nrwbank.de
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Neunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
  • Founded year: 2002
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: nrw.bank

NRW.BANK is a public entity serving as the development bank for North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, founded in 2002. It provides financial services such as loans and equity financing to support small and medium-sized enterprises, affordable housing, and municipal infrastructure projects. The bank plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and social development in the region. Notably, NRW.BANK has participated in funding rounds for companies like talpasolutions, which raised €4.5 million in a Series A round to accelerate its expansion in industries including mining, and €15 million in a Series B round. This involvement highlights NRW.BANK's engagement in sectors relevant to surface mining equipment, showcasing its potential as an investor in this field.



Surface Mining Equipment Insights: Key Investors in DACH


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
HolcimZug, Zug, Switzerland10001+191212
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785
SikaBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19102
Hannover FinanzHanover, Lower Saxony, Germany11-5019792
Palfinger AgBergheim, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10001+19320
MercuriaGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland1001-500020047
Heidelberg MaterialsHeidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18734
Deutz AgHerten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-500018644
NRW.BANKNeunkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1001-5000200210


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