The zinc mining industry in the US focuses on extracting and processing zinc, a crucial metal used in construction, automotive, and electronics. Various companies, from large corporations to specialized mining firms, operate within this sector, delivering products such as zinc concentrate and refined metal. With growing applications in galvanization and corrosion prevention, demand for zinc is rising. Innovations in mining practices and sustainability efforts are also shaping the industry’s future. Notably, the US possesses rich zinc deposits, primarily in states like Alaska and Tennessee, which could bolster production and contribute to economic growth in years to come.


The list of zinc mining investors features a mix of private equity firms, corporate investors, and government entities, primarily based in the US. Headquartered in notable cities like Denver and New York, these firms range in size, from small teams to large organizations. Founded from 1812 to 2016, they exhibit distinct strategies in their investment approaches. In 2024, deal counts varied significantly, with some investors engaging in over a hundred transactions while others pursued a select few, showcasing the varied levels of interest and commitment within the zinc mining sector.


Top 11 Zinc Mining Investors in the US


1. Orion Resource Partners (USA) LP


Orion Resource Partners (USA) LP is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in metals and materials. Founded in 2004, the firm provides a range of investment solutions, including resource royalties and mine finance, primarily targeting institutional investors. Orion Resource Partners focuses on addressing challenges in the metals sector and advancing sustainable economic growth through tailored financial strategies. Notably, they have been involved in significant transactions such as Adriatic Metals' $142.5 million post-IPO debt raise in October 2021, which is relevant to the mining sector. Additionally, they participated in multiple funding rounds for Capstone, including a $239 million post-IPO secondary raise in March 2023, further demonstrating their active role in financing mining operations. These transactions highlight their commitment to investing in the mining industry, including zinc-related ventures.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing needs such as employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2024, the Government of Canada was involved in several significant transactions within the mining sector, providing grants to companies such as Glencore Canada, Rio Tinto, Canada Nickel Company, Fireweed Metals, and Generation Mining. These transactions, particularly those involving Canada Nickel Company and Fireweed Metals, highlight the government's role in supporting the mining industry, including zinc mining, through financial assistance. This involvement indicates a commitment to fostering growth in the mining sector, which includes zinc mining activities.


3. Resource Capital Funds


Resource Capital Funds is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 1998. The firm specializes in mining investments and partners with investors and mining companies to mobilize capital for various mining projects. They emphasize sustainable practices and innovative technologies in their investments. Notably, Resource Capital Funds has been actively involved in the zinc mining sector through their transactions with Norzinc, including an acquisition on October 5, 2022, for $12,721,703, and multiple funding rounds that raised significant capital for the company. These transactions highlight their commitment to supporting zinc mining operations and development, making them a relevant player in this industry.


4. Crescat Capital

  • Website: crescat.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: crescat-capital

Crescat Capital is an asset management firm based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investment strategies that encompass hedge funds and separately managed accounts, focusing on macroeconomic themes and activist investments. Crescat caters to both individual and institutional investors seeking to enhance their wealth through diversified portfolios. Notably, Crescat has been involved in several transactions relevant to the mining sector, including investments in Cantex Mine Development, which raised over $2 million in two separate post-IPO equity transactions in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, they participated in a private placement for Tectonic Metals, further demonstrating their active role in the mining industry. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to investing in mining companies, including those focused on zinc.


5. Nebari Holdings

  • Website: nebari.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: nebariholdings

Nebari Holdings is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in the mining sector. Founded in 2016, the firm provides innovative financing solutions to both public and private mining companies, helping them navigate the complexities of funding and investment management. With a small team of experienced professionals, Nebari focuses on accelerating growth for their clients through tailored financial structures. In 2023, Nebari was involved in several significant transactions, including a $14 million post-IPO debt raise for Ascot Resources and a $31.6 million equity raising for Cyprium Metals, where they also participated in a secured loan. Additionally, they provided a financing facility of up to $37 million to Lion One Metals, which included both a senior secured loan and an equity investment. These transactions demonstrate Nebari's active role in the mining sector, indicating their potential interest in various mining opportunities, including zinc.


6. Newmont Corporation

  • Website: newmont.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1921
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: newmont

Newmont Corporation is a leading mining company based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in the extraction of gold and other minerals, including copper, silver, zinc, and lead. Founded in 1921, Newmont has established itself as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining practices, operating in multiple countries around the world. In recent years, Newmont has been involved in significant transactions that highlight its investment strategy. For instance, in 2022, Newmont Ventures Limited, a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, participated in a private placement with Awalé Resources Limited, acquiring over 3 million common shares and gaining the option to fund exploration activities. This indicates Newmont's commitment to exploring various mineral resources, including zinc. Furthermore, Newmont's acquisition of Goldcorp in 2019 and Newcrest Mining in 2023 demonstrates its strategy of expanding its portfolio, which may encompass zinc mining operations as part of its broader mineral extraction activities.


7. Citi

  • Website: citigroup.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1812
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: citi

Citigroup Inc. is a prominent financial services company based in New York, providing a wide range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses. Founded in 1812, Citi has established itself as a major player in commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management. In recent years, Citi has been involved in various significant transactions within the mining sector, including a $126 million debt financing for Compañía Minera Raura, which is relevant to zinc mining. Additionally, Citi has participated in financing for other mining companies, such as OceanaGold Corporation, indicating its active role in the mining industry. These transactions highlight Citi's capability and interest in supporting mining operations, making it a noteworthy investor in the context of zinc mining.


8. The Electrum Group


The Electrum Group LLC is a private equity investment adviser based in New York, specializing in strategic investments in precious and base metals. Founded in 2012 and led by Thomas S. Kaplan, the firm leverages extensive expertise in the metals and mining sector to provide investment management services. Notably, The Electrum Group has participated in significant transactions such as the investment in Trilogy Metals, where they contributed to a bought deal financing that raised approximately $28.7 million. This investment highlights their involvement in the base metals sector, which includes zinc. Additionally, they have engaged in multiple funding rounds for Nickel Creek Platinum, further showcasing their active role in the mining industry. While their focus may not be exclusively on zinc, their strategic investments in related sectors position them as a relevant player in the broader mining landscape.


9. Caterpillar Inc.

  • Website: caterpillar.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Irving, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1925
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: caterpillar-inc

Caterpillar Inc. is a prominent corporate investor based in Irving, Texas, founded in 1925. As a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, Caterpillar provides a diverse range of products, including articulated trucks, excavators, and engines, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency in the construction and mining industries. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, ensuring that its machinery meets the evolving needs of its customers. Notably, Caterpillar has participated in several significant transactions relevant to the mining sector, including a $394 million investment in Victoria Gold Corp. in 2018, which indicates their interest in mining operations. Additionally, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for MineSense Technologies, a company focused on mining technology, which further underscores their engagement in the mining industry. These activities highlight Caterpillar's strategic interest in supporting advancements in mining operations, including those that may pertain to zinc mining.


10. Auramet International

  • Website: auramet.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Teaneck, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: auramet-international

Auramet International is a corporate investor based in Teaneck, New Jersey, specializing in metal trading and financial services, particularly in precious metals. Founded in 2004, Auramet provides a range of services including purchasing, financing, and advisory for clients in the mining and manufacturing sectors. In recent transactions, Auramet has demonstrated its involvement in the zinc mining industry by providing significant financial support to Canada Nickel Company, including a secured loan facility of US$12 million in September 2023 and additional debt financing in previous years. These transactions highlight Auramet's role in facilitating capital for zinc mining operations, showcasing their capability to cater to the financial needs of mining companies.


11. Cerberus Capital Management


Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments, including credit, private equity, and real estate. Founded in 1992, the firm has a diverse portfolio and provides capital solutions and operational expertise to a wide range of investors, including pension funds and charitable foundations. In recent years, Cerberus has made significant investments in the mining sector, notably through its involvement with Torngat Metals, where it provided $50 million for the development of a rare earth project. This investment reflects Cerberus's commitment to sustainable supply chains for critical minerals, which may include elements relevant to zinc mining. Additionally, their acquisition of Cyanco Holding Corp. showcases their broader interest in the resource sector, although it is not directly related to zinc. Overall, Cerberus Capital Management's activities indicate a strategic interest in the mining industry, particularly in sustainable practices, which could align with zinc mining interests.



Zinc Mining Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Orion Resource Partners (USA) LPNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020043
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Resource Capital FundsDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)51-20019982
Crescat CapitalDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)11-5020065
Nebari HoldingsNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020164
Newmont CorporationDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)10001+19210
CitiNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+1812107
The Electrum GroupNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020123
Caterpillar Inc.Irving, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19251
Auramet InternationalTeaneck, New Jersey, United States (USA)11-5020041
Cerberus Capital ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-100019929


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