The zinc mining industry in Europe plays a critical role in supplying essential materials for construction, technology, and various manufacturing processes. Operating within this sector are large corporations, mid-sized firms, and specialized service providers that mine, refine, and trade zinc and its derivatives. As sustainability and responsible sourcing gain traction, companies are increasingly adopting practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. With increasing demand for zinc in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy solutions, the industry is poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and new market opportunities across the continent.


This article showcases nine noteworthy investors in the European zinc mining sector, comprising both corporate entities and private equity firms. The firms vary in size, headquarters, and founding years but share a keen interest in the zinc market. With investments ranging from strategic acquisitions to direct equity deals, 2024 saw these investors engage actively, reflecting a robust investment landscape. Noteworthy participants include Glencore, a seasoned miner, and Appian Capital, focusing on expanding their zinc portfolios, demonstrating significant capital influx in this essential sector.


Top 9 Zinc 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 to businesses worldwide, supporting their production and manufacturing needs. Glencore is committed to responsible sourcing and sustainability in its operations. In recent years, Glencore has been involved in several significant transactions relevant to the mining industry. For instance, they announced the acquisition of a 56.25% stake in the MARA project from Pan American Silver for $475 million, which will increase their total stake to 100%. This project is expected to enhance their portfolio in the mining sector, potentially including zinc operations. Additionally, Glencore has participated in various financing activities, such as the debt financing for Vedanta Resources and post-IPO equity for companies like Group Eleven Resources and The Metals Company, indicating their active engagement in the mining and resource sectors.


2. 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, founded in 1917. The company specializes in the extraction and production of essential metals and minerals, including copper, diamonds, and platinum group metals. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Anglo American is committed to sustainable practices while serving various industries that rely on their materials for modern infrastructure and technology. In recent years, Anglo American has made significant investments, including a notable investment in Canada Nickel Company, where they subscribed for common shares totaling C$26.15 million. This investment reflects their interest in the mining sector beyond their primary focus, potentially including zinc mining opportunities. Additionally, they have engaged in various funding rounds and acquisitions, showcasing their active role in the mining industry.


3. 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 services 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 their business customers. In recent years, Metso has made several strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the mining sector. Notably, they acquired Swiss Tower Mills Minerals AG, increasing their ownership to 100%, which is significant for milling technology in mining. Additionally, their acquisition of Ab A. Häggblom Oy, a company specializing in mining truck bodies, further enhances their capabilities in the mining sector. Metso's acquisition of HighService Service, which specializes in maintenance services for the mining industry in South America, also highlights their commitment to supporting mining operations. These transactions indicate Metso's active role in the mining industry, making them a potential player in the zinc mining sector as well.


4. Ocean Partners UK Limited


Ocean Partners UK Limited is a corporate investor based in Maidenhead, England, founded in 2004. The company specializes in trading and consulting services for miners, smelters, and refiners in the metal industry. They provide a range of services including concentrate trading, warehousing, blending, and structured finance, which help clients optimize their operations and market strategies. In 2023, Ocean Partners increased its stake in Doré Copper Mining Corp. by acquiring 2,058,000 common shares, indicating their active involvement in the mining sector. Additionally, they have participated in several debt transactions with mining companies, such as raising funds for Guanajuato Silver Company and Galantas Gold, further demonstrating their engagement in the mining industry, which includes zinc.


5. Appian Capital Advisory LLP


Appian Capital Advisory LLP is a private equity investment advisory firm based in London, England, specializing in the metals and mining sectors. Founded in 2011, the firm provides equity investments, credit, and royalties to mining operations, assisting them in securing funding and operational expertise. Notably, Appian has recently acquired an almost 90% stake in the Rosh Pinah underground zinc mine in Namibia from Trevali Mining, which underscores their commitment to expanding their zinc asset portfolio. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to focus on critical minerals essential for the energy transition. In addition to their zinc investments, Appian has also been involved in other transactions, such as acquiring mineral sands deposits from Iluka Resources, showcasing their diverse investment approach within the mining sector.


6. SLR Consulting

  • Website: slrconsulting.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Aylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: slr-consulting

SLR Consulting is a corporate consulting firm based in Aylesbury, England, specializing in sustainability solutions across various sectors, including mining. Founded in 1994, SLR provides services in ESG strategy, environmental consulting, and project delivery. In 2024, SLR Consulting has made significant strides in the mining sector by acquiring several firms, including the Mining Advisory division of RPMGlobal, which enhances their expertise in mining advisory services. They also acquired Palmer Environmental Consulting, a Canadian firm focused on resources and development, and SGA, an environmental consultancy in Chile, which strengthens their presence in the Latin American mining market. These acquisitions reflect SLR's commitment to expanding their capabilities in the mining industry, including sectors relevant to zinc mining.


7. Climate Investment (CI)


Climate Investment (CI) is an investment firm based in London, UK, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in providing early-stage to growth equity capital to companies in energy-intensive sectors, with a strong emphasis on climate-related innovations and decarbonization solutions. CI supports market adoption of technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Among their notable transactions, CI participated in a Series D funding round for ZincFive, which raised $54 million in December 2022. ZincFive is known for its work in zinc-based energy storage solutions, which aligns with CI's focus on sustainable technologies. This investment highlights CI's engagement with the zinc sector, complementing their broader mission of supporting climate-friendly innovations.


8. United Capital Partners


United Capital Partners (UCP) is a private equity investment management firm based in Moscow, Russia, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in managing assets for co-investors and focuses on liquid instruments, private equity, and special situations. UCP aims to maximize shareholder value through effective investment strategies. Notably, UCP has been involved in significant transactions in the zinc mining sector, including the investment in the Chelyabinsk Zinc Plant in December 2014, where they participated in a private equity round. Additionally, they acquired Severalmaz in January 2008, further showcasing their engagement in the mining industry. While UCP primarily invests in sectors such as oil and gas, consumer goods, and IT, their involvement in zinc mining highlights their capability and interest in this sector.


9. 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 workforce of over 10,000 employees, SGS provides independent services to ensure product quality and compliance across various industries. In the context of mining, SGS has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities. Notably, the acquisition of Geostat Systems International in 2008, a company specializing in geostatistics and resource estimation, enhances SGS's expertise in orebody modeling and resource estimation, which are vital for mining operations, including those in the zinc sector. Additionally, SGS's acquisition of Western Geotechnics further solidifies its position in providing essential services to the mining industry. These transactions indicate SGS's commitment to supporting mining operations, including those focused on zinc, through its specialized services.



Zinc Mining Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
GlencoreBaar, Zug, Switzerland10001+19783
Anglo AmericanLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19175
MetsoEspoo, Uusimaa, Finland10001+20202
Ocean Partners UK LimitedMaidenhead, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020041
Appian Capital Advisory LLPLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000020111
SLR ConsultingAylesbury, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019946
Climate Investment (CI)London, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201610
United Capital PartnersMoscow, Moscow, Russia11-5020060
SgsGeneva, Geneva, Switzerland10001+18785


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