The company's purpose is to acquire, hold and manage participations in companies that are active in the extraction and further processing of metals and minerals. The company may conduct financial, investment, trading, fiduciary and related service transactions. It may evaluate intellectual property rights of all kinds and acquire, manage and exploit patents, licenses, manufacturing processes, trademarks and other intangible rights. The company may establish branches and subsidiaries in Switzerland and abroad and participate in other companies in Switzerland and abroad, as well as conduct all business that is directly or indirectly related to its purpose. The company may acquire, encumber, sell and manage real estate in Switzerland and abroad. It may also provide financing for its own account or for the account of third parties, as well as provide guarantees and sureties for subsidiaries and third parties.