German Swiss manufacturer Liebherr says revenue for its mining product segment dipped 7.6% in 2025 to €1542 million as the market “experienced a marked slowdown”. However, the company says it is cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of its global mining business in 2026.
Liebherr said in its latest annual report currency fluctuations, high energy costs and increased market volatility influenced mining investment decisions in several key regions.
“In addition, shifts in global demand patterns and evolving competitive dynamics placed greater emphasis on efficiency and value for customers,” it said.
“Despite these conditions, raw material production remained steady, underscoring the long-term resilience of the sector.”
The Liebherr-family-owned manufacturer, founded in 1949 by Hans Liebherr, reported 2025 sales increases for seven of its 13 product segments. Overall group revenue was up 1% for the year at €14.77 billion while net income of €272 million compared with €258 million reported last year.
The mining arm, which increased its headcount 3.2% to 4771 people in 2025, saw North American sales decline, Africa and Asia/Oceania also soften, and Central and South America rise – led by Chile.
Liebherr said it reached several autonomy technology milestones in a year in which it invested €708 million in research and development.
“At Bauma 2025 the group unveiled an autonomous wheel loader featuring the award-winning Liebherr Autonomous Operations system. Liebherr also presented the S1 Vision: a prototype for an autonomous, battery-electric and single-axle dump truck.
“Autonomous mining trucks are also getting close to productive operations.
“In a year marked by economic headwinds and shifting customer demand, Liebherr Mining advanced its technology road map. Developments in autonomy and battery electric haulage will pave the way for improved customer solutions in the future.
“Considerable progress was made in developing autonomous and battery-electric solutions for Liebherr’s mining trucks, together with [Australian iron ore miner] Fortescue. Development and validation of the T 264 battery-electric truck continued and the Autonomous Haulage Solution has moved from development and validation to the deployment phase.”
Liebherr said a complete mine haul truck trolley solution, including truck fleet, installed at the Collahuasi copper mine in northern Chile was a first for its mining arm.
Meanwhile, Liebherr has increased the production capacity of its primary mine truck manufacturing facility in Virginia, USA, by more than 66% in response to what it says is increased demand for the vehicles.
