Gold prices hit 15 all-time highs in 2025 and have breached the US$3,000 level. The precious metal is always in the limelight as a go-to financial asset during economic uncertainties. Today, investors gravitate to gold to protect wealth because of an escalating trade war and a potential inflationary period.
The trending demand for gold triggered a bull market in mining stocks. As of March 21, 2025, the materials sector, where metals and mining stocks belong, is up +20.08% versus the broad market’s +0.97%. Utilities, the second top-performing sector, is far second with +2.95%.
Geopolitical and economic developments should sustain interest in Canadian mining companies. Alamos Gold (TSX:AGI) and Aura Minerals (TSX:ORA), in particular, are the top gold mining stocks to buy in 2025.
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Record financial performance
Alamos Gold operates high-quality, long-life assets with an average mine life of 20 years. The $15.7 billion intermediate gold producer operates in safe, low-risk jurisdictions. Growing production, expanding margins, and record financial performance lend confidence to invest in this large-cap mining stock.
This dividend payer (0.49% yield) trades at $37.40 per share (+41.17% year to date) after posting a new 52-week high of $37.78 on March 20, 2025. In the fourth quarter (Q4) and full-year 2024, net earnings increased 86% and 35% year over year to US$88 million and US$284 million. For the year, cash flow from operations rose 40% to $661 million from a year ago.
John A. McCluskey, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Alamos, said, “We delivered another record year operationally and financially driven by strong performances across our operations. Production grew 7% to 567,000 ounces, meeting our increased guidance and achieving a new annual record for the second consecutive year.”
Market analysts recommend a buy to strong buy rating for this top-tier mining stock.
TSX30 Winner
Aura Minerals ranked number one in the 2022 TSX30 List, a flagship program and annual ranking of the 30 top-performing Canadian stocks. Seven other mining companies joined the list that year. The $1.88 billion mid-tier gold and copper production company operates and develops gold and base metal projects in the Americas. Its four operating mines (Mexico, Honduras, and two in Brazil) have visible exploration potential.
Its president and CEO, Rodrigo Barbosa, said, “In 2024, we doubled our EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization] to US$267 million, with average gold prices of nearly US$2,400 per ounce Oz, well below current levels, while keeping costs firmly under control with our all-in sustaining costs (AISC) at US$1,320 per ounce, below the industry average.”
For the full year, net revenue and adjusted net income rose 43% and 39% year over year to US$594.2 million and US$81.5 million, respectively. In Q4 2024, Aura recorded its second consecutive record high quarterly adjusted EBITDA (US$79.3 million). Barbosa noted the zero lost time incidents across all operations and projects during the same quarter.
Aura Minerals boasts a high-quality portfolio and visible growth outlook, including a project under construction and two projects in development. At $25.71 per share, ORA is up +47.02% year to date and pays a sector-leading 4.59% dividend.
Safety net
Canada’s mining industry is one of the largest in the world. Moreover, the TSX has the most mining stocks compared to other equities markets. Alamos Gold or Aura Minerals are solid options if you want exposure to the mining sector and a safety net.
