The Canadian copper sector remains a strong pillar of the 2026 mining industry, fueled by accelerating global electrification and a tightening supply outlook, which has pushed prices significantly higher than previous forecasts. While copper averaged approximately US $4.20–$4.60 per pound in 2024, surging demand from clean energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and grid modernization projects drove prices into the US $5.00–$5.50+ per pound range throughout 2025, with major analysts now forecasting the 2026 average to reach between US $5.40 and $5.90 per pound due to an anticipated global market deficit.
The copper mining industry in Canada is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2030, reaching an estimated revenue of US$6,862.1 million by 2030, driven by rising demand for refined copper, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% by 2034 due to increased consumption in energy transition industries such as electric vehicles, solar energy, and wind power, while government support for net-zero emission goals further boosts market growth alongside copper’s use in both conventional applications and sustainable energy sectors.
Because of its use in semiconductors, 5G telecommunications cables, rechargeable batteries, and renewable energy sources, many experts expect demand for copper to explode over the next decade. With nearly every market sector demanding more copper, this metal could be a worthwhile long-term investment. Below we’ll help you understand how you can profit from this growing industry.
What are copper stocks?
Copper stocks are companies involved in all stages of copper mining, from exploring and extracting to developing and producing.
As with other mining stocks, copper companies can be broken down into two groups: majors and juniors. As the name suggests, major companies are seasoned veterans that have been mining copper for decades. They typically have a proven mining method and consistent output, and you’ll often find these companies have the largest copper reserves ready to be exploited.
In contrast, juniors are smaller companies looking to expand into majors. Like growth stocks, junior copper companies could offer Canadian investors an opportunity to profit off immense upward growth. These companies, however, are often risky investments, as they may not have the financial or copper reserves of major companies.
Top Canadian copper stocks
Canada is renowned for its mining stocks, and the quality of its copper companies is no different. Below are a few top Canadian copper stocks you may want to consider.
| Copper Stocks | Description |
| Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) | Diversified mining company with operations in Canada, U.S. Chile, and Peru |
| Imperial Metals Corporation (TSX: III) | Canadian mining company focused on copper and gold properties in British Columbia |
1. Teck Resources
Teck Resources, a Vancouver-based diversified miner of steelmaking coal, copper, and zinc, is undergoing a profound strategic shift to become a critical minerals champion, primarily focused on copper. This transformation is currently centered on a proposed US$53 billion merger of equals with Anglo American. The resulting entity, expected to be named “Anglo Teck” and headquartered in Canada, would boast over 70% exposure to copper, positioning it as a top-five global producer and a key beneficiary of the global energy transition.
The transition is being accelerated by the commodity market tailwinds, as copper and other critical minerals are seeing renewed demand from electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure, pushing copper prices well above US$5.00 per pound. While Teck’s massive Quebrada Blanca 2 (QB2) mine ramp-up has faced operational challenges and lowered near-term guidance, these revised expectations align with the merger’s industrial logic. The mining sector is also seeing a broader boost from elevated gold prices, driven by macro risks and safe haven capital flows.
Teck Resources is a compelling, but complex, investment that bridges traditional resource exposure and the critical minerals future. Despite near-term production hurdles, the strategic merger with Anglo American is set to fundamentally reshape the company into a resilient, copper-dominant leader. The finalization of this deal, alongside sustained high commodity prices, will be the primary driver of Teck’s future growth and performance.
2. Imperial Metals Corporation
Imperial Metals reported strong Q3 2025 financial and production results from its Mount Polley and Red Chris copper/gold mines, with output exceeding guidance. However, the company faces judicial appeal from the Xatśūll First Nation regarding Mount Polley’s tailings facility expansion, despite securing a B.C. permit for extended mining activity.
Investing in foreign copper markets
While the Toronto Stock Exchange has highly valued copper stocks, many of the largest copper stocks in the world trade on foreign exchanges. If you’re interested in buying international stocks, here are three of the biggest names in the global copper market.
| International Copper Stocks | Description |
| BHP Group | Large Australian mining company with ambitious plans to expand copper production in Chile and Australia |
| Rio Tinto | Global mining company based in the United Kingdom |
| Southern Copper | Mexican mining company that holds the largest copper reserves in the world |
Are copper stocks a good investment?
Traditionally, copper stocks have benefited investors because the metal is used in so many different products.
Copper conducts both heat and electricity very well, so it’s ideal for both everyday household items (such as kitchen sinks, air conditioners, dishwashers, table tops, door knobs, railings, and tools) and electrical equipment (wires, cables, motors, circuit boards, microchips, photovoltaic cells, semiconductors, and wind turbines). Copper also is used to strengthen the gold and silver in jewelry.
Like other materials and metals, however, copper stocks are considered cyclical stocks, meaning they’re vulnerable to economic ups and downs. During certain periods, like the one we’re experiencing now, copper demand can skyrocket, but it won’t always be that way. Global demand can cool, especially during tough economic times, and copper companies may find themselves extracting more metal than they can sell.
Another factor affecting volatility is mining expenses. Building mines and digging for metals is expensive, and those costs only get worse if a company experiences a mild setback or delay. Likewise, because mining companies can cause grave damage to local environments, they might leave a larger footprint than investors are willing to stomach
As you’re looking at copper mining stocks, pay close attention to the company’s finances, especially their revenues, cash flow, and debt; and its copper reserves. The best copper companies have massive copper reserves with strong cash flow and low-cost mining operations.
Are copper stocks right for you?
Given that major market sectors will likely continue purchasing heavy amounts of copper over the next decade or so, copper stocks could present some attractive gains for Canadian investors.
Because of their volatility, however, you might want to keep your copper holdings low, perhaps only 5% of your overall portfolio. Buying safe and low volatility stocks with copper investments could help stabilize your overall holdings, especially during economic downturns.
Of course, if you’re not interested in handpicking your own copper stocks, you could also buy shares in a copper-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Three of the biggest copper ETFs include:
- Global X Copper Miners ETF
- United States Copper Index Fund
- iPath Series B Bloomberg Copper Subindex Total Return ETN