Member Login
  1. Category
    2. /
  2. Investing
    3. /
  3. Metals and Mining Stocks
    4. /

Metals and Mining Stocks

What are mining and mineral stocks?

Mining and mineral stocks represent partial ownership in companies that find, extract, and process minerals and materials. The materials sector makes up a large portion of Canadian stocks, with the TSX having more mining stocks than any other market in the world. Here are some minerals these companies extract: 

  • Precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, palladium 
  • Industrial metals: iron, ore, zinc, cobalt, lithium, nickel, copper, aluminum 
  • Construction materials: sand, crushed stone, limestone
  • Energy materials: coal, oil sands, uranium
  • Fertilizers: boron, potash, phosphate 

How can you find good mining stocks?

1. Know the mining industry 

The mining industry is fairly complex. Not only do mining companies operate in a manner distinct from any other sector — they literally dig into the ground, not sit in swivel chairs — but also the vocabulary and industry terms can be complex, too. 

From the mining process to machinery to the minerals themselves, mining investors will do well to know exactly what a mining company does before buying its stocks. 

2. Analyze its financial strength 

Investors should find mining companies that can withstand economic downturns and recessions. Two factors that will help you assess a mining company’s finances are production costs and balance sheets. 

In general, a mining company shouldn’t be dishing out too much of its revenues to cover production. If it does, it might not remain profitable during tough economic times. The lower its operation costs, the more value mining companies can return to its investors. 

Similarly, a good mining company won’t take out enormous amounts of debt to cover expansion or production. It has a strong balance sheet, meaning it has cash on hand, as well as a capacity to borrow if it needs to. With strong finances, a good mining company will have more flexibility and strength to withstand downturns. 

3. Check here for more updates 

Finally, to help you stay up-to-date on the mining and mineral industry, check the links below for our writers’ stock analyses .With the mining industry changing as much as it has, our writers will help you choose carefully, as well as teach you how to think about stocks. 

[KevelPitch adtype=151]

Top Articles

Metals and Mining Stocks

B2Gold Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?  

| Daniel Da Costa

After struggling through 2022 while gold stocks were out of favour, B2Gold has some significant upside in 2023 as interest…

Read more »

A worker wears a hard hat outside a mining operation.
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Mining Stocks That Are Too Cheap to Ignore

| Chris MacDonald

These three mining stocks are great ways for long-term investors to gain exposure to gold as well as hedge against…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: Why You Should Invest Your Room ASAP With These 3 Stocks

| Adam Othman

Choosing the right TFSA stocks for your portfolio might take some time. But with the right choices, you can stick…

Read more »

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

These 2 Stocks Have a Lot of Risk But Their Upside Could be Huge

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking for an alternative option for your portfolio? These two stocks have a lot of risk now, but their long-term…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Buy: Newmont or Barrick Gold Stock?

| Kay Ng

If you think better days are ahead for gold miners, consider exploring gold stocks Newmont and Barrick Gold.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Invest in TSX Mining Stocks Right Now?

| Brian Paradza, CFA

A key TSX mining index has gained 16% so far this quarter. Newmont stock (TSX:NGT) could be a rewarding bet…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Could Investing in Teck Stock Help Make You a Millionaire?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

On the surface, Teck (TSX:TECK.B) stock doesn't look all that exciting. But you're going to change your tune after what…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Growth Stocks You Can Buy Right Now with Less Than $100

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Capital of less than $100 is enough to buy one of these three promising growth stocks that don't belong to…

Read more »

Recent Metals and Mining Stocks News

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, February 7

| Jitendra Parashar

An overnight recovery in oil prices could help TSX energy stocks open slightly higher today.

Read more »

Nickel ore is mined from the ground.
Metals and Mining Stocks

This Little-Known Materials Company Has Quietly Gained 20% in Just 1 Month

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This materials stock has seen revenue explode in the last year alone, causing shares to climb higher and higher. And…

Read more »

A lake in the shape of a solar, wind and energy storage system in the middle of a lush forest as a metaphor for the concept of clean and organic renewable energy.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Battery Stocks?

| Puja Tayal

The electric vehicle boom is slowing due to supply chain issues. As these issues unfold, is now the time to…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, February 6

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX investors may remain focused on corporate earnings and new geopolitical developments today.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, February 3

| Jitendra Parashar

Large-cap corporate earnings will continue to be on TSX investors’ radar today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why B2Gold Stock Stands out Among TSX Gold Miner Peers

| Vineet Kulkarni

The yellow metal has gained 18% since mid-October, while B2Gold stock has soared 30%.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Cameco Stock Rose 22% in January 2023: Should You Buy Now?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock may be up right now, but how long can that last if uranium proves to be a…

Read more »

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Canadian Mining Stocks Worth a Dig in February 2023

| Chris MacDonald

These two Canadian mining stocks are among the best options for long-term investors looking to add some defensiveness right now.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, February 1

| Jitendra Parashar

The Fed’s interest rate decision and other important economic releases may keep TSX index highly volatile today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Prices Are Rising: 2 Mining Stocks to Buy Today

| Adam Othman

Gold mining stocks offer a great way to tap into the resilience of this shiny metal in weak markets, but…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Each of these growth stocks have climbed over 50% in just six months! And there's still room to grow on…

Read more »

A tractor harvests lentils.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why Nutrien Stock Is 1 of my Top Stock Picks This Year

| Adam Othman

Not all food stocks are equally attractive, and if you are in this for the long haul, it's a good…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, January 30

| Jitendra Parashar

Corporate earnings and the Fed’s interest rate decision will remain on Canadian investors’ radar this week.

Read more »

Tech Stocks

Is Now The Time to Buy EV Stocks?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

EV stocks may be down now, but don't count them out. They'll soon be back up again, so now may…

Read more »

Hands protect a sprout in fertile soil.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Nutrien Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

After Nutrien's record 2022 driven by strong pricing power, 2023 should see more of the same, driving the stock much…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver and Gold Stocks: Worth Owning in 2023?

| Puja Tayal

The stock market took a breather from bears as inflation slowed. But recession fears still loom. Should you buy gold…

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

BUY ALERT: Why I’m Snagging Russel Metals (TSX:RUS) Stock Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Russel Metals Inc. (TSX:RUS) has started hot in 2023 and boasts nice value and a strong dividend in late January.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, January 25

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX investors may want to keep a close eye on the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy event today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

How to Invest in Precious Metals Without Buying a Mining Stock

| Demetris Afxentiou

Do you want to invest in precious metals without buying a mining stock? This unique business can offers a lower-risk,…

Read more »

A tractor harvests lentils.
Metals and Mining Stocks

5 Things to Know About Nutrien Stock in January 2023

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Nutrien Ltd. (TSX:NTR) stock has put together a nice run on the back of strong fundamentals and geopolitical tensions.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Is Everyone Talking About Barrick Gold Stock?

| Vineet Kulkarni

Barrick Gold stock has soared 32%, while gold has surged around 17% since November 2022.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Yamana Gold Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI) stock may still have room to run above its 52-week high, as the yellow metal continues…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Stock: How High Could It Go In 2023?

| Puja Tayal

The TSX is seeing an uptick, but a recession could dampen investor confidence. Amid the bear market, Barrick Gold stock…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, January 17

| Jitendra Parashar

The domestic inflation data release could keep TSX stocks volatile today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Hit a 9-Month High: 3 Mining Stocks That Could Soar

| Christopher Liew, CFA

With gold gaining momentum and expected to hit record highs in 2023, three TSX mining stocks could rise as well.

Read more »

People walk into a dark underground mine.
Metals and Mining Stocks

The 2 Best Canadian Mining Stocks to Buy in January 2023

| Chris MacDonald

These two companies are among the best mining stocks to buy right now for investors seeking a hedge against this…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Barrick Gold Is the Perfect Cheap Stock for 2023

| Chris MacDonald

Investors looking for relative value in this difficult to understand market may want to take a hard look at Barrick…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, January 12

| Jitendra Parashar

The important U.S. inflation numbers could give further direction to TSX stocks today.

Read more »

Super sized rock trucks take a load of platinum rich rock into the crusher.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Buy: Kinross Gold Stock or Franco-Nevada?

| Adam Othman

Gold stocks and ETFs are among the first choices most investors make when the economy is in recession, but the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy Gold Stocks In 2023?

| Aditya Raghunath

Investors bullish on gold can consider buying mining stocks such as Barrick Gold right now.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

B2Gold Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?  

| Daniel Da Costa

After struggling through 2022 while gold stocks were out of favour, B2Gold has some significant upside in 2023 as interest…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Gold Stocks Could Change Course in 2023: Here Are the 2 Top Bets

| Vineet Kulkarni

What's next for TSX gold stocks?

Read more »

Safety helmets and gloves hang from a rack on a mining site.
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Commodity Stocks to Further Diversify Your TFSA

| Joey Frenette

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) stock and another commodity play could have a surprisingly strong 2023.

Read more »

Bank Stocks

2 Oversold Blue-Chip Dividend Heavyweights to Play it Safe

| Joey Frenette

TD stock and another golden opportunity for value investors in Canada in the New Year.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, January 3

| Jitendra Parashar

Strengthening gold and silver prices could help TSX mining stocks open higher on the first trading day of 2023.

Read more »

Safety helmets and gloves hang from a rack on a mining site.
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 High-Growth Mining Stock Too Cheap to Ignore

| Christopher Liew, CFA

A high-growth stock in the mining sector is a strong buy following impressive 65% earnings growth in Q2 2023.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Why Stocks Could Continue to Rally on Thursday, December 22

| Jitendra Parashar

Commodity market recovery, a minor drop in inflation, and strong consumer confidence could keep driving TSX stocks higher today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: It’s Gold’s Time to Shine — Here’s How to Invest

| Joey Frenette

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM) stock is a better bet than Bitcoin, as a crypto winter sets in for investors.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, December 20

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX energy and mining stocks are likely to bounce back today with the help of an overnight recovery in commodity…

Read more »

A worker wears a hard hat outside a mining operation.
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Mining Stocks That Are Too Cheap to Ignore

| Chris MacDonald

These three mining stocks are great ways for long-term investors to gain exposure to gold as well as hedge against…

Read more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Mining and mineral stocks do pose some risks investors should be aware of. 

First off, the industry is highly cyclical, meaning it rises and falls with the overall economy. When the economy is doing fairly well, the market demands more minerals: buildings are going up, consumers are buying more gold, construction is consistent. When the economy falls, however, demand for minerals tends to fall with it. The cyclical nature of energy stocks makes them more volatile than, say, utilities and consumer staples. 

Another risk investors should take note of is expansion. Building mines is very expensive, much more expensive than building a new corporate headquarters. In the past, mines have expanded their enterprises during strong periods of economic growth, only to launch when the economy begins to sink. 

For both these reasons, it’s vital to analyze a mining company’s finances. If the company is saddled with debt, that could be an indicator it’s overextending itself, despite supposed growth. 

Mining stocks can be a great investment, however, there are some things to keep in mind before investing.

Mining stocks can be very volatile depending on economic conditions. That being said, the best Canadian mining companies have been able to generate good profit regardless of economic conditions.