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

Metals and Mining Stocks

Build a Diversified Portfolio With 2 Mining Stocks 

| Puja Tayal

You can’t prevent a stock from falling. But you can reduce the risk of downside by diversifying your portfolio in…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks to Buy as an Inflation Hedge

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Canadians looking for inflation hedges have several choices on the TSX, although two gold stocks are excellent buying opportunities today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX Silver Stocks to Buy Today

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Silver stocks have outperformed the market so far in 2022. Here are some picks worth investing in.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 High-Yield Gold Stock That Could Shine in Summer

| Joey Frenette

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) stock is a great gold mining stock for those seeking a hedge alongside a bountiful dividend…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Top Gold and Silver ETFs to Snatch Up This Spring

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Uncertainty has driven investors to gold. You can track its performance with the iShares S&P/TSX Global Gold ETF (TSX:XGD) and…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Top Mining Stocks in Canada

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Investors can turn to three top Canadian mining stocks to hedge against inflation and realize a higher return on investment…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy Teck Resources Stock Now?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources on a roll. How high could this top mining stock go?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Metal Stocks to Buy Instead of Gold

| Adam Othman

When it comes to metal stocks, gold is a good choice for when the market is down, but other metals…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock Undervalued?

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Barrick Gold could be an excellent defensive play in case of a market correction.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Top Canadian Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Given the favourable market conditions and their growth initiatives, I expect these three mining stocks to outperform this year.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Miners to Hedge Your Portfolio With

| Adam Othman

Physical gold, while a strong hedge against market downturns and inflation, can be difficult to invest in and manage. Gold…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Stellar Commodity Stocks to Diversify Your RRSP

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and another commodity stock can help hedge your RRSP retirement fund, as inflation kicks it up a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Money Growth + Inflation Hedge: Choose From 3 Mining Stocks

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Three TSX mining stocks could deliver considerable money growth and provide an inflation hedge to would-be investors.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Does Your Portfolio Need a Metallic Finish? 1 Canadian Mining Stock to Buy in 2022 

| Puja Tayal

Have you been avoiding metal and mining stocks, as commodities give you goosebumps? Here's an idea on how to trade…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold Stock a Buy Right Now?

| Andrew Walker

Gold just topped US$2,000 per ounce, as inflation and geopolitical risks continue to drive safe-haven demand.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 of the Best Canadian Gold Stocks to Buy Now

| Daniel Da Costa

Gold stocks are some of the best Canadian stocks you can buy in this environment, and these are two of…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s a Lower-Risk Precious Metal Option

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking for a lower-risk precious metal option for your portfolio? Here's a unique pick that is not your traditional mining…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Silver Mining Stocks Canadians Can Buy Right Now

| Aditya Raghunath

Equity markets are expected to remain volatile in 2022 making silver mining stocks such as Wheaton Precious Metals top bets…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Canadian Precious Metals Stocks to Watch as Gold and Silver Soar in Price!

| Joey Frenette

Agnico Eagle Gold (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) is a Canadian gold stock that could surge much higher if prices are to test their…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Tesla and Buy This Lithium Stock Right Now!

| Aditya Raghunath

Tesla has generated staggering wealth for long-term investors but might underperform the broader markets in the near term.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks to Buy if You Think a Pullback Is Coming

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Investors who anticipate a market correction soon can rebalance their portfolios and seek safety in two TSX gold stocks.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Gold Stock and 1 Metals Stock for Diversification

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Gold stock Agnico-Eagle offers inflation protection. Teck Resources stock offers exposure to commodity cycles. Both offer diversification.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy Kinross Gold or Barrick Gold Stock Now?

| Andrew Walker

Investors are searching for the best gold stocks to buy for their portfolios.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Red-Hot Gold Stocks to Buy in April

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Precious metals are gaining momentum, which should spur investors to scoop up gold stocks like Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 TSX Gold Stocks to Buy to Hedge Market Volatility

| Vineet Kulkarni

Gold is shining bright, but TSX gold miner stocks look more attractive.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Nutrien Stock Is the Mining Stock Investors Shouldn’t Ignore

| Chris MacDonald

Is now the time for investors to consider Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) stock as a defensive hedge today?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) or Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Stock Now?

| Andrew Walker

Top mining stocks are enjoying big gains in 2022.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Amid Higher Commodity Prices

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Amid higher commodity prices, these three Canadian stocks could outperform.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

This TSX Commodities Stock Is Making Big Moves Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Capstone Copper (TSX:CS) may be a top commodities stock investors should consider in this inflationary environment right now.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Metals and Mining Stocks

Got $1,000? 3 Stocks That Are Excellent Value

| Christopher Liew, CFA

A $1,000 seed capital can buy one to three stocks with excellent values and strong profit potentials.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Canadian Mining Stocks Realizing Major Tailwinds in This Environment

| Daniel Da Costa

With all the recent sanctions on Russia and Belarus, several Canadian mining stocks are worth a buy as they see…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Commodity Stocks With Rising Dividends

| Andrew Walker

These two top commodity stocks look cheap to buy right now for dividend investors.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Worried About a Market Correction? Buy These 2 Gold Stocks Instead!

| Aditya Raghunath

Gold mining companies such as Barrick Gold and Kinross Gold should be on the shopping list of investors worried about…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Mining Stocks Canadians Can Buy in Q2 2022

| Aditya Raghunath

Gold mining stocks such as Barrick Gold and Franco-Nevada seem to be ideal bets for long-term investors at current prices.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why I’m Stacking Silver Stocks Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Canadians should look to snatch up discounted silver stocks like Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM) in the first half of April.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

These 3 Gold Stocks Should Be on Your Radar in 2022

| Adam Othman

If you believe that a correction is due in 2022 and the market will dip within the year, gold is…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Don’t Miss Out on 3 Great Buys This April!

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Investors looking for valuable additions to their stock portfolios have three excellent choices in April 2022.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Undervalued Gold Stocks to Buy Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Market turbulence should drive Canadians to target gold stocks like Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX:EQX) in early April 2022.

Read more »

woman analyze data
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold and Energy Stocks: 2 Top Picks to Buy Now!

| Daniel Da Costa

With gold and energy being two of the best sectors to find stocks today, here are some of the best…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Radioactive Stocks to Help Your Portfolio Glow

| Adam Othman

If you are looking for a commodity that may have the potential to outshine the market in the next few…

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.