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

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? 3 Growth Stocks That Are Super Cheap to Buy

| Christopher Liew, CFA

A $1,000 capital pot is enough to buy one to three growth stocks that could deliver far superior returns in…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Consider This TSX Gold Stock as the Yellow Metal Shines Bright

| Vineet Kulkarni

Gold could continue to trade at elevated levels, making gold miner stocks even more attractive.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Solid Iron Stocks to Buy in 2022

| Adam Othman

Even with a declining steel market, North America, especially Canada, has a few strong iron players that you can invest…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, April 5

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX investors may continue to closely monitor the latest updates related to the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Read more »

happy new year 2022
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Gold Stocks to Buy to Hedge Inflation

| Adam Othman

Buying gold as a hedge against inflation is quite different from buying gold stocks with the same aim, though the…

Read more »

Canadian stocks are rising
Energy Stocks

Why Canadian Stocks Are So Hot in 7 Charts

| Iain Butler

A special message from Motley Fool Canada's Chief Investment Advisor, Iain Butler.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Gold Miners I’d Buy Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Agnico Eagle (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top gold miners to watch right now.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Teck Resources Stock Climbed 44% in Q1

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s why Teck Resources stock just posted its best quarterly gains in the last five years.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Lithium Americas Stock: 1 of the Best Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

A recent announcement by the Biden administration caused Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC)(NYSE:LAC) stock to climb 7%, but it's set to climb…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Want to Invest in Gold and Silver? Check Out These 4 ETFs

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Holding gold and silver could be an excellent play, especially when inflation and interest rates are running high.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Lithium Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Aditya Raghunath

The exponential rise in lithium prices have driven shares of mining companies such as Lithium Americas and Albemarle higher since…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Speedsters to Expedite the Growth of Your TFSA Portfolio

| Adam Othman

The right growth stocks, especially if they are also bought at the right price, can fast-track the appreciation of your…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Top Pick: 1 Gold Stock With Mind-Blowing 640% Profit Growth

| Christopher Liew, CFA

One gold stock is a buying opportunity for investors looking for a high growth investment and safety net at the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Inflation Is Rising – Buy These Stocks to Protect Yourself!

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Barrick Gold and gold stocks in general are an example of where we can find good inflation protection to preserve…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons I Prefer Gold Stocks Over Bitcoin in 2022

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and gold bullion may be a better bet than Bitcoin moving forward for those uncomfortable with high…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Gold Miners to Consider to Take a Defensive Stance

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX)(NYSE:EQX) are two top gold miners to consider right now.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

All You Need to Know About Uranium Stocks in 2022

| Puja Tayal

Uranium stocks are surging and have reached their 2011 high. Here’s everything you need to know about this commodity.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 TSX Gold Miner Stocks to Buy in 2022 in Case of a Market Correction

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Gold miner stocks could potentially provide some decent downside protection.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Canadian Gold Stocks to Buy if Uncertainty Picks Up

| Daniel Da Costa

With uncertainty in markets so high today, here are two of the top gold stocks to buy now if you're…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Fortuna Silver Stock Fell Sharply Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s why Fortuna Silver (TSX:FVI) stock dived today, despite beating analysts’ revenue estimates in Q4.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks That Can Outperform This Year

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Given the favourable market conditions and their growth initiatives, I expect these three Canadian companies to deliver substantial returns.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, March 23

| Jitendra Parashar

With commodity prices going sideways, TSX stocks are likely to open on a flat note today.

Read more »

calculate and analyze stock
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Lithium Americas Stock Jumped 11% on Monday

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC)(NYSE:LAC) stock climbed 11% on Monday, as investors continue to be impressed with its earnings results from last…

Read more »

think thought consider
Metals and Mining Stocks

Bitcoin vs. Gold: What Is the Better Safe Haven in 2022?

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Bitcoin and gold stocks like Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are still battling it out as havens in the face of…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Uranium Stocks Staged a Sharp Recovery on Thursday

| Jitendra Parashar

Skyrocketing uranium prices amid supply concerns and analysts’ rising optimism could be driving uranium stocks higher on the TSX.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget XRP! What I’d Buy Amid Inflation and Stock Market Volatility

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) may be a better buy than Bitcoin or XRP at this juncture to tame the extremely choppy…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, March 18

| Jitendra Parashar

The TSX Composite benchmark reached its highest-ever closing levels on Thursday.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Endeavour Silver Stock Plunged 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s the main reason why Endeavour Silver stock fell sharply today.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Big-Potential Stocks to Buy on the TSX

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Three stocks outside of the energy sector have visible growth potential and are excellent picks in lieu of oil stocks.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, March 15

| Jitendra Parashar

Sliding commodity prices are likely to take the TSX benchmark lower today ahead of the Fed’s monetary policy event due…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Labrador Iron Ore Stock Collapsed 20% on Monday

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Labrador Iron Ore (TSX:LIF) stock fell up to 20% on Monday, as the company declared, despite growth, that it may…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Turquoise Hill Stock Exploded 33% on Monday

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Turquoise Hill (TSX:TRQ)(NYSE:TRQ) stock soared 33% on Monday, as stakeholder Rio Tinto offered to buy out the company for over…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Insanely Cheap TSX Stocks to Buy

| Adam Othman

It’s difficult to pass on a good discounted deal when it comes to stocks, especially if that deal is likely…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Nickel Prices Hit Record: 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has spurred nickel prices. This could vault TSX stocks like Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) going forward.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, March 11

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks could remain highly volatile as tech stocks continue to slide.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver Prices Are on the Rise: Buy These 2 ETFs to Get in on the Action

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Silver is both a store of value and a valuable commodity used worldwide. Here's how to invest in it.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 TSX Gold and Silver Stocks That Could Take Off

| Joey Frenette

First Majectic Silver (TSX:FR)(NYSE:AG) is just one of many silver and gold mining stocks that could take off as precious…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Buy Lithium Stocks

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

With the Ukraine crisis continuing, sanctions on oil and gas sent prices soaring. That's why lithium stocks seem like a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top TSX Gold Stocks (With Dividends) to Buy Now

| Jitendra Parashar

It could be the right time to add these two Canadian gold stocks to your portfolio.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Endeavour Silver Stock Is Skyrocketing in March

| Jitendra Parashar

Endeavour Silver (TSX:EDR) stock has risen by nearly 46% in the last 25 sessions.

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.