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

RRSP Investors: 2 Cheap Canadian Stocks to Buy Now for 2022

| Andrew Walker

These two top Canadian stocks look cheap right now for a retirement portfolio.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

This Cheap Stock Under $10 Is Looking Extremely Undervalued

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

Are you a value investor? If so, you'll absolutely want to give this stock a second glance.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Soaring TSX Stock to Buy Now for 2022

| Andrew Walker

This top stock is already up more than 50% in 2021 and more big gains could be on the way.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy Something Shiny Before 2022 Starts

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking to buy something shiny for your portfolio before 2022 begins? This could be the perfect investment for your long-term…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

RRSP Wealth: 2 Cheap TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Andrew Walker

These top TSX stocks look cheap right now for a self-directed RRSP portfolio.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Fortuna Silver Popped and Lundin Mining Dropped on Monday

| Jitendra Parashar

While the news of the EIA extension cheered Fortuna Silver investors, Lundin Mining stock tanked after announcing a new acquisition…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in the Market on Tuesday, December 21

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks are likely to open on a slightly positive note today due to an overnight recovery in crude oil…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Rally: Is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock Now a Good Buy?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold stock looks cheap right now and could deliver big gains in 2022.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, December 17

| Jitendra Parashar

The fight between market bull and bears may continue on the TSX today, as the Fed’s latest statement is likely…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Lithium Stocks to Buy to Ride the EV Wave

| Adam Othman

Even though lithium is not exactly rare, the current production is nowhere near meeting the demand if all battery production…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

4 Discounted Gold and Silver Stocks to Buy Now

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Canadians should look to snag undervalued gold and silver stocks like Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM) in mid-December.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Scared About a Market Correction? Buy This Gold Stock as a Cheap Hedge

| Tony Dong, MSc, CETF®

This top gold miner stock has rallied during multiple crashes since 2008.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, December 14

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks might open on a mixed note Tuesday following a choppy movement in the commodities market early this morning.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Top TSX Stocks that Could Protect from Rising Inflation

| Vineet Kulkarni

After a couple of mutating virus variants, a more severe threat that could weigh on TSX stocks is inflation.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Turquoise Hill Resources Jumped 18% on Monday

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Turqoise Hill (TSX:TRQ)(NYSE:TRQ) soared 15% from news its 51% stake holder Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) cancelled a loan with the Mongolian…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, December 10

| Jitendra Parashar

Consistently falling precious metals prices could pressurize mining stocks on the TSX today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kinross Gold Stock Price Plunged 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

While Kinross Gold’s investors might find the Great Bear acquisition deal expensive at the moment, it might pay off well…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy a Uranium Stock?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Uranium prices have soared in the past few months. This has led many investors to re-consider investing in a uranium…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Small-Cap Stocks to Keep an Eye on

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should keep a keen eye on three small-cap stocks that could deliver outsized gains in 2022.

Read more »

Tech Stocks

3 Under $5 Stocks I’d Buy for Serious Growth

| Adam Othman

If you are looking to buy growth stocks that trade for a single-digit price tag so you can buy more…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Reason This Top Canadian Gold Miner Could Surge

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX)(NYSE:EQX) could be a top mid-cap gold miner that investors haven't looked at yet.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Rising Volatility: 4 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Given their recession-proof business model and stable cash flows, these four Canadian stocks are less susceptible to market volatilities.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 TSX Stock up 15% This Month

| Aditya Raghunath

Here's why Turquoise Hill Resources (TSX:TRQ) stock will find it difficult to replicate its gains going forward.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

How Omicron Could Affect TSX Stocks

| Jitendra Parashar

The Omicron variant is not the only reason why Canadian investors should start preparing for a market correction.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

2 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy With $10 Right Now

| Adam Othman

Investing small amounts (as small as $10) can be a good strategy for prospect observation as well as betting on…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Only Got $10? Buy These 3 Growth Stocks

| Adam Othman

Very few growth stocks have the potential to turn $10 capital into a three-digit number, and they come with characteristic…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Why Stocks Could Fall This Black Friday

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks are likely to open lower today, following a selloff in the global equities market and falling commodity prices.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Top 2 Rallying Canadian Gold Stocks to Buy This Black Friday

| Jitendra Parashar

Buying some cheap gold stocks could be a wise investment decision to make this Black Friday. Here’s why.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Stocks to Buy if Gold Starts Shining Brighter

| Adam Othman

Spotting any trend brewing in the stock market early on gives you a distinct advantage. You can claim decent gains…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Top Gold Stocks to Buy in December for Diversification

| Chris MacDonald

Here are three top gold stocks every long-term investor may want to consider right now for diversification and defensiveness.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Under-the-Radar Stocks With Massive Growth

| Christopher Liew, CFA

A new entry to the 2021 top performers list and a two-time TSX30 winner are great year-end buys for growth…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: Buy These Gold Stocks Instead!

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Gold stocks like B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO)(NYSE:BTG) are worth buying, as Bitcoin takes a dip in late November.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Best TSX Stocks to Buy This Week

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Three budget-friendly TSX stocks with awesome upside potentials are the top buys this week.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Top Defensive Stocks to Add Before Turbulence Hits

| Chris MacDonald

These two top defensive stocks could be some of the best picks in Canada, and around the world, for long-term…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Got $1,000? 3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Given the favourable business environment, these three Canadian stocks could outperform over the next two years.

Read more »

Make a choice, path to success, sign
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Unreasonably Battered Stock to Buy Cheap Now

| Adam Othman

When you are looking into stocks that have been on a downward motion for a while as prospective investments, you…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Top 3 Gold Stocks to Buy Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Top gold stocks like B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO)(NYSE:BTG) are worth buying in late November as the spot price gains steam.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Tips to Creating a Bountiful Retirement Portfolio

| Adam Othman

With the right approach to retirement portfolio creation, you can expect to live a financially stable retirement.

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

Are 2 Former TSX Value Stocks of Buffett’s on Your Buy List?

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Warren Buffett’s previously owned TSX stocks are the two top value stocks you can buy today.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in the Market on Wednesday, November 17

| Jitendra Parashar

Canadian stocks could open on a negative note Wednesday due to the weakening oil and base metals prices.

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.