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

Dividend Stocks

3 Small-Cap Stocks That Could Double in Value

| Adam Othman

Small-cap companies might seem a bit more volatile compared to their large-cap counterparts, but that volatility usually also comes with…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? Invest in 3 Undervalued Stocks

| Adam Othman

Undervalued stocks, especially the ones that offer decent capital growth potential (and dividends can be the cherry on top), are…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Canadian Gold Stocks That Are Screaming Buys Right Now

| Daniel Da Costa

The entire gold sector is extremely cheap right now, making these three gold stocks some of the top companies in…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 of the Best TSX Stocks for Explosive Dividend Growth

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

This Motley Fool article explains why TSX stocks like Altagas, Labrador Royalty, and Tourmaline are the best dividend stocks for…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Overlooked Stock Offering Safety, Income, & Growth

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're looking for stability, growth, and income at a cheap price, you need to check out this gold miner…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX Stocks That Just Hit Fresh 52-Week Lows

| Aditya Raghunath

Mining stocks such as Newmont and Pan American have underperformed the TSX in 2021.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Uranium Stock About to Go Nuclear?

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why investors looking for a top-notch uranium stock may want to consider Cameco (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) right now.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Hot TSX Stocks to Buy in October 2021

| Vineet Kulkarni

Investors should ignore the short-term chaos and focus on the long-term growth potential. Here are three top TSX stocks that…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Aura Minerals: This TSX30 Stock Is up 1,000% in the Last Three Years

| Aditya Raghunath

Aura Minerals has grown investor wealth at a rapid rate but continues to remain attractive to value investors.

Read more »

Coronavirus

What to Expect Next Week in the TSX

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Here's what's happening on the TSX this week, and what investors should be watching in the week ahead or buying…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco in 2020, This Is How Much You’d Have Today

| Aditya Raghunath

Cameco has more than doubled its returns in the last 18 months, but it remains a risky bet right now.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Gold Stocks That Could Hedge High Inflation

| Adam Othman

Inflation is on the rise, and it might stay red hot for a while yet. There are a few ways…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

These 4 Canadian Stocks Have Corrected Over 10% in September: Should You Buy?

| Rajiv Nanjapla

The correction in these four Canadian stocks provides an excellent buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Shopify: This Top TSX30 Stock Is up Over 1,000% in Three Years

| Aditya Raghunath

Aura Minerals is trading at an attractive valuation despite its 1,100% gain in the last three years.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Value for Money: 2 TSX30 Winners to Own for Less Than $7

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors can take advantage of the low prices of two 2021 TSX30 members. Capstone Mining stock and EcoSynthetix stock…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL) Stock Whipsawed This Week

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's why Canadian gold miner Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) stock whipsawed this week amid high volatility.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

A Pot of Gold: 2 Top Gold Stocks to Sit On Forever

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top gold stocks to buy right now.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold & Silver: 4 Mining Stocks With Returns of More Than 250%

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should seriously consider four mining stocks that made it to the 2021 TSX30 List. Orla Mining stock, Wesdome…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake (TSX:KL) Dropped 10% After Agnico Deal

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) dropped 10% after a merger deal announced with Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) sent shares downward.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Barrick Gold Stock Looks Too Cheap to Ignore

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) loooks like an attractive bargain for new investors, as the stock continues falling towards new 52-week lows.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX 60 Components Down Over 20% in 2021

| Aditya Raghunath

Top TSX stocks such as Canopy Growth and Kinross Gold have underperformed the index in 2021. Can these stocks stage…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL) Tanked Over 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's why the shares of Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) are tanking today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: 1 Cheap Top TSX Stock to Buy Now

| Andrew Walker

This industry leader's stock looks too cheap to ignore. Here's why.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Canadian Gold Stocks to Add Before They Take Off

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX) are two top gold stocks to consider right now.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

| Adam Othman

There are some stocks that you can hold on to for years and years and rely on their fundamental strengths…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: Here’s a Low-Risk, High-Value Stock

| Demetris Afxentiou

Investors! Forget the volatility of Bitcoin. Here’s a low-risk, high-value stock to consider investing in that offers great growth prospects.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Cameco Stock the Best Way to Invest in Uranium?

| Aditya Raghunath

Cameco stock has gained close to 60% year to date but remains a high-risk bet due to its steep valuation…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

A Mining Stock, Not Shopify (TSX:SHOP), Is #1 on the 2021 TSX30 List

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should include Aura Minerals stock on their buy lists. The mining stock, not Canada’s largest publicly listed company,…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Are Uranium Stocks Surging in 2021?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Uranium stocks have more than doubled in the last year, but should investors jump in during a recent pullback or…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Undervalued Stocks to Put on Your Watch List

| Adam Othman

Not all undervalued assets are likely to offer the same results, so before you make a buying decision, it’s a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Stock Popped 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are key reasons why Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) stock popped by nearly 10% today.

Read more »

Caution, careful
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Oversold Canadian Stocks That Could Have Further to Fall

| Joey Frenette

NFI Group (TSX:NFI) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are oversold, but could each dog turn into a winner in the late…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

Top 5 Under-$10 Canadian Stocks to Buy Today

| Sneha Nahata

I see a handful of high-growth stocks trading very cheaply (under $10).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Uranium Stocks Plummeted Over 10% Today

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Uranium stocks plummeted from the market correction on the TSX today, but does that mean there's an opportunity for investors…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Top Canadian Stocks to Watch on Monday, September 20

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are some top TSX stocks that Canadian investors should keep on their watchlists on Monday, September 20.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Today

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top defensive stocks worth buying now.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

These Gold Stocks Are Faltering in 2021

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is among the gold stocks that have been going down so far in 2021, but a reversal…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold or First Majestic Silver a Top Stock to Buy Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold and First Majestic Silver are hitting new 2021 lows. Are these stocks now too cheap to ignore?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Value Stocks to Buy this Fall

| Chris MacDonald

These three top TSX value stocks are among the best options for long-term investors to consider as we enter a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Gold Stocks to Buy As Inflation Surges

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Barrick Gold stock is one of many in the sector trading at 52-week lows and becoming more attractively valued as…

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.