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 mining 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 here 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. 

Top Articles

gold stocks gold mining
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 »

Gold bullion on a chart
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 »

Gold bars
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 »

stock market
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 »

financial freedom sign
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 »

Growing plant shoots on coins
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

silver metal
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold and Silver Stocks to Play a Precious Metal Pop

| Joey Frenette

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM) and First Majestic (TSX:FR) are my favourite stocks in the precious metal space.

Read more »

young woman celebrating a victory while working with mobile phone in the office
Metals and Mining Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Unstoppable Dividend Stock

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

This dividend stock continues to outpace the TSX and then some, providing you with a dividend that you'll want to…

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Metals and Mining Stocks

5 Things to Know About Nutrien Stock in December 2022

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Trading at heavily depressed multiples, Nutrien stock is a great opportunity, as it delivers solid financial results and an optimistic…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, November 30

| Jitendra Parashar

The TSX is set to end the second consecutive month in positive territory today, as it has already climbed by…

Read more »

Gold bars
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 »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Volatile Stock I’d Buy Again and Again

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) stock is a valuable stock I'll buy over and over due to its huge deal combined with record-setting…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, November 25

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks could remain range bound, as the U.S. markets are set to close early today.

Read more »

stock market
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 »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

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

| Jitendra Parashar

Investors may want to limit their risk exposure ahead of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 22

| Jitendra Parashar

Volatile oil and metals prices amid surging coronavirus cases in China could drive the commodity-heavy TSX index today.

Read more »

financial freedom sign
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 »

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

2 Mining Stocks That Could Shine With Rising Commodity Prices

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Two mining stocks have strong potential to outperform by year-end 2022 and beyond if commodity prices bounce back or rise…

Read more »

tsx today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Monday, November 14

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX investors may remain cautious ahead of the Canadian inflation and U.S. retail sales numbers due later this week.

Read more »

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

2 Commodity Stocks to Ride Out a Storm

| Joey Frenette

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) are juicy commodity plays with huge dividend yields.

Read more »

Various Canadian dollars in gray pants pocket
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Growth Stocks to Buy With Just $500

| Christopher Liew, CFA

For a few hundred dollars, investors can buy two growth stocks with clear paths to business growth and profitability.

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
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 »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, November 9

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX investors may want to remain cautious ahead of the important U.S. inflation numbers scheduled to be released Thursday.

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Now the Right Time to Buy Lithium Stocks?

| Vishesh Raisinghani

Lithium stocks like Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC) should be on your radar.

Read more »

Caution, careful
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Barrick Gold Stock Looks Like a Bad Investment Right Now

| Vineet Kulkarni

Gold will likely remain out of favour for some time.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why I’m More Excited Than Ever About B2Gold Stock in November 2022

| Daniel Da Costa

With interest rates potentially peaking and gold prices remaining ultra-cheap, a top stock like B2Gold looks like an ideal investment.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, November 7

| Jitendra Parashar

The ongoing corporate earnings season is likely to keep TSX stocks volatile today.

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Dividend Stocks

3 Best TSX Stocks of 2022: Are They Still Buys Today?

| Adam Othman

Most of the top performers in 2022 have come from the energy sector, but there are a few from other…

Read more »

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

3 Top TSX Mining Stocks to Buy in November 2022

| Christopher Liew, CFA

The resurgence of the materials sector to start November 2022 signals a buying opportunity for three top TSX mining stocks.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Stock Fell 4.9% in October: Is it Time to Buy?

| Andrew Button

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) fell 4.9% last month. This could potentially be a buying opportunity, but caution is needed.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Thursday, November 3

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks could remain turbulent with a downward bias, as investors continue to access the implications of the Fed’s latest…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, November 2

| Jitendra Parashar

Besides corporate earnings, the U.S. Fed’s latest interest rate decision could increase the volatility in TSX stocks today.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, November 1

| Jitendra Parashar

The main TSX index just ended its best month since November 2020.

Read more »

Electric car being charged
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 EV Stocks to Buy and Hold for Years

| Adam Othman

EVs might take decades to adequately replace conventional vehicles, so the long-term prospect is there. Investors should look for the…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Gold Stocks Are Falling: Should You Buy?

| Vineet Kulkarni

TSX gold stocks are currently trading at three-year lows.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold vs. Dividend Stocks: How to Have Both in Your TFSA!

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) stock is a golden gem for dividend hunters seeking lowly correlated returns in a recession year.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why I Just Bought BTO Stock

| Daniel Da Costa

BTO stock is just one of many top-notch Canadian stocks trading at a major discount, offering an incredible opportunity for…

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

3 Safe TSX Stocks Almost No One is Talking About

| Adam Othman

Buying promising and safe stocks (in significant numbers) that you can hold for decades is a time-tested way to build…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, October 25

| Jitendra Parashar

Speculations about the Bank of Canada’s upcoming interest rate decision could keep TSX stocks volatile today.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, October 24

| Jitendra Parashar

An intraday weakness in commodity prices could push the main TSX index downward today.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Wednesday, October 19

| Jitendra Parashar

An overnight decline in commodity prices could take the TSX energy and mining stocks lower at the open today.

Read more »

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

3 Top TSX Stocks You Can Buy for Less Than $15 a Share

| Daniel Da Costa

If you're bargain hunting, here are three of the top TSX stocks to buy now that each trade for less…

Read more »

clock time
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Goes Nuclear With Big Acquisition! Is it Time to Buy Shares?

| Andrew Button

Cameco (TSX:CCO) recently made a big acquisition that took its interests in nuclear energy far beyond uranium mining.

Read more »

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

Should You Invest in Lithium Stocks Right Now?

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Lithium stocks have underperformed lithium price growth in October. Should you invest in Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC) stock?

Read more »

Portrait of woman having fun in the street.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why I’m More Excited Than Ever About Cameco Stock

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Cameco (TSX:CCO) stock dropped 22% after news it's investing in an electric company, but here's why I'm excited.

Read more »

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

3 Top Metals Stocks Defying the Bear Market

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

While the market drops past 52-week lows, these metal stocks have defied the TSX tumble and grown in the double…

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.