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

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 »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Depressed Gold Stocks to Buy Now

| Kay Ng

Gold stocks are out of favour due to a strong U.S. dollar. Gold miners are also experiencing higher operating costs.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM) Stock Gained 13% in September

| Vineet Kulkarni

Gold and miner stocks could continue to trade weakly.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Stocks That Could Soar if the Fed Pauses Rate Hikes

| Joey Frenette

In choppy waters, two gold heavyweights look too good to pass up right now given their lowered entry points, dividend…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, October 6

| Jitendra Parashar

Investors may want to remain cautious, as the TSX roller-coaster ride could continue in the near term amid macroeconomic uncertainties.

Read more »

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

3 Top TSX Metal Stocks to Buy in October

| Rajiv Nanjapla

Given their healthy growth prospects and attractive valuations, these three metal stocks could be excellent additions to your portfolio.

Read more »

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Dividend Stocks

2 Undervalued Canadian Stocks Worth a Buy Right Now

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Two Canadian stocks are strong buys right now because their current share prices are way below their true values.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, September 30

| Jitendra Parashar

Increasing macroeconomic uncertainties could keep TSX stocks highly volatile in the near term.

Read more »

Nickel ore is mined from the ground.
Energy Stocks

3 Top Commodity Stocks TFSA Investors Can Buy Right Now

| Aditya Raghunath

Commodity stocks such as Albemarle and Barrick Gold may provide investors an opportunity to deliver outsized gains in the next…

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks to Buy in 2022

| Adam Othman

Gold stocks are usually chosen for their ability to act as hedges against the market, but when sold at the…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, September 29

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks could remain volatile today, as investors react to the latest quarterly U.S. GDP numbers.

Read more »

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

Offset Market Volatility With a Shiny Investment

| Demetris Afxentiou

Looking to offset market volatility with a shiny investment you can hold for the long-term? Here’s a precious option to…

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Grab TSX Gold Stocks at Their Multi-Year Lows?

| Vineet Kulkarni

Gold stocks generally outperform in falling markets. However, this time, it's different.

Read more »

Upwards momentum
Energy Stocks

Gold and Energy: Here Are Two of the Best Stocks to Buy Now

| Daniel Da Costa

Gold and energy stocks are some of the best to buy now for very different reasons.

Read more »

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

2 Top Commodity Kingpins to Hedge Your TFSA Portfolio

| Joey Frenette

Consider Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) and another top commodity play to hedge your TFSA portfolio right now.

Read more »

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Dividend Stocks

2 of the Best Stocks to Buy That Have Ultra-Safe Dividends

| Daniel Da Costa

These two dividend stocks are among the best to buy now due to their reliability and the attractive passive income…

Read more »

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

These 2 Commodity Stocks May Be Super Cheap

| Kay Ng

Gold stocks and energy stocks appear to be very cheap. Interestingly, they're in opposite kinds of environment right now.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, September 19

| Jitendra Parashar

With speculations about the U.S. Fed’s upcoming policy move and economic projections, TSX stocks could remain highly volatile in the…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks to Buy That Are Unbelievably Cheap

| Daniel Da Costa

While plenty of stocks trade at significant discounts today, gold stocks and these two, in particular, are some of the…

Read more »

Metals
Dividend Stocks

3 Metal Commodity Stocks You Can Buy at a Massive Discount

| Adam Othman

Even though each metal market is different, the stocks representing three major metal commodities are simultaneously discounted right now.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is B2Gold Stock a Buy, or Could it Continue to Fall in Price?

| Daniel Da Costa

With the price of gold nearing a two-year low, is the low-cost producer B2Gold stock worth a buy in this…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX): Is it a Good Way to Invest in Gold Right Now?

| Adam Othman

Investing in gold stocks like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) might be a great way to gain exposure to gold right now.

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, September 9

| Jitendra Parashar

Rebounding commodity prices could help the commodity-heavy TSX Composite benchmark inch up at the open today.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

ALERT: 3 Super Gold Stocks to Buy on the Dip

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Canadians worried about a looming recession may want to snatch up undervalued gold stocks like B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO)(NYSE:BTG) in September.

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Energy Stocks

3 Cheap Canadian Stocks Warren Buffett has Bought

| Andrew Button

While Warren Buffett isn’t known for investing in Canadian stocks, he has owned a few. Let’s take a look at…

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Cheap Metal TSX Stocks to Snatch Up in September

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Base metals are gaining momentum. That should spur investors to target TSX stocks like Russel Metals Inc. (TSX:RUS) and others…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

This Top Gold Stock Has a Huge, Growing Dividend

| Joey Frenette

Investors typically hold gold to preserve wealth and diversify their portfolio. During these uncertain times, Barrick Gold stock looks too…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, September 6

| Jitendra Parashar

Continued recovery in commodity prices should help the TSX benchmark open sharply higher today.

Read more »

Metals
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Canadian Metal Stock (With Dividends) I’d Buy Right Now

| Jitendra Parashar

This metal stock could be one of the best Canadian dividend stocks to buy right now.

Read more »

Arrow descending on a graph
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why First Quantum (TSX:FM) Stock Dived by 17% Last Week

| Jitendra Parashar

Falling metals prices could be responsible for driving FM stock lower lately.

Read more »

stock market
Metals and Mining Stocks

When Will TSX Gold Stocks Recover?

| Vineet Kulkarni

TSX gold stocks have dropped 40% since April. It may be time for investors to explore for bargains.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Gold Stocks to Buy While They’re Unbelievably Cheap

| Daniel Da Costa

Although gold stocks have been out of favour, these top two stocks are now so cheap that they're worth considering…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, August 31

| Jitendra Parashar

TSX stocks are likely to trade on a subdued note today amid the ongoing weakness in commodities markets.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Top Under-$2 Canadian Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in September 2022

| Jitendra Parashar

These two cheap Canadian stocks could yield high returns on your investment in the long run.

Read more »

Gold king in chess game face with the another silver team on black background (Concept for company strategy, business victory or decision)
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold vs. Silver: Which Is the Better Buy?

| Andrew Button

Should you invest in silver stocks or in gold stocks like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD)?

Read more »

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

Teck Stock Is up 35% in the Last Month: Here’s Why

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Teck (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) stock has been growing rapidly this year, and yet it remains of high value for investors.

Read more »

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

3 Hot Mining Stocks to Consider Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Mining stocks like First Quantum Minerals Limited (TSX:FM) and others have been some of the best performers on the TSX…

Read more »

A tractor harvests lentils.
Energy Stocks

3 Commodity Stocks You Can Hold For Decades

| Adam Othman

Futures are too complex an investment instrument for most retail investors, but you can still gain exposure to the commodities…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, August 22

| Jitendra Parashar

Falling commodity prices -- especially metals -- point to a lower open for the main TSX benchmark today.

Read more »

Gold king in chess game face with the another silver team on black background (Concept for company strategy, business victory or decision)
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Falling TSX Gold Stocks I’d Buy to Fight Against Recession Concerns

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are the top reasons why you should consider buying these two Canadian gold stocks amid growing recession worries.

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.