3 Top Mining Stocks in Canada

Investors can turn to three top Canadian mining stocks to hedge against inflation and realize a higher return on investment amid the uncertainties.

The TSX’s basic materials sector, composed mainly of mining companies, continues to gain investors’ favour in the current complex environment. The sector is up 25.7% year to date, which makes it the second top performer behind the red-hot energy sector (+47.24%).

Metal mining stocks benefit from the belief that gold is an ideal hedge against inflation. It is said that the world’s most precious metal has successfully preserved wealth for years. Investors who wish to limit the prevailing market volatility have several prospects on the TSX this month.

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD), a large-cap mining stock, is the top-of-mind choice. Junior miners like Wesdome Gold Mines (TSX:WDO) and SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM)(NASDAQ:SSRM) are viable options, too, owing to their growth potential.

Premier gold stock

Barrick Gold is back on centrestage following a sub-par performance (-13.9%) in 2021. As of April 19, 2022, the year-to-date gain of Canada’s premier gold stock is 31.77% already. At $31.55 per share, the dividend yield is 1.6%. Note that Barrick isn’t a mediocre performer. The stock’s total return in 3.01 years is 89.92% (23.79% CAGR).

This $56.14 billion company’s exploration, mine development, and production activities aren’t limited to gold. Barrick has ownership interests in copper-producing mines. Its president and CEO Mark Bristow disclosed last month that Barrick is in the hunt for high-quality assets to expand its global footprint.

Management expects gold production in Q1 2022 to be the lowest, but expect it to increase through the year. On the other hand, Barrick forecasts higher copper production in the back half of this year. The company added that it will most likely achieve its full-year guidance for gold and copper.

Momentum stocks

Wesdome Gold Mines and SSR Mining are momentum stocks. Both are steady performers thus far in 2022, with year-to-date gains of 28.15% and 34.35%, respectively. Based on market analysts’ forecasts, the return potential in 12 months is between 26% and 35%.

Mining companies dominated the 2021 TSX30 List as 14 of the top 30 growth stocks were mining stocks. Wesdome is one of only four companies that made it in all three years (2019 to 2021) of TMX Group’s flagship program. Its total return in 3.01 years is a meteoric 243.82% (50.82% CAGR).

The 2.1 billion company has two producing gold mines in Canada (Ontario and Quebec). Management expects to build the country’s next intermediate gold producer. According to Duncan Middlemiss, Wesdome’s president and CEO, 2022 is a transformational year.

SSR Mining is an exciting mining play that could deliver considerable gains to would-be investors. The stock trades at $29.98 per share and pays a 1.15% dividend. This $6.36 billion Denver-based company operates precious metals resource properties in Canada, Argentina, Turkey, and the United States.

According to management, the four properties combined with a global pipeline of high-quality development and exploration assets should deliver growing free cash flow. SSR Mining is highly recommended by Paulson & Co., an investment firm from New York, because of its stable production and valuable exploration upside.

Higher ROI

Given the political and economic environment uncertainty, investors need a diversifying investment. While gold prices constantly spikes and dips, any price increase magnifies the value of Barrick and other gold stocks. Some market analysts say holding gold stocks is better than owning physical gold because the return on investment is generally higher.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends TMX GROUP INC. / GROUPE TMX INC.

More on Metals and Mining Stocks

Concept of multiple streams of income
Stocks for Beginners

Lock Up This 9.2% Dividend Yield From a Top Royalty Stock

Royalty stocks have a strong advantage when it comes to creating passive income for investors. But this one has the…

Read more »

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

Is First Quantum Minerals Stock a Good Buy Right Now?

First Quantum is a TSX stock that trades 61% below all-time highs. However, the mining stock still trades at a…

Read more »

nugget gold
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Best Gold Stock to Invest $1,000 in Right Now

Here are two of the best Canadian gold stocks that can yield some eye-popping returns in the long run.

Read more »

nugget gold
Stocks for Beginners

The Ultimate Mining Stock to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

This mining stock just saw a drop, but don't let that keep you from diving in. This miner is due…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canadian Mining Stocks: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Explore 2025’s top Canadian mining stocks – gold, uranium, and base metals offer big potential in a dynamic, commodity-driven market.

Read more »

farmer holds box of leafy greens
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons to Buy Nutrien Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Nutrien stock has lost 34% of its value just this year alone and looks incredibly cheap today. Yet, secular trends…

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Tech Stocks

Trump Trade: Canadian Stocks to Watch

With Trump returning to the presidency, there are some sectors that could boom in Canada, and others to watch. But…

Read more »

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

Invest $7,000 in This Dividend Stock for $672 in Passive Income

High yield can be an essential requirement when you need to start even a modestly sized passive income with a…

Read more »