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 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

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

Inflation Worries? 1 Top Hedge on the TSX Index

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) outshines most other alternative assets, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies included, amid higher inflation.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

This Top TSX Stock Is Ripe for an Acquisition Bid

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Troilus Gold (TSX:TLG) may be worth a serious look by gold investors and those seeking deep value right…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Cheap Canadian Stock to Play the Commodities Rally

| Andrew Walker

This top commodity stock could soar in the next 12 months. Here's why.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy to Strengthen Your Portfolio

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

This Motley Fool article is about BCE, Agnico-Eagle Mines, and TD Bank stock -- three of the best Canadian stocks…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Building a Retirement Portfolio? Here Are 3 Top Picks

| Chris MacDonald

These three top picks provide everything long-term investors require in a retirement portfolio: growth, income, and value.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Dirt-Cheap Value Stocks to Buy in Summer 2021

| Chris MacDonald

These three value stocks are among the best picks for long-term investors seeking to build a long-term portfolio today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

4 Cheap (Under-$20) Stocks to Buy With $500

| Sneha Nahata

These Canadian stocks are priced under $20 and have good growth prospects.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Dogecoin and Lumber Lose Their Sheen, But These TSX Stocks Keep Climbing

| Vineet Kulkarni

Are you uncomfortable with the crypto volatility? Consider following TSX stocks that offer low-risk, moderate return prospects for the long…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

4 of the Best TSX Stocks to Buy if the Market Falls in July

| Jitendra Parashar

Here’s a list of four Canadian stocks to buy if the market falls this month due to investors’ seemingly temporary…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Dirt-Cheap Buys: A Top Canadian Royalty Stock to Buy Right Now

| Nikhil Kumar

Franco-Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) is a forward-looking business in which management focuses on growth opportunities rather than operational or development issues.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Stock: These Factors Make it a Great Buy Today

| Nikhil Kumar

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) has a clear roadmap for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which is based on climate…

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

3 Former Buffett Stocks Are the Best Value Buys Today

| Christopher Liew, CFA

The three TSX stocks Warren Buffett ditched are the best value buys in 2021. You can take positions in Suncor…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Want to Be Richer? Add $1,000 to These Stocks Right Now

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Canadians can turn a $1,000 investment in Nexus stock and Aura Minerals stock into a small fortune over time. Apart…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Could the Market Rally Continue in Q3 2021?

| Jitendra Parashar

These reasons could be hurting investors’ sentiments lately -- triggering a market-wide selloff. However, I still expect the broader market…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Top TSX Undervalued Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

The search for undervalued stocks is on, and Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD.B) and Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) are top picks.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why Gold Is Undervalued Right Now

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

The decline of crypto could lead gold stocks like Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) to gain momentum in a favourable environment.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Diversify Your Portfolio With These 2 Undervalued Stocks Today

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) are two top undervalued stocks every investor should consider.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

5 Top TSX Stocks to Diversify Your Portfolio in Q3 2021

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are five top Canadian stocks that you can buy to diversify your stock portfolio this quarter.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

4 Undervalued TSX Stocks to Buy in July 2021

| Sneha Nahata

Several TSX stocks continue to trade at lower valuations and look promising in the medium to long term.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Stock’s Dividend: Good As Gold?

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold stock (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) isn't just a great way to protect yourself from high inflation, but its dividend is also…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

The 3 Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Amid the Market Rally

| Vineet Kulkarni

Here are three top Canadian stocks to buy in the ongoing market rally for handsome long-term gains.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Gold Stocks Look Cheap Today

| Andrew Walker

Top gold stocks look cheap right now. Should you buy?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Worried About Market Volatility? Buy These 2 Top TSX Stocks Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Fortis (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top picks to battle market volatility with today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: Barrick Gold Stock May Be the Best Hedge for Your Buck

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) stock may very well be a better hedge than Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies in an inflationary environment.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Cheap Stocks Priced Under $30 to Buy in July 2021

| Sneha Nahata

If you are looking for cheap stocks to buy now, these under-$30 Canadian stock could deliver stellar returns.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

3 Top TSX Stocks to Buy With $10 in July 2021

| Adam Othman

It's never too early to start investing and buying stocks, even if you just have a few dollars to spare.…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Picks on the Canadian Stock Market for H2 2021

| Joey Frenette

Buy or watch Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) stock and another compelling value play on the Canadian stock market for the second half…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

If the Bitcoin Rally Is Over, Here’s Why This Stock Could Shoot Higher

| Chris MacDonald

Given the recent Bitcoin rally, gold may have lost an edge -- but here's why investors should still consider Kirkland…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Stocks to Buy as Inflation Heats Up

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Gold stocks Barrick Gold and Agnico-Eagle Mines will benefit from rising gold prices and shelter investors from rising inflation.

Read more »

Cannabis Stocks

2 Dirt-Cheap TSX Stocks I’d Buy Today

| Joey Frenette

Canadian investors would be wise to check out Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and another dirt-cheap TSX stock in July 2021.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Investor-Favourite TSX Stocks Lose Big in 2021: Should You Buy?

| Vineet Kulkarni

Amid the valuation concerns and uncertain recovery from the pandemic, TSX stocks have been making fresh highs for the last…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Dirt-Cheap TSX Stocks to Buy in July

| Aditya Raghunath

You can invest in undervalued stocks such as Auto Canada and derive outsized gains in the next year.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold: Should You Buy This Stock Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold looks undervalued today. Is this the right time to buy the stock?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Half-Time Report: 3 Top-Gainer TSX Stocks of 2021

| Vineet Kulkarni

Canadian markets are up almost 17% so far this year, outperforming the S&P 500. Here are some of the top-gainer…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Amazing Gold Stocks With Tremendous Upside Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX) should be on investor watch lists right now.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Undervalued Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Brian Paradza, CFA

There are some TSX stocks with a PEG ratio of less than 0.5 right now! The market may not be fully…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

The Conundrum: Real Gold vs. Digital Gold Stocks

| Puja Tayal

For years, gold has been a symbol of wealth. But now it faces a contender in Bitcoin, which is popularly…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

Got $1,000? 2 Under-the-Radar Stocks to Buy Now

| Adam Othman

Compared to stocks that are almost always in the spotlight, under-the-radar stocks might not look very exciting, but they can…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Stock Is a Screaming Buy Amid Higher Inflation

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) stock is a ridiculously cheap inflation hedge that Canadian investors should load up on right now.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Value Stocks to Consider Right Now

| Chris MacDonald

These three top Canadian value picks are among the best-priced equities trading on the TSX right now.

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.