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

2 Growth Stocks to Buy Now for +85% Upside

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why Norbord (TSX:OSB)(NYSE:OSB) could be an overlooked growth stock, plus one big mining name with the potential for 100%…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Recession 2020: 2 Gold Stocks to Grow Your Wealth

| Kris Knutson

Massive amounts of money printing and a move away from globalization might create an inflation issue in the coming years.…

Read more »

Coronavirus

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX): Is the Recent Weakness an Opportunity?

| Vineet Kulkarni

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) stock has fallen almost 20% from its record highs in April. Is it an opportunity for long-term…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Where I’d Invest $5,000 Right Now

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why an investment in stocks like Lundin Mining (TSX:LUN) could bring in huge returns in the long-term.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Will the Stock Market Crash Again?

| Kay Ng

A stock market crash may be looming on the horizon. Here’s how you can prepare by selling three types of…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

CERB Isn’t Enough? Buy Dividend Stocks to Get More Passive Income

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

The CERB might not be enough to cover your expenses since its only $2,000 per month and it's taxable. Buying…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Revealed: Why This Is the Only Mining Stock I Own

| Nelson Smith

You won't believe the massive dividends paid by Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp (TSX:LIF), the only mining stock in my…

Read more »

Coronavirus

This Industry Is About to Explode

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

It's no secret that the gold industry is going through a period of growth, but if you thinking of investing,…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Value Investors: Could These 2 Stocks Soar 100% by 2022?

| Andrew Walker

Deals are still available in the market today. Are these two stocks two cheap to ignore?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Rally: Is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock Cheap Today?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) (NYSE:GOLD) is off the 2020 highs. Is this the right time to buy the stock?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Got $1,000? Buy This Colombian Gold Stock Today

| Matt Smith

Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX:GCM) is very attractively valued and poised to soar as gold rallies higher making now the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

The Rise of Renewables and Demise of Cameco (TSX:CCO)

| Matt Smith

Cameco Corp's (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) latest rally appears overdone with plenty of headwinds ahead for nuclear energy stocks.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why You Should Buy These 5 Top TSX Metals Stocks in 2020

| Victoria Hetherington

North American Palladium Ltd. (TSX:PDL) and four other stocks are good value for money and could see steep growth.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Yes, Another Stock Market Crash Is Coming: How to Be Ready

| Kay Ng

A market selloff might have already started last week. Here's how you can prepare your stock portfolio over this weekend.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

3 Top Growth Thematics for New Stock Investors

| Victoria Hetherington

Northland Power Inc. (TSX:NPI) is a key stock in a high-growth sector. Find out what other stocks to buy for…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks I’d Consider Adding Today

| Kris Knutson

Gold stocks have had an incredible run over the past year. At these levels, should you buy shares of great…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Growth Stocks for a Millionaire-Maker Portfolio

| Adam Othman

Small to medium cap growth stocks sometimes come with more risk than many investors have the tolerance for. Still, there…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Gold Stocks: Buy Them While They’re Still Cheap

| Daniel Da Costa

TSX gold stocks have been pulling back recently, offering investors an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to the safe-haven asset…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Stock Market Rally: Buy, Hold, or Sell Stocks?

| Kay Ng

The TSX stock market rallied 33% from the low in March. What comes next? Should you buy, hold, or sell…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Scared of All the Money Printing? Buy These 2 Gold Stocks

| Kay Ng

Which is a better gold stock to own right now -- Newmont (TSX:NGT)(NYSE:NEM) or Franco-Nevada (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV)?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

A Top TSX Stock That Quintupled Investors’ Wealth in the Last 3 Years

| Vineet Kulkarni

This top TSX stock has soared more than 400% in the last three years. Its current valuation indicates room for…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Are Gold or Copper Stocks a Good Buy Today?

| Victoria Hetherington

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is a strong play for balancing risk in aportfolio, while copper stocks offer additional benefits.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Which TSX Stocks Hit 52-Week Lows This Week?

| Victoria Hetherington

Names like The Second Cup Ltd. (TSX:SCU) are hurting this week. Should investors sell, and what stocks should long-term investors…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

Buy These Stocks to Access a $1 Trillion Industry About to Take Off

| Victoria Hetherington

Find out why Maxar Technologies Ltd. (TSX:MAXR)(NYSE:MAXR) is a rare event-driven momentum stock worthy of a super-long position.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is the Gold Rush Over for Precious Metals Stocks?

| Kris Knutson

Precious metals stocks like Franco Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) were huge winners this year. However, with the market taking off these…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

$6,000 Invested in These 2 Stocks Could Make You a TFSA Fortune

| Adam Othman

The $6,000 contribution limit increase might not look like much, but in the right stock, this amount can be huge.

Read more »

Cannabis Stocks

My 3 Top Stocks to Buy in June

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) is one of my three stocks to buy in June.

Read more »

Coronavirus

Are Gold Stocks a Buy After the Recent Pullback?

| Andrew Walker

Gold stocks are down from their 2020 highs. Is this the best time to buy?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

4 of the Best TSX Gold Stocks That Pay Dividends

| Victoria Hetherington

Appealing stocks like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and three other big names in Canadian gold mining pay dividends to investors.

Read more »

Coronavirus

TSX Index: Is It Getting Ahead of Itself?

| Mat Litalien, MBA

The TSX Index is reflecting plenty of optimism. However, economic data points to a disconnect between reality and current price…

Read more »

Coronavirus

This Top TSX Gold Stock Is a Great Long-Term Investment

| Daniel Da Costa

One of the best investments to make right now is in a TSX gold stock, and this top pick is…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

3 Top Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

There are a lot of opportunities out there during a market crash, but these three growth stocks have the history…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

CRA’S CERB Isn’t Enough? The TFSA Comes to Your Rescue

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Buying Slate Retail REIT (TSX:SRT.UN) in your TFSA will give you monthly dividends that can you withdraw whenever you want…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Recession-Proof Gems To Hold Forever

| Chris MacDonald

These three companies will keep your portfolio afloat during the recession: Nutrien Ltd (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR), Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) and Barrick…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy This Gold Miner to Today and Profit in 2021

| Matt Smith

The outlook for gold miners is particularly positive, making now the time to buy Lundin Gold Inc. (TSX:LUG) to earn…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Relationship Between Gold and Oil Prices: Why There’s a Big Disconnection in 2020

| Kay Ng

The relationship between gold and oil prices have turned upside down. They've gone in opposite directions. Should you buy gold…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons Why This TSX Stock Is a Hidden Gem

| Sneha Nahata

Investors seeking long-term growth shouldn't miss this TSX stock.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Young Investors Will Drive Upside in These TSX Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Investors seeking the next generation of ethical upside have some intriguing stocks to choose from, such as Magna International Inc.…

Read more »

Tech Stocks

These TSX Stocks Are Hitting 52-Week Highs!

| Victoria Hetherington

Names like Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) are dominating lists of outperforming stocks on the TSX. Here’s what investors need to know.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Top Canadian Gold Stock to Buy in 2020

| Matt Smith

Canada's permier gold mining stock Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) has dipped, making now the time to buy and profit…

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.