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

The Gold-to-Silver Ratio Widens: Is it Time to Buy Silver Miners?

| Matt Smith

Low cost primary silver miners like Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX:PAAS)(NASDAQ:PAAS) are attractive investments despite silver's latest slump.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why This Gold Miner Soared by Over 21% During the Last Month

| Matt Smith

Despite soaring significantly higher since the start of 2018, there is further upside ahead for Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Time to Weatherproof Your Portfolio With This Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Get ready for gold's next leg up by investing in Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX:DPM).

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Top Oversold TSX Index Stocks: Will They Outperform in 2019?

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and another two industry leaders deserve to be on your radar today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Bulk Up on Gold Stocks?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Gold stocks like Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) have rallied in the face of market uncertainty. Consider adding gold stocks to…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

5 Dirt-Cheap Gold Stocks Trading Under $5

| Nelson Smith

Cheap gold stocks like Centamin PLC (TSX:CEE), Kinross Gold Corp (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC), and Eldorado Gold Corp (TSX:ELD)(NYSE:EGO) could soar if the…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Forget Fears of a Global Trade War and Add This 6% Yield to Your Portfolio

| Matt Smith

Boost income and growth by buying Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (TSX:LIF).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Ignore the Poor Outlook for Silver and Buy This Junior Silver Miner

| Matt Smith

Despite the stagnant outlook for silver Bear Creek Mining Corp. (TSXV:BCM) is attractively valued.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is the Latest Deal the Catalyst Needed to Push This Silver Miner Higher?

| Matt Smith

Great Panther Silver Ltd's (TSX:GPR)(NYSE:GPL) latest acquisition will diversify production and boost earnings.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will Silver Ever Recover?

| Matt Smith

Silver's poor fundamentals indicate that high-cost miners such as Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSX:EDR)(NYSE:EXK) are unattractive investments.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G) an Attractive Stock Today?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp (TSX:G) (NYSE:GG) is up more than 10% in the past week. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Are You Overlooking These 2 Canadian Growth Stocks?

| Victoria Hetherington

If you've never heard of Morneau Shepell Inc. (TSX:MSI), you may want to see the dividend it pays. Is it…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Has Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO) Soared by Almost 20% Over the Last Month?

| Matt Smith

Cameco Corp.'s (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) latest news caused its short-term outlook to improve significantly, but long-term fundamentals remain poor.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

A Shining Light of Hope in a Dark, Turbulent Market

| Kay Ng

The markets go down, but Franco-Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) and another stock go up. Protect your capital now!

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks That Have Rallied up to 74% in the Last Year: More to Come?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Bausch Health Companies Inc. (TSX:BHC)(NYSE:BHC) is Canada's healthcare stock. It is making good progress on its attempted comeback.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Buy This Primary Silver Miner?

| Matt Smith

Despite the poor outlook for silver, Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX:PAAS)(NASDAQ:PAAS) is an attractive contrarian play on the white metal.

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX) Stock a Top Buy Right Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is the name to own if you think the gold rally has legs. Here's why.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Risky Market Round-Up: 3 Fun Ways to (Probably) Lose Money on the TSX Index

| Victoria Hetherington

RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:REI.UN) heads up a triple-layered “risk sandwich” of shaky Canadian industries. Find out which ones…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Now Is the Time to Buy This High-Quality Silver Miner

| Matt Smith

Regardless of the poor outlook for silver, now is the time to buy Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM).

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Now Is the Time to Acquire This Precious Metals Streamer

| Matt Smith

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd's (TSX:OR)(NYSE:OR) sharp pullback has created an opportunity for contrarian investors.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should Investors Buy Goldcorp. Inc. (TSX:G)?

| Matt Smith

Senior miner Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) continues to report disappointing results and appears incapable of unlocking value.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

What Is the Outlook for Silver for the Remainder of 2018?

| Matt Smith

The stagnant outlook for silver makes high-cost primary silver miners like First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR)(NYSE:AG) unattractive investments.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO) Got the Best News in Nearly a Decade

| Demetris Afxentiou

Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) received positive news from its long-hanging legal dispute with the CRA recently, but does this finally make…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

After Rallying by 10% Over the Last Month, Is This Gold Miner a Worthwhile Investment?

| Matt Smith

B2Gold Corp. (TSX:BTO)(NYSE:BTG) is poised to unlock further value regardless of weaker gold.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

What Is the Outlook for Gold Over the Remainder of 2018?

| Matt Smith

The outlook for gold is poor, making high-cost miners such as IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG) unattractive investments.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 More Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs

| Brian Pacampara, CFA

This trio of stocks, including Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI), is flying to new heights. But will they keep soaring?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Did This Gold Miner Gain 10% Over the Last Month?

| Matt Smith

Despite weaker gold, Pretium Resources Inc. (TSX:PVG)(NYSE:PVG) is poised to unlock considerable value for investors.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Boost Your Precious Metals Holdings

| Demetris Afxentiou

Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (TSX:WPM)(NYSE:WPM) offers investors an incredibly diversified and potentially lucrative long-term investment option over traditional miners.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Can This Beaten-Down Gold Miner Ever Recover?

| Matt Smith

After its latest sell-off, New Gold Inc. (TSX:NGD)(NYSE:NGD) appears attractively valued, despite its operational issues.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Despite the Latest Tragedy — Get Ready for This Junior Gold Miner to Soar

| Matt Smith

Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) remains a solid long-term investment.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

2 Strong Signs That Cameco Corp’s (TSX:CCO) Best Days Lie Ahead

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Investors have better hopes in Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) stock’s recovery prospects after watching these developments.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Value Stocks Investors Should Consider for 2019

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services (TSX:IAG) and OceanaGold Corp. (TSX:OGC) are two value stocks that could outperform in 2019.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Gold Miner a Deep Value Investment Opportunity?

| Matt Smith

While Eldorado Gold Corp. (TSX:ELD)(NYSE:EGO) delivered some disappointing results it is poised to unlock considerable value.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks You’re Likely Overlooking

| James Watkins-Strand

Stocks such as Transcontinental Inc. (TSX:TCL.A) make for great investments, even if they don’t often make headlines.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Flight to Safety: Will Gold Stocks Outperform in 2019?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM) (NYSE:AEM) remains the go-to name for gold exposure.

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Dividend Stocks

Is Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G) Stock a Contrarian Buy Today?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) is boosting production and the resource base, while lowering costs. Is it time to buy?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Value Investors: Gold Stocks Are Too Cheap to Ignore

| Kris Knutson

Gold stocks companies like Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) face near-term headwinds, but are ridiculously cheap and could roar higher as the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Regardless of the Poor Outlook for Silver, it Is Time to Buy This Miner

| Matt Smith

Despite weaker silver, there is considerable upside ahead for Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX:FVI)(NYSE:FSM).

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Canadian Stocks to Own for 30 Years in Your Retirement Fund

| Andrew Walker

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) (NYSE:CNQ) and another two market leaders deserve to be on your TFSA radar. Here's why.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks Worth Holding for the Rest of 2018 and Beyond

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Russel Metals (TSX:RUS) and Stelco Holdings (TSX:STLC) should still be on your radar after the U.S. and Canada came to…

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.