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

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Tech Stocks

3 of the Top TSX Growth Stocks to Buy in October

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Three top TSX growth stocks are must-buys in October, given their upside potential of more than 30%.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

How Acquiring Kirkland Lake Gold Will Impact Agnico Eagle’s Stock Price

| Aditya Raghunath

Agnico Gold stock is expected to gain pace following the merger with Kirkland Lake Gold.

Read more »

A bull outlined against a field
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks Poised for a Bull Run

| Adam Othman

Even in a bear market, some stocks might be poised for a bull run. It might be their individual strengths…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Metals and Mining Stocks

What Happened to Uranium Stocks This Week?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Uranium stocks went gangbusters in the last year but then started to shrink. What should Motley Fool investors do with…

Read more »

edit Business accounting concept, Business man using calculator with computer laptop, budget and loan paper in office.
Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks That Are an Absurdly Good Deal Right Now

| Adam Othman

It’s hard to pass on a good deal, but before you complete a deal, make sure you understand all of…

Read more »

Gold bars
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Gold Stocks to Add Before They Soar

| Adam Othman

These two gold companies could be ideal stock picks for investors in the current market environment.

Read more »

Man considering whether to sell or buy
Coronavirus

Under-$10: 3 TSX Stocks I’d Buy Now!

| Sneha Nahata

These Canadian stocks are priced under $10 and have good growth prospects in the long run.

Read more »

Gold medal
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Must-Buy TSX30 Winners With Outrageous Returns

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should seriously consider taking positions in two TSX30 winners with outrageous returns in 2021.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Best Gold Stocks to Buy in Canada Today

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Canadian investors should consider snatching up gold stocks like Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) in early October.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

Investor Alert: There’s a New Mega-Cap Gold Stock in Town

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why the Kirkland Lake (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Agnico Eagle (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) merger is a great deal for both parties.

Read more »

A stock price graph showing growth over time
Dividend Stocks

3 Small-Cap Stocks That Could Double in Value

| Adam Othman

Small-cap companies might seem a bit more volatile compared to their large-cap counterparts, but that volatility usually also comes with…

Read more »

Shopping card with boxes labelled REITs, ETFs, Bonds, Stocks
Dividend Stocks

Got $1,000? Invest in 3 Undervalued Stocks

| Adam Othman

Undervalued stocks, especially the ones that offer decent capital growth potential (and dividends can be the cherry on top), are…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Canadian Gold Stocks That Are Screaming Buys Right Now

| Daniel Da Costa

The entire gold sector is extremely cheap right now, making these three gold stocks some of the top companies in…

Read more »

stock data
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 of the Best TSX Stocks for Explosive Dividend Growth

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

This Motley Fool article explains why TSX stocks like Altagas, Labrador Royalty, and Tourmaline are the best dividend stocks for…

Read more »

grow dividends
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Overlooked Stock Offering Safety, Income, & Growth

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

If you're looking for stability, growth, and income at a cheap price, you need to check out this gold miner…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX Stocks That Just Hit Fresh 52-Week Lows

| Aditya Raghunath

Mining stocks such as Newmont and Pan American have underperformed the TSX in 2021.

Read more »

Profit dial turned up to maximum
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Uranium Stock About to Go Nuclear?

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why investors looking for a top-notch uranium stock may want to consider Cameco (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) right now.

Read more »

stock market
Dividend Stocks

3 Hot TSX Stocks to Buy in October 2021

| Vineet Kulkarni

Investors should ignore the short-term chaos and focus on the long-term growth potential. Here are three top TSX stocks that…

Read more »

Hand arranging wood block stacking as step stair with arrow up.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Aura Minerals: This TSX30 Stock Is up 1,000% in the Last Three Years

| Aditya Raghunath

Aura Minerals has grown investor wealth at a rapid rate but continues to remain attractive to value investors.

Read more »

Coworkers standing near a wall
Coronavirus

What to Expect Next Week in the TSX

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Here's what's happening on the TSX this week, and what investors should be watching in the week ahead or buying…

Read more »

Businessmen teamwork brainstorming meeting.
Metals and Mining Stocks

If You’d Invested $1,000 in Cameco in 2020, This Is How Much You’d Have Today

| Aditya Raghunath

Cameco has more than doubled its returns in the last 18 months, but it remains a risky bet right now.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Dividend Stocks

3 Gold Stocks That Could Hedge High Inflation

| Adam Othman

Inflation is on the rise, and it might stay red hot for a while yet. There are a few ways…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Tech Stocks

These 4 Canadian Stocks Have Corrected Over 10% in September: Should You Buy?

| Rajiv Nanjapla

The correction in these four Canadian stocks provides an excellent buying opportunity for long-term investors.

Read more »

5G chip
Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Shopify: This Top TSX30 Stock Is up Over 1,000% in Three Years

| Aditya Raghunath

Aura Minerals is trading at an attractive valuation despite its 1,100% gain in the last three years.

Read more »

Value for money
Metals and Mining Stocks

Value for Money: 2 TSX30 Winners to Own for Less Than $7

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors can take advantage of the low prices of two 2021 TSX30 members. Capstone Mining stock and EcoSynthetix stock…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL) Stock Whipsawed This Week

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's why Canadian gold miner Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) stock whipsawed this week amid high volatility.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

A Pot of Gold: 2 Top Gold Stocks to Sit On Forever

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top gold stocks to buy right now.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold & Silver: 4 Mining Stocks With Returns of More Than 250%

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should seriously consider four mining stocks that made it to the 2021 TSX30 List. Orla Mining stock, Wesdome…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake (TSX:KL) Dropped 10% After Agnico Deal

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) dropped 10% after a merger deal announced with Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) sent shares downward.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Stocks for Beginners

Barrick Gold Stock Looks Too Cheap to Ignore

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) loooks like an attractive bargain for new investors, as the stock continues falling towards new 52-week lows.

Read more »

edit Business accounting concept, Business man using calculator with computer laptop, budget and loan paper in office.
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX 60 Components Down Over 20% in 2021

| Aditya Raghunath

Top TSX stocks such as Canopy Growth and Kinross Gold have underperformed the index in 2021. Can these stocks stage…

Read more »

A stock price graph showing declines
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL) Tanked Over 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's why the shares of Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) are tanking today.

Read more »

Going against the grain
Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: 1 Cheap Top TSX Stock to Buy Now

| Andrew Walker

This industry leader's stock looks too cheap to ignore. Here's why.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Canadian Gold Stocks to Add Before They Take Off

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX) are two top gold stocks to consider right now.

Read more »

edit Businessman using calculator next to laptop
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

| Adam Othman

There are some stocks that you can hold on to for years and years and rely on their fundamental strengths…

Read more »

silver metal
Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: Here’s a Low-Risk, High-Value Stock

| Demetris Afxentiou

Investors! Forget the volatility of Bitcoin. Here’s a low-risk, high-value stock to consider investing in that offers great growth prospects.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Cameco Stock the Best Way to Invest in Uranium?

| Aditya Raghunath

Cameco stock has gained close to 60% year to date but remains a high-risk bet due to its steep valuation…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

A Mining Stock, Not Shopify (TSX:SHOP), Is #1 on the 2021 TSX30 List

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Growth investors should include Aura Minerals stock on their buy lists. The mining stock, not Canada’s largest publicly listed company,…

Read more »

Question marks in a pile
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Are Uranium Stocks Surging in 2021?

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Uranium stocks have more than doubled in the last year, but should investors jump in during a recent pullback or…

Read more »

Watch for the Warning Signs Stock Market Prices Trends 3d Illustration
Dividend Stocks

3 Undervalued Stocks to Put on Your Watch List

| Adam Othman

Not all undervalued assets are likely to offer the same results, so before you make a buying decision, it’s a…

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.