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

Diggers and trucks in a coal mine
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Stock Popped 10% Today

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are key reasons why Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) stock popped by nearly 10% today.

Read more »

Caution, careful
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Oversold Canadian Stocks That Could Have Further to Fall

| Joey Frenette

NFI Group (TSX:NFI) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are oversold, but could each dog turn into a winner in the late…

Read more »

TIMER SAYING TIME FOR ACTION
Tech Stocks

Top 5 Under-$10 Canadian Stocks to Buy Today

| Sneha Nahata

I see a handful of high-growth stocks trading very cheaply (under $10).

Read more »

Businessman looking at a red arrow crashing through the floor
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Uranium Stocks Plummeted Over 10% Today

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Uranium stocks plummeted from the market correction on the TSX today, but does that mean there's an opportunity for investors…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Top Canadian Stocks to Watch on Monday, September 20

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are some top TSX stocks that Canadian investors should keep on their watchlists on Monday, September 20.

Read more »

edit Safety First illustration
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Defensive Stocks to Buy Today

| Chris MacDonald

Here's why Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) and Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are two top defensive stocks worth buying now.

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

These Gold Stocks Are Faltering in 2021

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is among the gold stocks that have been going down so far in 2021, but a reversal…

Read more »

Gold king in chess game face with the another silver team on black background (Concept for company strategy, business victory or decision)
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold or First Majestic Silver a Top Stock to Buy Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold and First Majestic Silver are hitting new 2021 lows. Are these stocks now too cheap to ignore?

Read more »

Value for money
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Value Stocks to Buy this Fall

| Chris MacDonald

These three top TSX value stocks are among the best options for long-term investors to consider as we enter a…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Gold Stocks to Buy As Inflation Surges

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Barrick Gold stock is one of many in the sector trading at 52-week lows and becoming more attractively valued as…

Read more »

Upwards momentum
Tech Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Beating Shopify Stock in 3-Year Growth

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Shopify stock (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) has been the Canadian stock to beat on the TSX today, but this stock may have done…

Read more »

TSX Today
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: Top Canadian Stocks to Watch on Friday, September 17

| Jitendra Parashar

Here are some top TSX stocks that Canadian investors should keep on their watchlists today.

Read more »

Coworkers standing near a wall
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Thursday Recap: What Happened in the Market?

| Aditya Raghunath

The TSX is down over 0.5% today after mining stocks triggered a selloff and weak macro-economic data weighed on markets.

Read more »

A colourful firework display
Stocks for Beginners

These 2 Explosive TSX Stocks Have Nearly TRIPLED in a Year

| Jitendra Parashar

Let's look at two high-growth Canadian stocks that have delivered remarkable returns lately and still seem to have a lot…

Read more »

Early retirement handwritten in a note
Dividend Stocks

3 Under-$50 Canadian Dividend Stocks I’d Buy to Retire Early

| Jitendra Parashar

In this article, I’ve highlighted three of the best under-$50 Canadian dividend stocks that could help you retire early in…

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

2 Bargain Deals for a 6% Dividend!

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Two under $5 but high-yield stocks are attractive investment options this September. The Anglo Pacific stock and Centamin stock are…

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

5 of the Best Undervalued TSX Stocks to Buy Under $100

| Sneha Nahata

It’s wise to invest in fundamentally strong stocks trading at attractive valuations. 

Read more »

analyze data
Stocks for Beginners

4 Under-$10 TSX Stocks Beginners Should Buy Now

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's a list of four cheap TSX stocks that new investors can buy now that are currently trading below $10…

Read more »

A stock price graph showing declines
Dividend Stocks

5 High-Growth TSX Stocks That Have Recently Fallen More Than 20%

| Vineet Kulkarni

Here are the top TSX stocks that saw a decent correction lately. Let’s see which of them offers a worthwhile…

Read more »

Upwards momentum
Tech Stocks

These Growth Stocks Are Up 68% and 87% This Year Alone!

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Growth stocks can be exciting but also worrisome, so Motley Fool investors would be wise to look at a business…

Read more »

Knowledge concept with quote written on wooden blocks
Coronavirus

3 Top TSX Stocks Trapped in a Tight Bear Hug

| Vineet Kulkarni

TSX stocks at large are up almost 55% since March last year. However, despite the rally, few investor-favourite names have…

Read more »

edit Safety First illustration
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Defensive Picks for Cautious Investors

| Chris MacDonald

These three top defensive picks are among the best stocks Canada has to offer in providing investors with stable long-term…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold: Should You Buy or Sell This Stock Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold is down 20% this year. Is this top gold stock oversold?

Read more »

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

3 Stocks That Are Absurdly Cheap Right Now

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Three cheap dividend stocks could deliver higher returns in the next 12 months. However, the B2Gold stock, Computer Modelling stock,…

Read more »

gold stocks gold mining
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Gold Stocks to Buy While They’re Still Cheap

| Chris MacDonald

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

Read more »

Man holding magnifying glass over a document
Metals and Mining Stocks

A Top TSX Dividend Stock to Buy Now and Hold for Decades

| Andrew Walker

This top TSX stock deserves to be on your buy list for a retirement fund. Here's why.

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Tech Stocks

4 Cheap, High-Growth TSX Stocks to Buy Today

| Sneha Nahata

These low-priced stocks have solid growth potential.

Read more »

consider the options
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Expect From Canadian Stocks on September 9

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's what you should know before starting your trading day on the TSX on Thursday, September 9.

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Tech Stocks

4 Top Under-$10 Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Rajiv Nanjapla

These four under-$10 Canadian stocks can deliver superior returns over the next two years.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Metals and Mining Stocks

TSX Today: What to Expect From Canadian Stocks on September 8

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's what you should know before starting your trading day on the TSX on Wednesday, September 8.

Read more »

A close up image of Canadian $20 Dollar bills
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: Earn $150/Month Before 2021 Is Over

| Christopher Liew, CFA

It only takes minimal investment to create $150 in passive income every month. Invest in high-yield Timbercreek Financial stock and…

Read more »

edit Woman calculating figures next to a laptop
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today for Solid Returns

| Jitendra Parashar

I find these three amazing TSX stocks worth buying today, as they may yield solid returns on investment in the…

Read more »

A stock price graph showing declines
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Beaten-Down TSX Stocks Near 52-Week Lows

| Andrew Button

Stocks are hot these days but gold miners like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) are near 52-week lows.

Read more »

value for money
Tech Stocks

3 Cheap TSX Stocks to Buy in September 2021

| Kay Ng

The stock market is expensive. Thankfully, here are a few cheap TSX stocks you can potentially find price appreciation in.…

Read more »

Knowledge concept with quote written on wooden blocks
Energy Stocks

TSX Today: What to Expect From Canadian Stocks on September 7

| Jitendra Parashar

Here's what you should know before starting your trading day on the TSX on Tuesday, September 7.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Top TSX Stocks to Buy Today

| Aditya Raghunath

Investors can look to diversify overall risk by purchasing shares of Barrick Gold and HIVE Blockchain.

Read more »

TIMER SAYING TIME FOR ACTION
Energy Stocks

Buy Now! 2 TSX Stocks With a 340% Return

| Christopher Liew, CFA

Two small-cap stocks delivered more than 340% returns last year. Buy Nuvista Energy stock and Capstone Mining stock now, as…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 TSX Gold Stock That’s a Screaming Buy in My Books!

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is a wonderful gold stock that trades at a wonderful price for reluctant investors who favour cryptocurrencies.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy for Oversized Returns

| Adam Othman

Not all stocks offer decent returns thanks to consistent and predictable growth. Many offer a magnificent payoff only when certain…

Read more »

Simple life style relaxation with Asian working business woman healthy lifestyle take it easy resting in comfort hotel or home living room having free time with peace of mind and self health balance
Coronavirus

2 Top Turbocharged TSX Stocks to Buy in September 2021

| Vineet Kulkarni

If you have been out of the markets recently, here are two under-the-radar TSX stocks that offer handsome growth potential.

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.