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

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Small-Cap Gold Stocks That Could Double in 2020

| Daniel Da Costa

Small-cap gold stocks offer investors major opportunities for capital gains, especially with a stock like Roxgold Inc (TSX:ROXG) that can…

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

RRSP Investors: Should You Own Gold Stocks in 2020?

| Andrew Walker

Gold could outperform in the next 12 months. Here's why.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy Kinross Gold (TSX:K) Today and Profit in 2020

| Matt Smith

Cash in on higher gold and buy Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) today.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will Another Financial Crisis Occur in 2020?

| Matt Smith

Base metal miners such as First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (TSX:FM) are increasingly vulnerable to a global economic downturn.

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

Double Your Money: 1 High-Potential Stock That Could Return 100% or More in 2020

| Daniel Da Costa

Going into 2020, with a slowing economy and a heightened chance of a recession, it's likely that the top-performing stock…

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

Gold or Silver? Which One Holds the Best Value?

| Renée Gendron

Rénee Gendron compares Detour Gold Corporation (TSX:DGC) and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (TSX:WPM).

Read more »

cup of cappuccino with a sad face
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is 2020 the Beginning of the End for Cameco (TSX:CCO)?

| Matt Smith

The outlook for Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) remains poor, making it a stock to avoid in 2020.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Get Ready for This Junior Gold Miner to Soar in 2020

| Matt Smith

Lundin Gold Inc. (TSX:LUG) will rally significantly once commercial production commences.

Read more »

Profit dial turned up to maximum
Metals and Mining Stocks

Canada Revenue Agency: 1 Major TFSA Mistake Could Cost You Thousands

| Christopher Liew, CFA

The Alacer Gold and Bellus Health stocks are showing strong earnings potential.

Read more »

Growth from coins
Metals and Mining Stocks

Start Growing Your Wealth With 3 Powerful Stocks

| Adam Othman

Silvercorp Metals stock, goeasy stock, and Equitable Group stock can propel your investments upward at an explosive rate.

Read more »

Happy retirement
Dividend Stocks

Canada Revenue Agency: Retire Early With These 5 Promising Stocks

| Kay Ng

Are you ready to jump-start your retirement plan for decades?! If yes, read this.

Read more »

New year 2020 celebration. Gold foil balloons
Dividend Stocks

2020 Will Be a Strong Year for Canadian Metal and Oil Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why stocks such as Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX:CNQ)(NYSE:CNQ) could richly reward investors in the new year.

Read more »

Modern buildings in business district
Metals and Mining Stocks

2019 Year in Review: The Top 3 TSX Stocks

| Christopher Liew, CFA

The Real Matters stock, Alacer Gold stock, and Silvercorp stock are not the most popular names on the TSX. All…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

New Investors Shouldn’t Wait to Buy Into Growth Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Lundin Mining Corp. (TSX:LUN) is one of the best mining stocks on the TSX. Here’s why it’s a buy for…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Why Buying Gold Stocks for Brexit Is a Win-Win

| Victoria Hetherington

Whether bullish or bearish on Brexit, Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is a solid all-rounder for long-term investors.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy This Beaten-Down Gold Miner to Profit in 2020

| Matt Smith

New Gold Inc. (TSX:NGD)(NYSE:NGD) is an attractively valued contrarian play on higher gold.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Buy Agri Stocks to Play the “Phase 1” China Trade Deal

| Victoria Hetherington

Agri stocks like Nutrien Ltd. (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) are looking like a buy, as the Sino-American trade war comes to a tentative…

Read more »

You Should Know This
Metals and Mining Stocks

Trade War Uncertainty Weighs on Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B)

| Matt Smith

Teck Resources Ltd.'s (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) outlook is surrounded by considerable uncertainty.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will Gold Rally to $1,600 in 2020?

| Andrew Walker

Here's why the price of gold could take off in 2020.

Read more »

Gold medal
Dividend Stocks

How My Top Stocks to Buy Have Performed in 2019

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

A performance review of my monthly top stocks for 2019, which includes Dollamara (TSX:DOL) and goeasy (TSX:GSY).

Read more »

New year 2020 celebration. Gold foil balloons
Dividend Stocks

Investing in 2020: 3 Themes for Your Portfolio

| Daniel Da Costa

Preparing your portfolio to withstand a recession in the short-run is easy to do when you select high-quality, long-term stocks…

Read more »

Double exposure of a businessman and stairs - Business Success Concept
Dividend Stocks

Here’s What the Johnson Win Means for Canadian Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

TSX stocks like Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) could be strategic investments ahead of Brexit.

Read more »

A stock price graph showing growth over time
Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why Silver Could Be the Best-Performing Asset in 2020

| Daniel Da Costa

Silver stocks offer investors huge upside when there is fear in financial markets, so for investors looking to get in…

Read more »

Modern buildings in business district
Dividend Stocks

4 Powerful Stocks to Beef Up Your Investments

| Adam Othman

A well-balanced dose of growth and high-yield dividend stocks might be the thing your investment portfolio needs.

Read more »

A bull outlined against a field
Dividend Stocks

The Bull Keeps Running: These TSX Stocks Just Hit 52-Week Highs

| Victoria Hetherington

Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) rose to year-long highs this week, along with some other familiar faces on the TSX.

Read more »

edit Safety First illustration
Stocks for Beginners

Consumer Debt Continues to Weigh on the Economy: Here’s How to Protect Your Portfolio

| Daniel Da Costa

With consumer debt looking more and more likely that it's going to spark a recession, consider protecting your portfolio by…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Forget Bitcoin: Go for Gold in 2020

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Bitcoin has fallen sharply in the second half of 2019, while stocks like Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) have provided…

Read more »

Gold bars
Dividend Stocks

This 1 Solid Gold Stock Is Trade War-Proof

| Victoria Hetherington

Investors watching the trade war this week could have an all-weather play in Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD).

Read more »

Financial technology concept.
Dividend Stocks

Hot Metals: 1 Top Income Stock for Growth Investors

| Victoria Hetherington

Lundin Mining Corp. (TSX:LUN) is a key investment for both passive income and growth in electric vehicle battery metals.

Read more »

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

Screening for Top Stocks to Buy in 2020

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

See why Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Westshore Terminals Investment Corp. (TSX:WTE) rank high on my screening system, making…

Read more »

A brown bear sitting on a rock
Metals and Mining Stocks

TFSA Investors: Buy This Stock to Protect Your Portfolio During a Bear Market

| Daniel Da Costa

Bear markets can be devastating to investors' portfolios, especially if you aren't ready for it. Buying a high-quality gold stock…

Read more »

Arrow descending on a graph
Dividend Stocks

Long-Term Investors: How Increasing Volatility Can Help to Strengthen Your Portfolio

| Daniel Da Costa

As the volatility in markets heats up, it's a great opportunity for investors to analyze their portfolios and add a…

Read more »

Maxar Technologies
Dividend Stocks

For High Growth in Stocks, Investors Should Look to the Stars

| Victoria Hetherington

Maxar Technologies Ltd. (TSX:MAXR)(NYSE:MAXR) is a leading stock for investors seeking exposure to the high-growth potential of this new industry.

Read more »

Electric car being charged
Dividend Stocks

The Electric Vehicle Boom Boasts a Wealth of Growth Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) could be a better way to play electric vehicles than auto stocks. Here’s why.

Read more »

Person Hands Opening Mailbox To Remove Newspaper
Metals and Mining Stocks

Latest News Is Another Reason to Buy Kirkland Lake Gold (TSX:KL)

| Matt Smith

Buy Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) today to profit from higher gold in 2020.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Bank Stocks

Should Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) or CIBC (TSX:CM) Stock Be on Your 2020 Buy List?

| Andrew Walker

Deals are finally emerging ahead of 2020.

Read more »

edit Close-up Of A Piggybank With Eyeglasses And Calculator On Desk
Dividend Stocks

3 Ways to Double Your $10K TFSA in 2020 (Without Being Dumb)

| Brian Pacampara, CFA

Tired of declines? This trio of momentum stocks, including National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA), might have the rocket fuel you…

Read more »

Volatile market, stock volatility
Energy Stocks

3 Top Bargain Stocks Poised to Bounce in 2020

| Brian Pacampara, CFA

Hunting for a bargain? This group of beaten-down stocks, including Kirkland Gold (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL), might provide the value you're looking for.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is It Finally Time to Load Up on Silver?

| Matt Smith

Seeking exposure to silver? Then look no further than Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM).

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Metals and Mining Stocks

Triple Your Money in 2020 With This High-Risk, High-Reward Canadian Stock

| Ryan Vanzo

Guyana Goldfields Inc. (TSX:GUY) has the clearest upside of any TSX stock in 2020, but the potential reward requires taking…

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.