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

Why You Should Buy the Dips in Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX) (NYSE:GOLD) stock has come a long way and has emerged a stronger, more financially sound company,…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Get Ready for a Global Recession in 2020

| Matt Smith

Weather-proof your portfolio by buying Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) today.

Read more »

Financial technology concept.
Stocks for Beginners

These 2 Sectors Are Bouncing Amid Market Turbulence

| Victoria Hetherington

Cannabis stocks such as Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) join gold in a bounce as a spooked market sought safety and…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy Continental Gold (TSX:CNL) Today and Double Your Money in 2020!

| Matt Smith

Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) is poised to soar once commercial production commence in 2020.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

I Would Buy This Gold Stock Right Now!

| Chen Liu

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) is a good gold stock for your TFSA or RRSP. Buy this stock today!

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Stocks for Beginners

Why You Shouldn’t Invest in Gold Stocks in a Recession

| Debra Ray

If you had invested in Barrick Gold Corp (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) in January 1995, you would not have broken even today.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock a Buy on the Dip?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) has given back some of its big gains. Is this a good opportunity to buy the…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Energy Stocks

RRSP Alert: 2 Cheap Industry Leaders to Own for Decades!

| Andrew Walker

Nutrien Ltd. (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) and one other top TSX Index stock deserve to be on your RRSP radar today. Here's why.

Read more »

Close up of newspaper headline for financial crisis news
Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s How to Spot a Coming Recession, and What to Do About it

| Daniel Da Costa

There are a number of indicators investors can use to spot a recession and transition their portfolios ahead of time…

Read more »

Path to retirement
Stocks for Beginners

3 Stocks to Avoid if You Want to Retire

| Debra Ray

You are better off leaving these three stocks, including OceanaGold Corp (TSX:OGC), to insiders and psychics who can better predict…

Read more »

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

The Easiest Way You Can Invest Without Much Cash

| Debra Ray

Aspiring retirees without a substantial nest egg can quickly diversify a portfolio with cheap high-dividend stocks like Western Forest Products…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Metals and Mining Stocks

Penny Stock Watch: 2 Millionaire-Makers Under $8 to Buy Today

| Adam Othman

Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) are two potentially explosive penny stocks that can make you a wealthy…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Top Miner to Get Exposure to Record Palladium Prices

| Matt Smith

Cash in on higher palladium by investing in North American Palladium Ltd. (TSX:PDL).

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Gold Stocks You Shouldn’t Wait to Buy

| Daniel Da Costa

Gold continues to offer investors one of the best opportunities in 2019, and Continental Gold Inc (TSX:CNL) is one of…

Read more »

Retirement
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Top Stocks to Buy for a Wealthy Retirement

| Renée Gendron

You can generate wealth during a recession by buying Franco-Nevada Corporation (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) and Waste Connections Inc. (TSX:WCN)(NYSE:WCN).

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Get Ready for Gold to Reach US$1,600 Before the End of 2019

| Matt Smith

Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX:DPM) will soar, as gold climbs higher because of growing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Read more »

Shopping card with boxes labelled REITs, ETFs, Bonds, Stocks
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Stocks That Could Have Made You $50,000 in 2019

| Amy Legate-Wolfe

Even with a poor market, there were still opportunities like WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) to bring in cash.

Read more »

Profit dial turned up to maximum
Stocks for Beginners

How to Profit From Another Year of the Trade War

| Victoria Hetherington

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) presents a strong play ahead of another 12 months of the U.S.-China trade war.

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) Stock a Buy Today?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is moving higher again after the recent pause. Should you own this stock?

Read more »

cup of cappuccino with a sad face
Metals and Mining Stocks

These Were the Worst-Performing Stocks on the TSX Last Week

| Mat Litalien, MBA

The TSX Index closed the week with a small 0.5% gain. However, there was no shortage of big losers with…

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

My Top Gold and Silver Stocks to Pick Up in October

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM) have been explosive equities in the hot precious metals sector…

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

2020 Will Be a Pivotal Year for this Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) is poised to soar after its first gold pour next year.

Read more »

Money growing in soil , Business success concept.
Dividend Stocks

Gold and Weed: 2 Growth Stocks to Buy Now

| Victoria Hetherington

Canopy Growth Corp (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC) and a major gold miner could suit a long-term buyer right now.

Read more »

Pipeline
Dividend Stocks

2 Ways to Play the TSX If Oil Trends Higher

| Victoria Hetherington

Vermilion Energy Inc. (TSX:VET)(NYSE:VET) and Newmont Goldcorp Corp. (TSX:NGT)(NYSE:NEM) could be solid investments if higher oil persists.

Read more »

A bull outlined against a field
Dividend Stocks

Brexit Bulls: 1 Bold Stock to Buy Before the Rush

| Victoria Hetherington

Bullish on post-Brexit growth? Lundin Mining Corp. (TSX:LUN) could be a strong investment for a turnaround in the global economy.

Read more »

Gold bars
Dividend Stocks

Which TSX Gold Stock Is Your Best Bet for a Recession?

| Andrew Button

If you're banking on gold stocks to protect against a future recession, consider Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL)

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

How Much Gold Should You Buy for the Looming Recession?

| Adam Othman

Amid fears of a looming recession, people are looking towards gold to see them through. Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL)…

Read more »

Businessman looking at a red arrow crashing through the floor
Tech Stocks

These Were the Worst-Performing Stocks on the TSX Last Week

| Ryan Vanzo

Markets keep rising, but there are bargains to be had. Learn more about beaten-down stocks like Imperial Metals Corp (TSX:III),…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Buy Cameco (TSX:CCO)?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) has endured a pressing decade of supply cuts and limited demand, leading to disappointing results. Could a…

Read more »

Financial technology concept.
Tech Stocks

TSX at All-Time Highs: 5 Stocks That Have Already Doubled in 2019!

| Jason Phillips

With the TSX Index at all-time highs, here are 5 stocks that have already doubled so far in 2019, including…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

1 Stock to Buy as the Trade War Takes a Timeout

| Victoria Hetherington

Nutrien Ltd. (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) is one of the top stocks to buy as international markets rally on positive trade war developments.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Gold Is Headed Higher Next Year

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) and other senior gold producers are the best bet for investors looking to go long on…

Read more »

Gold bars
Energy Stocks

Worried Sick About a Recession? Gold and Power Is the Cure

| Adam Othman

Certain sectors do well during recessions. Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL), Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS), Capital Power Corporation (TSX:CPX) are companies…

Read more »

HIGH VOLTAGE ELECRICITY TOWERS
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks to Consider Ahead of the Fourth Quarter

| Daniel Da Costa

Canadian Utilities Ltd (TSX:CU) and Newmont Goldcorp Corp (TSX:NGT)(NYSE:NEM) are two stocks investors may want to add to their portfolio…

Read more »

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

4 Great Gold Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Victoria Hetherington

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL) and three other excellent gold stocks are looking like solid investments today.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Nemaska Lithium’s (TSX:NMX) Stock Price Fell 13.6% in August

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Will the down trend abate for Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX:NMX)?

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Tech Stocks

TFSA Investors: Buy These 3 Companies Before Purchasing More Cannabis Stock

| Mat Litalien, MBA

Cannabis stocks carry considerable risk. As such, consider stocks such as Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) for your TFSA instead.

Read more »

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

The Number 1 Dividend Stock to Buy in September

| Debra Ray

High-yield dividend stocks like Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (TSX:LIF) are the best defensive stocks to buy and hold in…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Canadian Gold Miner the Best Way to Hedge Against a Recession?

| Matt Smith

Weatherproof your portfolio by buying attractively valued Detour Gold Corp. (TSX:DGC).

Read more »

Gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons Gold Stocks Are Better Than Weed Stocks Right Now

| Andrew Button

If you want the potential returns of marijuana stocks without all the volatility, consider gold stocks like Kirkland Lake Gold…

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.