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

office buildings
Energy Stocks

Get Rich With Momentum: Here Are 3 Red-Hot Stocks to Look at Now

| Brian Pacampara, CFA

Tired of declines? This trio of stocks, including First Quantum (TSX:FM), might have the rocket fuel you need.

Read more »

Hand writing Time for Action concept with red marker on transparent wipe board.
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Buy Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX:K)?

| Matt Smith

Flat production growth and high operating expenses make Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) an unappealing investment.

Read more »

edit Businessman using calculator next to laptop
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Buy This Cheap Mining Stock Today

| Kris Knutson

The time to buy commodity stocks is not after they have run high, as Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) has, but…

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

Time to Load Up on This Primary Silver Miner

| Matt Smith

Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX:PAAS)(NASDAQ:PAAS) is poised to unlock value even if silver remains weak.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Are Gold Stocks a Good Bet in March?

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Gold prices have climbed in the first two months of 2019. Equities like Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) should continue to…

Read more »

Chalk outline of two arrows pointing in opposite directions
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-Cheap Dividend Stocks With Single-Digit P/E Ratios

| Andrew Button

In 2019, the TSX Index abounds with cheap stocks like Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM).

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Dividend Stocks

Are These the Best Canadian Growth Stocks Money Can Buy?

| Victoria Hetherington

Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) and three other Canadian stocks look like strong plays for high growth in earnings further down the…

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 This Beaten-Down Gold Miner a Worthwhile Investment?

| Matt Smith

New Gold Inc. (TSX:NGD)(NYSE:NGD) is attractively valued and poised to soar.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Beaten-Down Lithium Growth Stock a Buy After Last Week’s 46% Drop?

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Could a contrarian buy on troubled Nemaska Lithium Inc (TSX:NMX) produce massive capital gains this year?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy This Silver Miner to Benefit From Silver’s Next Rally

| Matt Smith

Cash in on silver's next leg-up by investing in Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSX:SVM)(NYSE:SVM).

Read more »

office buildings
Energy Stocks

Are the Good Times Over for Teck Resources Ltd (TSX:TECK.B)?

| Ryan Vanzo

Teck Resources Ltd (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) just finished its best year in history, but how long will the good times last?

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Stocks for Beginners

Gold Near 5-Year High: Time to Buy the Miners?

| Andrew Walker

Gold is nearing highs not seen in several years, but the stocks of gold miners, including Barrick Gold Corp (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD),…

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Has This Precious Metals Miner Soared by 74% Since the Start of 2019?

| Matt Smith

Despite rallying substantially, there are signs of further upside ahead for North American Palladium Ltd. (TSX:PDL).

Read more »

STACKED COINS DEPICTING MONEY GROWTH
Metals and Mining Stocks

Lundin Gold Inc (TSX:LUG) Is Entering a Pivotal Year: Is it Time to Buy?

| Ryan Vanzo

Lundin Gold Inc (TSX:LUG) is entering a pivotal year, where one of its biggest projects in history should begin production.

Read more »

potted green plant grows up in arrow shape
Dividend Stocks

I Wish I’d Held This Dividend Stock

| Kris Knutson

Selling Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp. (TSX:LIF) in 2016 was one of my worst mistakes I have made. But should…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) May Go on Steroids This Year

| Ryan Vanzo

Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) is boosting production and lowering costs just as copper prices are prepared to spike.

Read more »

Bad apple with good apples
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Controversy Surrounding Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) Worsens

| Matt Smith

There are growing fears that Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) may never successfully commence commercial production.

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Metals and Mining Stocks

Have These 2 Lithium Stocks Bottomed Out?

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX:LAC)(NYSE:LAC) and Nemaska Lithium Inc. (TSX:NMX) have suffered as lithium prices have tanked in late 2018 and…

Read more »

Pipeline
Energy Stocks

Why Investors Should Watch Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE) Stock

| Andrew Walker

Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE)(NYSE:CVE) is up 15% in recent trading. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Did This Gold Miner Soar by 45% for the Year to Date?

| Matt Smith

Gran Colombia Gold Corp. (TSX:GCM) finally appears capable of living up to its considerable promise.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI) Is Still Struggling to Unlock Value Despite Higher Gold

| Matt Smith

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) remains an unattractive investment despite higher gold.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Did This Junior Gold Miner Soar by 17% Since the Start of 2019?

| Matt Smith

Lundin Gold Inc. (TSX:LUG) offers considerable upside to risk tolerant and patient investors.

Read more »

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

Is This Tech Stock a Golden Opportunity?

| Kris Knutson

Although it is a volatile stock with no dividend, Goldmoney Inc. (TSX:XAU) bridges the gap between financial technology and precious…

Read more »

Chalk outline of two arrows pointing in opposite directions
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Best Dividend Stocks to Reduce Risk in a Portfolio

| Victoria Hetherington

From the Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) to two other sturdy stocks, here are some of the best choices for…

Read more »

Young adult woman walking up the stairs with sun sport background
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will Detour Gold Corporation (TSX:DGC) Triple Yet Again?

| Ryan Vanzo

Detour Gold Corporation (TSX:DGC) has a volatile history, but if you understand the underlying drivers, you can triple your investment…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Dividend Stocks

The World’s Largest Methanol Producer Is Now on Sale

| Ryan Vanzo

Methanex Corporation (TSX:MX)(NASDAQ:MEOH) stock is a bumpy ride, but for patient investors, today looks like a great entry point.

Read more »

Growth from coins
Metals and Mining Stocks

Nutrien Ltd (TSX:NTR) Is Riding the Biggest Growth Story of the Century

| Ryan Vanzo

Nutrien Ltd (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) has been volatile over the past decade, but long-investors should consider taking a stake at current prices.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX): Should You Buy the Stock on the Dip?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) just gave back some of its recent gains. Is this the right time to add the…

Read more »

edit Person using calculator next to charts and graphs
Dividend Stocks

Tired of Missing Out on These 2 Stocks That Have Soared 250% and 100% in the Last 3 Years?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp. (TSX:LIF) can be expected to continue to provide shareholders with dividend income and Parex Resources…

Read more »

Money growing in soil , Business success concept.
Dividend Stocks

Two High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy Right Now

| Prosper Bakiny

Russel Metals (TSX:RUS) and Great-West Lifeco (TSX:GWO) can provide income investors with stable and growing dividends for years to come.

Read more »

Where to Invest?
Dividend Stocks

Investors: Are These 3 Stocks Worth Buying?

| Victoria Hetherington

Do dividend stocks like Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI.B)(NYSE:RCI) offer enough incentive for investors to buy and hold?

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

This Gold Stock Trading Under 5$ Has 70% Upside!

| Mat Litalien, MBA

Leagold Mining Corp (TSX:LMC) is trading at cheap valuations and has an attractive growth profile. LMC's stock has significant upside.

Read more »

Diggers and trucks in a coal mine
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Stock a Buy After Record Annual Earnings?

| Brian Paradza, CFA

The latest financial performance is encouraging, but does it justify a new investment in Teck Resources Limited (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) stock?

Read more »

Knowledge concept with quote written on wooden blocks
Dividend Stocks

Is This the Next Generation of RRSP-Friendly Stocks?

| Victoria Hetherington

Enerflex Ltd. (TSX:EFX) and its peers may take over from the old guard of defensive RRSP picks.

Read more »

Chalk outline of two arrows pointing in opposite directions
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Stocks as Good As Gold Bullion in an RRSP

| Victoria Hetherington

Retirement investors can glean defensive income from Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU)(NSE:SU) and two other Canadian stocks.

Read more »

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

Investor Alert: These Stocks Are Trading At 52-Week Highs: Should You Take Your Money and Run?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Despite an extremely lucrative dividend history, Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp. (TSX:LIF) stock is a sell at 52-week highs.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

TSX Investors: Your TFSA Needs Stocks Like These

| Victoria Hetherington

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) is still one of the best Canadian banking stocks to give your TFSA a boost.

Read more »

hand using ATM
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO) a Buy After a Strong 2018?

| David Jagielski

Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) had a good finish to the year and hopes that it's enough to win back investors.

Read more »

Retirement plan
Stocks for Beginners

Retirement Investors: Which Canadian Gold Stocks Belong in Your Savings Plan?

| Victoria Hetherington

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) is a good example of a miner fit for an RRSP, but do two other stocks make…

Read more »

You Should Know This
Metals and Mining Stocks

Build Long-Term Wealth With This Precious Metals Investment

| Demetris Afxentiou

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:GOLD) is appealing option for long-term investors looking for a precious metals investment.

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.