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

Coworkers standing near a wall
Metals and Mining Stocks

Massive Mover Alert: This Silver Stock Just Jumped 46% This Morning!

| Neha Chamaria

Here’s why Tahoe Resources Inc. (TSX:THO)(NYSE:TAHO) is flying like greased lightning today.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold’s Latest Pullback Makes Now the Perfect Time to Buy This Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Get ready for Lundin Gold Inc. (TSX:LUG) to soar once commercial production at Fruta del Norte commences.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 2 Top Canadian Stocks to Own for 25 Years

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Nutrien (TSX:NTR) (NYSE:NTR) and another top Canadian stock should be attractive buy-and-hold picks today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Dirt Cheap TSX Index Stocks Trading at Less Than a Toonie per Share!

| Jason Phillips

For those investors willing to bear the risk of heightened volatility, an investment in VIVO Cannabis Inc (TSXV:VIVO) and another…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Best Gold Stock to Weatherproof Your Portfolio Against the Next Crisis

| Matt Smith

Hedge against the next geopolitical or economic crisis by investing in Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL).

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Latest Results Show Improvements in First Majestic Silver Corp.’s (TSX:FR) Operations

| Matt Smith

Despite improved results, First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR)(NYSE:AG) remains an unappealing investment.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Dividend Stocks

Here’s The 1 Best Gold Stock for Portfolio Diversification

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM) (NYSE:AEM) is benefitting from strong operational performance, and a strong balance sheet, putting the stock in…

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Stocks for Beginners

A Rising TSX Index Stock for Your TFSA in 2019

| Andrew Walker

Nutrien Ltd. (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR) is soaring after the Q3 earnings report. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Reasons Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K) Stock Will Shine in 2019

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

There is reason for optimism at Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) heading into 2019.

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Dividend Stocks

Is This Really the Best Gold Stock on the TSX Index?

| Victoria Hetherington

How is Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) looking in terms of value, quality, and momentum, and is it a buy today?

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Latest Results Indicate That Now Is the Time to Buy This Precious Metals Miner

| Matt Smith

Get ready for North American Palladium Ltd. (TSX:PDL) to rally further.

Read more »

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 TSX Index Stocks That Could Rally Through the End of 2018

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is one of a handful of TSX Index industry leaders that could take off in 2019.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Despite Poor Results, This Silver Miner Is an Attractive Contrarian Play on Precious Metals

| Matt Smith

Great Panther Silver Ltd.'s (TSX:GPR)(NYSE:GPL) latest results indicate that it is a risky investment.

Read more »

time is money compounding
Dividend Stocks

Canadian Investors: It’s Time to Check Out These FANG Stocks

| Nelson Smith

A new group of Canadian FANG stocks -- like Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. (TSX:FFH) and National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA)…

Read more »

A stock price graph showing declines
Metals and Mining Stocks

Has October Has Exposed This New “Safe Haven?”

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Surging gold prices have boosted Barrick Gold Corp (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) during a turbulent October, while top cryptocurrency prices have dropped.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Do the Latest Results Indicate That New Gold Inc. (TSX:NGD) Is Turning its Operations Around?

| Matt Smith

Third-quarter 2018 results indicate that the worst is behind New Gold Inc. (TSX:NGD)(NYSE:NGD), making it an attractive contrarian play on…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Did This Junior Gold Miner Soar by More Than 80% Over the Last Year?

| Matt Smith

Despite making solid double-digit gains, there are signs that Maya Gold & Silver Inc. (TSX:MYA) will rally further.

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Understanding Risk and Opportunity in Latin America

| Matt Smith

Invest in Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL), Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (TSX:GTE)(NYSE:GTE), and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (TSX:BIP.UN)(NYSE:BIP) to benefit from…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Buy This Precious Metals Streamer?

| Matt Smith

The latest pullback leaves precious metals streamer Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (TSX:SSL)(NYSE:SAND) as an attractively valued way to play higher gold.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Great Dividend Stocks Trading Near Their 52-Week Lows

| Jason Phillips

October's volatility has created an opportunity to buy several dividend stocks on the cheap, including Canadian Western Bank (TSX:CWB) and…

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Dividend Stocks

This Dirt Cheap Gold Miner Has Over 70% Upside

| Kay Ng

You should buy Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) before it climbs much higher.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Oversold Stocks on the TSX Index I’d Buy Today

| Jason Phillips

These three stocks are reading an oversold condition on the TSX Index right now, including Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) and one…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Consider This Gold Miner As a Long-Term Option

| Demetris Afxentiou

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is full of potential for precious metals investors thanks to an improving debt situation and a…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Bargain Stocks to Buy Right Now on the TSX Index

| Jason Phillips

You may find yourself looking back with regret in a few years' time if you miss on out on these…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Tech Stocks

Investors Should Swap Out Canadian Cannabis for Quality Growth Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Lundin Mining Corp. (TSX:LUN) and one other classic Canadian growth stock make better choices than legal cannabis today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Ignore Weak Silver and Buy This Miner

| Matt Smith

Poor fundamentals for silver shouldn't deter contrarian investors from taking a position in Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX:FVI)(NYSE:FSM).

Read more »

coal-fired power plant, utility
Energy Stocks

Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Fell 18% Last Week After a Disappointing Earnings Report

| Jason Phillips

Teck Resources Ltd (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) fell more than 18% as of Friday following a disappointing third-quarter earnings report. Should you be…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy Gold Stocks Now for Calm in the Middle of This Storm

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Strike gold with Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM), OceanaGold Corp. (TSX:OCG), and Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Value Investors: Gold Companies Are Cheap, But Should You Buy?

| Kris Knutson

Investors looking for gold exposure when markets get turbulent should choose a cheap company with a solid balance sheet like…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Which Stocks Should You Buy When Interest Rates Are Rising?

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Interest rates hikes usually have a positive impact on a few stocks, such as insurance stocks. Manulife Financial Corporation (TSX:MFC)(NYSE:MFC)…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The Perfect Storm: Gold Stocks Rally in Down Market — Could This Be the Next Big Trade?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) represents the lowest-risk way to gain exposure to gold stocks, and as it continues to…

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Latest News Makes This Junior Gold Miner a Top Buy

| Matt Smith

Latest drilling results indicate the considerable potential held by Continental Gold Inc.'s (TSX:CNL) flagship asset.

Read more »

Cogs turning against each other
Dividend Stocks

2 Classic Canadian Stocks for New Investors to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

| Victoria Hetherington

New investors may want to look at Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) and one mining stock when buying Canadian stocks for the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is This Junior Silver Miner a Top Contrarian Play?

| Matt Smith

After its latest pullback MAG Silver Corp. (TSX:MAG)(NYSEMKT:MAG) is an attractively valued play on silver.

Read more »

question marks written reminders tickets
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is It Time to Embrace This Powerful Portfolio?

| Nelson Smith

Canadian investors can construct their own permanent portfolio by using ETFs like the iShares S&P/TSX 60 ETF (TSX:XIU) and a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

The Gold-to-Silver Ratio Widens: Is it Time to Buy Silver Miners?

| Matt Smith

Low cost primary silver miners like Pan American Silver Corp. (TSX:PAAS)(NASDAQ:PAAS) are attractive investments despite silver's latest slump.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why This Gold Miner Soared by Over 21% During the Last Month

| Matt Smith

Despite soaring significantly higher since the start of 2018, there is further upside ahead for Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL)(NYSE:KL).

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Time to Weatherproof Your Portfolio With This Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Get ready for gold's next leg up by investing in Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX:DPM).

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Top Oversold TSX Index Stocks: Will They Outperform in 2019?

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and another two industry leaders deserve to be on your radar today.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Bulk Up on Gold Stocks?

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Gold stocks like Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) have rallied in the face of market uncertainty. Consider adding gold stocks to…

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.