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

Metals and Mining Stocks

After Hitting a Multi-Year Low Is it Time to Buy Silver?

| Matt Smith

The poor outlook for silver makes primary silver miner First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR)(NYSE:AG) an unattractive investment.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Investors Looking for Exposure to Precious Metals Will Want to Pick Up This Streaming Company on the Dip

| Jason Phillips

Investors seeking exposure to precious metals have long admired Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (TSX:WPM)(NYSE:WPM) for its unique, low-risk business model.…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

So You Think You Know Canada’s Top 5 Defensive Stocks? Think Again!

| Victoria Hetherington

Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) and four other well-valued stocks with good past performance make the cut for this list of…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Top Junior Gold Miner to Buy Now

| Matt Smith

Latest drilling results indicate that Seabridge Gold Inc. (TSX:SEA)(NYSE:SA) is poised to soar higher.

Read more »

Person Hands Opening Mailbox To Remove Newspaper
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corp (TSX:CCO) Stock’s Big Thursday Rally

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Cameco Corp's (TSX:CCO) rally on Thursday could create new positive momentum

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.’s (TSX:ABX) Massive US$6.5 Billion Bet: A Blunder or a Wise Move?

| Neha Chamaria

Barrick Gold Corp.’s (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) move to acquire Randgold Resources Ltd. (NASDAQ:GOLD) comes with risks, but there’s one key area where…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 More Reasons to Consider Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX) Today

| Demetris Afxentiou

The recently announced acquisition by Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) of Randgold Resources Ltd. (NASDAQ:GOLD) is just one of several reasons…

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Now Is the Time to Buy This Small-Cap Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Get ready for Lundin Gold Inc.'s (TSX:LUG) stock to surge once gold production commences.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX) Stock Surges 10%: Time to Buy?

| Andrew Walker

Gold mining giant Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) is about to get a lot bigger. Is this good for investors?

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp (TSX:ABX) Stock Finds New Momentum

| Brian Paradza, CFA

Here's why Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is trading higher today

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Avoid This Stock During a U.S./China Trade War

| Victoria Matsepudra

First Quantum Minerals Limited (TSX:FM) presents a pure-play opportunity for those looking to invest in copper. However, given its balance…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Now Is the Time to Buy This Junior Gold Miner

| Matt Smith

Now is the time to add Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) to your portfolio.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Stocks for Beginners

Today’s Top 3 Unloved High-Growth Canadian Stocks

| Victoria Hetherington

Alacer Gold Corp. (TSX:ASR) and two other stocks have great multiples, undervaluation, and yet all signal high growth. Which should…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Dividend Stocks

Shares in Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.B) Gained 8.5% This Week: Find Out Why This Might Be Just the Beginning

| Jason Phillips

Shares in copper miner Teck Resources Ltd (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) are up 18% over the past two weeks. Find out why this…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Metals Dividend Stocks to Consider This Fall

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Stelco Holdings Inc. (TSX:STLC) and Russel Metals Inc. (TSX:RUS) have seen profits soar after steel tariffs were imposed in June.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why You Need to Buy This Streamer Right Now Before the Gold Market Rises

| Demetris Afxentiou

With gold prices poised to rise thanks to a variety of market uncertainties, investing in a streamer such as Wheaton…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 of the Top Diversified Metals and Mining Stocks on the TSX

| Victoria Hetherington

If you like diversified miners, but also great value, Arizona Mining Inc. (TSX:AZ) and two other stocks are strong buys…

Read more »

Diggers and trucks in a coal mine
Metals and Mining Stocks

Are These 2 Canadian Miners With Low P/E Ratios Worth Buying?

| Victoria Hetherington

Is attractive valuation enough to warrant buying Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) or one other Canadian miner?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

These Are My Top 3 Discounted Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now

| Victoria Hetherington

Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX:TV) and two other stocks are trading at deep discounts at the moment. See which has the…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Dividend Stocks

This Mining Royalty Company Will Perform Strongly Over the Rest of 2018

| Matt Smith

Get ready for Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation (TSX:LIF) to deliver a solid second-half 2018.

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy REITs or Mining Stocks for Diversification?

| Victoria Hetherington

Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX:SMT) and two other stocks can offer investors ready diversification; but are REITs or miners the better…

Read more »

growing dividends
Metals and Mining Stocks

2 High-Growth Weed and Gold Stocks to Buy for Capital Gains

| Victoria Hetherington

Does Guyana Goldfields Inc. (TSX:GUY) beat a front-running weed stock on growth or value?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Positive Signs for Precious Metals Right Now

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and other gold equities have suffered as spot prices have dropped in the summer months.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Let Franco Nevada Corp.’s (TSX:FNV) Price Drop Get You Down

| Kris Knutson

Gold has been a frustrating investment for the past few years. At least Franco Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) has a strong…

Read more »

A young man throwing and catching his daughter above his head
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks to Protect Your Portfolio

| Kay Ng

Protect your portfolio with Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (TSX:WPM)(NYSE:WPM) and another quality stock that move differently from the market.

Read more »

Gold bullion on a chart
Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Is Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX) Stock Attractive Right Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) (NYSE:ABX) is a contrarian pick, but the upside potential might be worth adding the stock to your…

Read more »

A miner down a mine shaft
Metals and Mining Stocks

Mining Investors: 2 Metal and Mineral Stocks for Instant Diversification

| Victoria Hetherington

Largo Resources Ltd. (TSX:LGO) and one other metal and mining stock offer investors ready diversification, but which is the best?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Here’s Why Goldcorp Inc.’s (TSX:G) “20/20/20 Plan” Looks Amazingly Bright

| Brian Pacampara, CFA

Goldcorp Inc.'s (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) turnaround initiatives are gaining traction. It might me time to buy in.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy, Hold, or Sell Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) may be showing signs of life over the long term, but investors should fully understand the opportunity…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: These 3 Dividend Stocks Are Beating the TSX Index in 2018

| Jason Phillips

These three blue-chip dividend stocks, including TransCanada Corporation (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP), continue to impress. Learn why they have been outperforming the TSX…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

Are These Canada’s Best Unsung High-Yield Dividend Stocks?

| Victoria Hetherington

Centamin PLC (TSX:CEE) is the high-yield gold stock you didn't know you needed. Are these other two dividend stocks must-buys…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Tech Stocks

Last Call for Lithium? Metal Mining Stocks Could Get a Reshuffle

| Victoria Hetherington

What's in store for Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX:LAC)(NYSE:LAC) if the electric car market ditches the grey metal for its batteries?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: Want to Outperform the TSX Index? Avoid These 2 Stocks

| Jason Phillips

The market is full of winners and losers. But you'll never regret avoiding the stocks of companies like Corus Entertainment…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Hedge Your Portfolio Against Uncertainty With These 3 Stocks

| Kris Knutson

Protect your portfolio and collect dividends by investing in lower-risk gold royalty streaming companies such as Franco Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV).…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

Should Value Investors Buy Copper Stocks — or This Gold Miner With a Huge Dividend?

| Victoria Hetherington

Centamin (TSX:CEE) and a Canadian copper mining stock look like great value today; but which is a buy, and should…

Read more »

Compass pointing towards 'best price'
Dividend Stocks

Buy These Bargain Stocks to Combat Any Future Crisis Situation

| Kay Ng

Here’s how you can protect your portfolio with Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) or its better peer.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

How to Invest in Electric Vehicle Stocks for Long-Term Success

| Victoria Hetherington

Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) could be the best Canadian electric car stock. How does it compare to the competition?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Despite Weak Silver, This Small-Cap Miner Will Soar

| Matt Smith

Contrarian investors: ignore weak precious metals prices and buy Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (TSX:FVI)(NYSE:FSM).

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

These Best-in-Class Gold and Silver Stocks Are on Sale

| Kay Ng

Here’s why you should consider buying Franco Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV)(NYSE:FNV) or its peer that has even more upside potential.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is the Terminal Meltdown of Silver Underway?

| Matt Smith

In a difficult operating environment where silver appears caught in an intractable slump high cost producers such as Endeavour Silver…

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.