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

Gold Rally: Time to Buy Barrick Gold Corp.?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) deserves to be on your buy list if you think the gold rally has legs.

Read more »

calm, no emotion
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Investors: Ray Dalio Seeking Safety. Should You, Too?

| Haris Anwar

Some exposure to stocks such as Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is likely to be a good idea when Ray Dalio recommends…

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Could Baytex Energy Corp. or Cameco Corp. Double by 2018?

| Andrew Walker

Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE)(NYSE:BTE) and Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) remain under pressure. Is one on the cusp of a big recovery?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Better Buy: Barrick Gold Corp. vs. Goldcorp Inc.

| Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf, MBA

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) both reported higher profits and lower production costs in Q2 2017. Is…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Beaten-Down Miner to Avoid

| Matt Smith

The outlook for Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) is not as positive as many investors believe.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

This Might Be the Most Exciting Gold Stock in the Market Today

| Jason Phillips

Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL) has been outperforming the broader market, even while gold has fallen in recent months. Find…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Yukon the Next Alberta?

| Matt Smith

Major gold miners Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG), Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX), and Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE:NEM) continue to target growth opportunities.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Case for Investing in Silver

| Matt Smith

Cash in on higher silver by investing in First Majestic Silver Corp. (TSX:FR)(NYSE:AG).

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

The Case for Investing in Gold

| Matt Smith

Cash in on the positive outlook for gold by investing in Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL).

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Cameco Corporation Finally Moving Towards a Recovery?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) last month announced a settlement with the U.S. over a long-standing tax bill that could have a…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Have You Considered Klondex Mines Ltd.?

| Demetris Afxentiou

As gold prices are set to increase over the course of the year, an opportunity is unfolding to invest in…

Read more »

coal-fired power plant, utility
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will Teck Resources Ltd. Experience Another Epic Rally?

| Matt Smith

Is it time to buy Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK)?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corp.: When Should You Buy?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to battle with low uranium prices. Is the bottom in sight?

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Are Gold Equities About to Take Off?

| Ambrose O'Callaghan

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) and others could benefit from downgraded forecast and anxiety over rising rates.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Mid-Cap Stocks Have Seen Sales Double in the Past 3 Years

| David Jagielski

Amaya Inc. (TSX:AYA)(NASDAQ:AYA) and this other stock have seen sales soar over the past few years. Is it time to…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Goldcorp Inc.: Is This Stock Oversold?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) is trading close to its 12-month low. Should you buy today?

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Should Barrick Gold Corp. Be in Your Portfolio?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is catching a new tailwind. Is this the time to buy?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. Shares Rally 4% Ahead of Better-Than-Expected Results

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Agnico agle Mines Ltd. (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) raises production and cost guidance as operational results exceed expectations.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Energy Stocks

Crescent Point Energy Corp. or Teck Resources Ltd.: Which Is a Better Bet Today?

| Andrew Walker

Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG)(NYSE:CPG) and Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) are two of Canada's top resource stocks. Should one be…

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Gold Miner Under $5 That Could Double

| Matt Smith

Higher gold prices make intermediate gold miner Klondex Mines Ltd. (TSX:KDX)(NYSE:KLDX) an attractive buy.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Set to Increase Their Dividends This Year

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Waste Connections Inc.'s (TSX:WCN)(NYSE:WCN) and Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corporation’s (TSX:LIF) continued success will translate into more cash for investors.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Energy Stocks

Commodity Investors: Should You Buy Suncor Energy Inc. or Teck Resources Ltd.?

| Andrew Walker

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) and Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) are two of Canada's top commodity stocks. Is one a better…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Investing for Beginners: How to Navigate Your Company’s Annual Report

| Jason Phillips

A company’s annual report can be an invaluable source of information. We take a look at how to get the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Gold Streamer That Should Be in Every Investor’s Portfolio

| Matt Smith

Sandstorm Gold Ltd.'s (TSX:SSL)(NYSE:SAND) latest deal confirms why it deserves a place in every investor's portfolio.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Cameco Corp. Posts Unimpressive Q2 Results: Legal Uncertainty Remains

| David Jagielski

Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) is trading down around book value, but is the company worth all the headaches?

Read more »

coal-fired power plant, utility
Dividend Stocks

Commodity Prices Give Teck Resources Ltd. a Boost in Earnings Again

| David Jagielski

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) is having a terrific year thanks to commodity prices. Is it time to buy?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Income Investors: Is Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. a Buy?

| Haris Anwar

Here is why you should start looking at Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) shares favourably again.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Should Teck Resources Ltd. Be on Your Buy List?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) is drifting higher after a sharp pullback in the first half of 2017.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Betting on a Commodities Rebound? This Company Appears to Be Paving the Way

| Chris MacDonald

Why investors who believe a commodity rebound is around the corner should consider Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) first.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

3 Stocks Near 52-Week Lows: Time to Buy?

| David Jagielski

Superior Plus Corp. (TSX:SPB) is recently coming off a 52-week low, but is it likely to rebound?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.’s Q2 Earnings: Here’s What to Expect

| Neha Chamaria

Why investors in Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) can expect a strong Q2 earnings report.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

The Latest Deal Makes Eldorado Gold Corp. a Solid Contrarian Play on Gold

| Matt Smith

An attractive valuation combined with ongoing operational improvements and its latest acquisition makes Eldorado Gold Corp. (TSX:ELD)(NYSE:EGO) a compelling play…

Read more »

a pile of gold bars
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Is Drifting Higher: Time to Buy Goldcorp Inc.?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has fallen out of favour. Are better days ahead?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Kinross Gold Corporation Could Be a Glimmering Turnaround Play

| Joey Frenette

Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) has taken a dip after its impressive rally last year. Here's why smart investors should consider…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.: Buy or Sell?

| Demetris Afxentiou

After an incredible run last year, Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) has dropped nearly 5% year to date and over 20%…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cash In on Higher Gold With Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd.

| Matt Smith

Cash in on gold's next rally by investing in Kirkland Lake Gold Ltd. (TSX:KL).

Read more »

share price
Energy Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Should You Own Cameco Corp. or TransAlta Corporation?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) and TransAlta Corporation (TSX:TA)(NYSE:TAC) have endured some tough times. Is one finally on the mend?

Read more »

coal-fired power plant, utility
Metals and Mining Stocks

Investors: Don’t Expect Commodity Prices to Rally Further

| Matt Smith

Signs of weaker metals and coal prices mean that it is time to consider taking profits on Teck Resources Ltd.…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 Junior Gold Miner for Under $5 That Is Set to Soar

| Matt Smith

Declining risk and higher gold prices make Continental Gold Inc. (TSX:CNL) an attractive investment.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Investors: Now Is the Time to Add Goldcorp Inc. to Your Portfolio

| Matt Smith

Gold mining heavyweight Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) is positioned to unlock value for investors as gold rallies.

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.