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

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.: Should You Buy This Stock on the Pullback?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is down from its 2016 highs. Is this the right time to start a new position…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: Will a Copper Rally Take This Stock Even Higher in 2017?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) has surged this year on strong coal and zinc prices. Is copper about to keep the…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation: Should You Buy the Bounce?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) just surged on positive Q3 results. Is it finally time to own this stock?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Silver Wheaton Corp. Heading Back to $40?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) is drifting higher. Is it time to buy?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why a Trump Victory Will Be Good for Gold

| Matt Smith

Why a potential Trump presidency makes Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) an attractive buy.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Gold Back Above US$1,300: Should You Buy Goldcorp Inc.?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has trailed behind its peers this year. Does this present a contrarian opportunity?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons to Consider Barrick Gold Corp. Today

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is surging again. Is this the right time to buy the stock?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: The Rally Is Picking up Steam

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) added another 22% in October. How high could this stock go?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Should You Pick Up Shares of Barrick Gold Corp.?

| Joey Frenette

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) has pulled back after an impressive run. Is this an opportunity to jump in, or is…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Energy Stocks

Why the Commodity Boom of the 2000s Is About to Make Comeback (and How to Play it)

| Adam Mancini

Nearly all commodities showed explosive double-digit returns in the 2000s. A mini version of that super-cycle might be underway. While…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Energy Stocks

How Baytex Energy Corp. and IAMGOLD Corp. Will React to the TSX Slump

| Richard Ashton

With a slumping TSX, which is a better buy: Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE)(NYSE:BTE) or IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG)?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

RRSP Investors: Why You Need to Buy Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. Stock

| Chris MacDonald

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.’s (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) pending merger with Agrium Inc. (TSX:AGU)(NYSE:AGU) makes this company an attractive long-term play in…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.: Volumes Rise, Profits Plunge

| Ryan Vanzo

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) is struggling to survive. Is the worst over?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.: Should You Buy on the Earnings Beat?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is making great progress on its turnaround efforts.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is the Bottom in for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.?

| Joey Frenette

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) may see headwinds turn into tailwinds as potash prices start increasing.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is the Party Over for Gold Miners?

| Matt Smith

Growing fears over the health of the global economy make Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) and Eldorado Gold Corp. (TSX:ELD)(NYSE:EGO) attractive hedges…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons Why Having Gold Exposure Is Now Essential

| Adam Mancini

With both stock and bond markets at record levels, low interest rates, and positive fundamentals for gold, not having gold…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation at a 13-Year Low: Time to Buy?

| Will Ashworth

Believers in nuclear power have got to be tempted by Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) stock given it hasn’t been this low…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: Should You Buy Ahead of the Q3 Report?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) is about to report its Q3 numbers, but guidance for Q4 will determine if this stock…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver Wheaton Corp.: The Right Stock for Your Portfolio?

| Jacob Donnelly

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) is a buy because of its lucrative business model and generous margins.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Buy Silver Wheaton Corp.

| Matt Smith

Take a closer look at why now is the time to add the world's largest precious metals streamer, Silver Wheaton…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is it Time to Reconsider Barrick Gold Corp.?

| Demetris Afxentiou

With the gold market softening over the past few months, some investors are reconsidering gold stocks such as Barrick Gold…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver Wheaton Corp.: Time to Buy This Stock?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) is moving higher after a big pullback.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

What’s Next for Teck Resources Ltd.?

| Nelson Smith

After a huge 580% move in the share price, many investors are quite happy with Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK). What's…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Making Sense of the Agrium Inc./Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. Merger

| Jacob Donnelly

Investors of Agrium Inc. (TSX:AGU)(NYSE:AGU) and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) should be excited about the merger.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Silver Wheaton Corp. Is Still a Great Long-Term Investment

| Demetris Afxentiou

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) may have dropped in price over the past month, but the company and precious metals industry…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Should Goldcorp Inc. Be on Your Buy List?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has underperformed its peers this year. Is that about to change?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why I Remain Bullish on Uranium and Cameco Corporation

| Jacob Donnelly

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) is a buy if you believe in the future of uranium.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Is a Bottom in Sight for Cameco Corporation?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) looks cheap. Is it going to get cheaper?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Yamana Gold Inc. Tries the IPO Route for Brazilian Asset Exit

| Demetris Afxentiou

After failing to secure either a sale or private placement, Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) is now looking to spin off…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp. or Kinross Gold Corporation: Which Is the Better Buy Right Now?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) have given back some of their big gains. Is one an…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: More Gains on the Way?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) continues to surge. What's going on?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation Has Explosive Growth Potential

| Joey Frenette

If you believe in nuclear power, look no further than Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ).

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Eldorado Gold Corp.: 1 of the Best Contrarian Plays on Gold

| Matt Smith

Make a levered bet on gold with Eldorado Gold Corp. (TSX:ELD)(NYSE:EGO).

Read more »

Energy Stocks

Cameco Corporation or Crescent Point Energy Corp.: Which Is a Better Contrarian Stock Today?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) and Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG)(NYSE:CPG) are beaten-down stocks. Is one about to recover?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

How Does China’s Shockingly Bad Trade Data Affect Teck Resources Ltd.?

| Alexander John Tun

China's recent export figures point to a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy. How does the report affect Teck Resources…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Buy Goldcorp Inc.

| Matt Smith

There are signs that Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) is one of the best ways to play gold.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.: Is the Rally About to Continue?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is down significantly from the 2016 high. Is the pullback losing steam?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Can Cameco Corporation Survive Weak Uranium Prices?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to wait out a weak uranium market and has massive potential over the long term.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: Next Stop $40?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) has chalked up a massive rally in 2016. Are more gains on the way?

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.