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

Silver Wheaton Corp.: Is the Pullback an Opportunity to Buy?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) has enjoyed a great run. Is the rally over or just taking a break?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation: How Low Could it Go?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to mark multi-year lows. Is a turnaround in sight?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Cameco Corporation a Buy After the Slide?

| Jacob Donnelly

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to lose money, but when uranium prices rebound (and they will), this stock will shine.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why Barrick Gold Corp. Is Such a Great Investment

| Demetris Afxentiou

Barrick Gold Corp.'s (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) recent results showed a huge improvement over previous quarters, but given the surge in the stock…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Silver Wheaton Corp. or Kinross Gold Corporation a Better Bet Today?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) and Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) are popular precious metals picks. Is one set to outperform?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Billionaire George Soros Sold Barrick Gold Corp.: Should You?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is up 170% in 2016. Is it time to take profits?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.: Is the Worst Over for This Stock?

| Andrew Walker

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) is having a rough year. Could the bottom be in sight?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Kinross Gold Corporation or Goldcorp Inc. Attractive Today?

| Andrew Walker

Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) and Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) are both in growth mode. Is one a better pick?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation: Should You Buy This Stock?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to slide. Are better days on the horizon?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

IAMGOLD Corp. vs. Barrick Gold Corp.: The Race for Financial Supremacy

| Scott Brandt

IAMGOLD Corp. (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG) is on pace to overtake some of its closest competitors, including Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX), for financial…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver Wheaton Corp.: Should You Buy This Stock Today?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) is at a four-year high. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reason to Buy Sandstorm Gold Ltd.

| Matt Smith

Gold's recent rally makes Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (TSX:SSL)(NYSE:SAND) an attractive addition to any portfolio.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Should You Buy Kinross Gold Corporation Right Now?

| Andrew Walker

Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) has battled back from the brink. Is it time to own this stock?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons to Invest in Gold

| Matt Smith

There are signs that the rally in gold is far from over, making low-cost miners such as Barrick Gold Corp.…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

How China Is About to Send Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. Shares Rallying

| Adam Mancini

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) shares have performed poorly in 2016, and a key reason is one of the…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Goldcorp Inc.: Is This Stock a Buy?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has trailed behind its peers this year. Is the stock about to catch up?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Why the Outlook for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. Remains Bearish

| Matt Smith

There is little that is appealing about the outlook for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT).

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: How High Could This Stock Actually Go?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) is already up more than 300% in 2016.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

1 More Reason to Buy Silver Wheaton Corp.

| Matt Smith

Silver Wheaton Corp.'s (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) latest transaction provides further evidence of the company's ability to grow through favourable deals.

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

2 Reasons Why the Outlook for Commodities Remains Bearish

| Matt Smith

The outlook for commodities is bleak, which doesn't bode well for miners such as Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) and First…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

3 Reasons to Invest in Silver

| Matt Smith

There are signs that the rally in silver has further to run, making now the time to consider First Majestic…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Brexit Starting to Bite: What Should Canadian Investors Do?

| Andrew Walker

Here's how Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) and Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) could benefit from the Bank of England's rate cut.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Will India Emerge as the New China and Trigger the Next Commodity Boom?

| Matt Smith

Could India provide the much-needed boost to commodity prices that's required to sustain Teck Resources Ltd.'s (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) rally?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Silver Wheaton Corp.: Could This Stock Hit $50?

| Andrew Walker

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) is on a roll. How high could it go?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Can Teck Resources Ltd. Sustain its Monster Rally?

| Matt Smith

There are signs that Teck Resources Ltd.'s (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) rally is overdone and not supported by commodity prices.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Cameco Corporation: Is the Bottom in Sight?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) is trading at lows not seen in 12 years. Is the pain set to continue?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Can Teck Resources Ltd. Continue Going up?

| Jacob Donnelly

Investors might want to consider a small position in Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) because commodities have gone up across the…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Barrick Gold Corp.: Is the Rally Sustainable?

| Andrew Walker

Barrick Gold Corp. (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) is already up 180% in 2016. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Buy Cameco Corporation and 1 Other Stock for Exposure to Uranium

| Jacob Donnelly

If you want exposure to uranium, buy Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) and Uranium Participation Corporation (TSX:U).

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

Why Silver Wheaton Corp. Remains a Top Pick for 2016

| Matt Smith

Take a closer look at why Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) remains one of the best ways to gain exposure to…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Energy Stocks

3 Natural Resource Stocks With Big Upside Potential

| Nelson Smith

Looking for commodity plays with huge upside? Then check out Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE)(NYSE:BTE), Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) and Potash Corporation…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc.: Does This Stock Belong in a Contrarian Portfolio?

| Andrew Walker

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX:POT)(NYSE:POT) isn't getting much love these days. Is this an opportunity to buy?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Teck Resources Ltd.: Is This Stock Destined to Run Higher?

| Andrew Walker

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TCK.B)(NYSE:TCK) is up more than 250% in 2016. How much higher could it go?

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Yamana Gold Inc. a Good Investment?

| Demetris Afxentiou

Yamana Gold Inc. (TSX:YRI)(NYSE:AUY) has had a stellar year. The stock is up significantly, but does this mean it's a…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Is Silver Wheaton Corp. Still a Strong Investment?

| Demetris Afxentiou

A surge in precious metals has many investors wondering if streamers such as Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) are a strong…

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Pattern Broken: Is it Time to Buy Silver Wheaton Corp.?

| Jacob Donnelly

Silver Wheaton Corp. (TSX:SLW)(NYSE:SLW) has a predictable and profitable business model that makes it a lucrative buy.

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Goldcorp Inc.: Should This Stock Be in Your Portfolio?

| Andrew Walker

Goldcorp Inc. (TSX:G)(NYSE:GG) has trailed behind its peers this year. Is it about to catch up?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Bank Stocks

Do the 3 Most-Shorted Stocks on the TSX Deserve the Negative Attention They’re Receiving?

| Matt Smith

Do Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), and Lundin Mining Corporation (TSX:LUN) deserve to be the most-shorted stocks…

Read more »

Metals and Mining Stocks

Kinross Gold Corporation: Should You Buy the Pullback?

| Andrew Walker

Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K)(NYSE:KGC) is having a great year. Can the rally continue?

Read more »

The Motley Fool
Metals and Mining Stocks

Contrarian Investors: Is it Time to Consider Cameco Corporation?

| Andrew Walker

Cameco Corporation (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) continues to slide. Is a turnaround in sight?

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.