10 Best Performing Silver Stocks So Far in 2026

7. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX)

Year-to-date return as of May 21: 19.99%

On May 20, 2026, Reuters reported that majority-owned by Indonesia’s state holding and operated by Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX), PT Freeport Indonesia said recovery at the Grasberg copper and gold complex is taking longer than expected. The reason is due to last year’s fatal accident that left ore wetter than anticipated, forcing chute modifications and infrastructure upgrades.

PT Freeport Indonesia CEO Tony Wenas told Reuters the complex is running at 50% capacity and should reach 65% later this year, approaching full ramp-up in the second half of 2027. The Chief Executive also projected 2027 output at around 1.2 billion pounds of copper cathode and 1 million ounces of gold.

Wenas noted that Freeport Indonesia has set aside around $20 billion for post-2041 investment tied to a permit extension and a further 12% stake transfer to the Indonesian government.

Separately, Wenas said artificial intelligence-related infrastructure growth will lift copper demand, requiring more energy projects, resulting in more copper.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) is a copper, gold, and molybdenum mining company that operates through the US Copper Mines, South America Operations, Indonesia Operations, Molybdenum Mines, US Rod and Refining, Atlantic Copper, Corporate, and Others segments.

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