In this article, we will take a look at the 11 Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Coal stocks have been under pressure as the industry faces multiple headwinds related to the use of coal in the US in thermal power plants. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) has already warned that demand for coal is projected to decline in the US in 2026, as usage of renewable sources in electricity generation soars.
Nevertheless, EIA has also reiterated that coal export volumes are likely to improve in 2026, driven by increased metallurgical coal exports. The agency expects companies with high-quality met coal production volumes to be the biggest beneficiaries amid the challenging phase.
Global coal prices are also showing signs of edging higher, supported by falling stockpiles. Supply disruptions amid soaring geopolitical tensions worldwide, backed by resilient demand in Europe, China, and India, are also strengthening coal mining companies’ outlook.
Open Source Securities, in an analyst report, has reiterated its expectation that the situation in the Middle East will continue to catalyze coal prices. The brokerage firm also notes that thermal coal and coking coal prices remain at historically low levels, therefore providing room for a rebound.
Amid improvements in the coal industry, now is an opportune time to review some of the coal mining stocks to consider buying.
Our Methodology
To compile the list of the Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now we leveraged Finviz screener and coal mining stocks ETFs to pick coal mining stocks. We limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research shows we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Coal Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now
11. NACCO Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NC)
NACCO Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On March 4, NACCO Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC) delivered solid fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, characterized by improving operating profit across three segments.
Operating profit nearly doubled to $7.6 million compared to $3.8 million delivered in Q4 of 2024. The year-over-year increase in operating profit reflects stronger operating performance at Mississippi Lignite Mining Company.
“While reported earnings were impacted by the pension settlement charge, our underlying results reflect a business delivering on its potential. We enter 2026 with clear opportunities to build on this momentum as we execute our growth strategy and create long-term value for our shareholders,” said J.C. Butler, NACCO President and Chief Executive Officer.
The increase came despite revenue dropping by $3.6 million to $66.77 million. The company also plunged to a net loss of $3.8 million in the quarter compared to a net income of $7.6 million in 2024. The wider-than-expected net loss came as the company incurred a $6 million after-tax non-cash pension settlement charge. Full-year net income shrank to $17.6 million or $2.35 a share, versus $33.7 million or $4.55 a share delivered in 2024.
Separately, on February 19, NACCO Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC) board of directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of 25.25 cents a share. The dividend is to be paid on both Class A and Class B common stock on March 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 2, 2026.
NACCO Industries Inc. (NYSE:NC) is a holding company focused on natural resources, primarily operating surface coal mines under long-term contracts for power generation companies. Through its subsidiaries—notably The North American Coal Corporation—it manages coal mining, provides contract mining services for aggregates, lithium, and other minerals, and manages mineral interests.
10. Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NYSE:NRP)
Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NYSE:NRP) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 27, Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NYSE:NRP) delivered fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that were negatively impacted by cyclically low prices for metallurgical and thermal coal.
Nevertheless, the company continued to deliver robust free cash flow of $169 million, while also retiring $109 million of debt. Fourth quarter net income totaled $30.99 million, as the full year came in at $136.37 million.
Natural Resources Partners felt the impact of metallurgical and thermal coal prices remaining weak throughout 2025 due to sluggish steel demand. Its mineral rights net income in the fourth quarter and full year was down $12.6 million and $40.8 million, respectively. Similarly, Operating cash flow in the fourth quarter and full year of 2025 decreased by $13.4 million and $59.8 million, respectively, compared to the same period the previous year.
The company also declared a special cash distribution of $0.12 to be paid on March 17, 2026, to unit holders of record as of March 10, 2026. Last year, the company paid total distributions of $4.21 per common unit, consisting of $3 of regular distributions.
Natural Resource Partners L.P. (NYSE:NRP) is a Houston-based diversified natural resource company that primarily owns, manages, and leases a massive portfolio of mineral properties across the U.S., including coal, trona (for soda ash), and industrial minerals.
