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.
9. BHP Group (NYSE:BHP)
BHP Group Ltd (NYSE:BHP) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 20, Faraday Copper Corp entered into an agreement to acquire a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP Group Ltd (NYSE: BHP).
The company is to divest 100% of San Manual property in Arizona. In return, it is to receive a 30% interest in equity in Faraday and commensurate shareholder and marketing rights. In addition, BHP Group Ltd is to participate in any equity raise in Faraday over the next two years.
The divestment paves the way for Faraday to explore pathways for the restarting of the San Manuel copper mine and development of a copper hub in Arizona.
“BHP looks forward to working with Faraday to create a pathway to bring on additional US copper supply to the market. This would support the U.S. objective of greater copper supply chain resilience, as well as economic development in the Pinal County region.”
Earlier, on February 19, BHP entered into a long-term streaming agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals International. The company is to receive an upfront payment of $4.3 billion and, in return, deliver silver produced at the Antamina mine to Wheaton.
BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) is a basic materials company that produces essential commodities the world needs, including iron ore, copper, steelmaking coal, and soon potash. It is also the world’s largest copper producer.
8. Whitehaven Coal Ltd (OTCMKTS:WHITF)
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (OTCMKTS:WHITF) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 19, Whitehaven Coal Ltd (OTCMKTS:WHITF) delivered solid results for the six months ended December 31, 2025.
According to Chief Executive Officer Paul Flynn, scale and diversification into metallurgical coal are delivering value. Consequently, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the dynamics of both metallurgical and high-CV thermal coal markets.
Despite experiencing a 19% decline in average prices to A$189/tonne and costs were lower at A$135/tonne, the company still delivered a half-year fiscal 2026 EBITDA of $446 million. Cash from operations in the period totaled $387 million. The company is poised to return up to $32 million of capital through a 4-cent interim dividend. It also plans to conduct a share buyback of equal value over the next six months.
“We are on a good trajectory to deliver well within our FY26 guidance ranges for production, sales and costs. And we are on track to deliver further value from our strong cost management focus – including our current $60 to $80 million cost out program – and grow returns for our shareholders as coal prices strengthen,” Flynn said.
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (OTCMKTS:WHITF) is a leading Australian producer of high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal, operating open-cut and underground mines in New South Wales (Gunnedah Basin) and Queensland (Bowen Basin). The company exports coal to Asian markets for steelmaking and energy generation, with a strategic focus on expanding its metallurgical coal portfolio.
7. Yancoal Australia Ltd (OTCMKTS:YACAF)
Yancoal Australia Ltd (OTCMKTS:YACAF) is one of the best coal-mining stocks to buy right now. On February 25, Yancoal Australia Ltd (OTCMKTS:YACAF) delivered solid fiscal 2025 results, characterized by record coal production and a strong financial position.
The company achieved 67 million tons of ROM coal production in 2025, a performance billed as the best in the last five years. Saleable coal production reached 50.8mt as attributable saleable production reached 38.6Mt. Total revenue in the year reached $5.95 billion, with operating EBITDA totaling $1.43 billion and earnings per share of $0.33.
CEO Reinhold Schmidt stated, “Despite significant market challenges, our record production and cost management initiatives have positioned us well for the future.” He also highlighted Yancoal’s strategic focus on sustainability and digital innovation as key drivers for long-term growth.
Yancoal Australia Ltd ended the year in a strong cash position with a $2.1 billion cash balance and no interest-bearing loans. The company also announced a fully franked dividend of $161 million or $0.1220 a share.
The company expects saleable coal production of between 36.5Mt and 40.5 Mt in 2026, with cash operating costs of between $90 and $98 a ton in 2026. Capital expenditure is expected to average between $750 million and $900 million.
Yancoal Australia Ltd (OTCMKTS:YACAF) is a major Australian-based coal producer and exporter that operates, manages, and holds interests in several open-cut and underground coal mines across New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. The company produces premium thermal and metallurgical (coking) coal for export, primarily to Asian markets.
6. Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX:SMR)
Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX:SMR) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 23, Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX:SMR) delivered solid full-year results that affirmed an expansionary year of production increase.
Despite facing significant weather disruptions, the company delivered record production and saleable output after a strong recovery in the second half of the year. Run-of-mine production totaled 20.5 million tons, and saleable production totaled 14 million tons. Revenues in the year totaled $1.9 billion, impacted by a 21% reduction in average realized sale prices. The company also plunged to a net loss of $47.2 million, compared with a net profit of $191.5 million in 2024, attributed to a decline in sales prices.
Stanmore Resources delivered an underlying EBITDA of $385 million and free cash flows of $296 million. Amid the increase in free cash flow, it increased its proportion of shareholder returns with a dividend offering of 8.9 US cents per share, taking cumulative dividends to 34.2 US cents per share.
Stanmore Resources Limited (ASX:SMR) is an Australian-based resources company focused on the exploration, development, production, and sale of metallurgical (steel-making) coal.
5. Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU)
Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 5, Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) reiterated that Centurion Longwall mining is ahead of schedule. Production at the tier one premium hard coking mine in Australia’s Bowen Basin is poised to strengthen the company’s edge in the seaborne metallurgical coal market.
The tier one Centurion mine is projected to average annual production of 4.7 million tons at an estimated cost of $105 per ton over a 25-year-plus mine life.
“With a low cost structure, premium price realizations and a long mine life, Centurion immediately vaults to the top of Peabody’s coal operations and establishes a multi-decade foundation for shareholder value creation,” said Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech. “Full operations at Centurion follow years of strategic investment, and investors will now begin to benefit from this premier addition to the portfolio.”
Progress on the Centurion mine follows strong operational performance in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company posted net income attributable to shareholders of $10.4 million or $0.09 a share, and adjusted EBITDA totaled $118.1 million. Revenue in the quarter totaled $1.02 billion, down from $1.12 billion in Q4 2024.
Full-year revenue came in at $3.86 billion, down from $4.23 billion in 2024. The decline is attributed to sharply lower seaborne coal prices. Full-year net income attributable to stockholders dropped to a loss of $52.9 million compared to $370.9 million in 2024.
Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE:BTU) is the world’s largest private-sector coal company, focusing on mining, marketing, and trading metallurgical and thermal coal. It supplies coal to power generators and steel manufacturers across 25+ countries, with key operations in the U.S. and Australia.
4. Alliance Resource Partners L.P. (NASDAQ:ARLP)
Alliance Resource Partners L.P. (NASDAQ:ARLP) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 2, Chief Executive Officer Joseph W. Craft reiterated that Alliance Resource Partners L.P. (NASDAQ:ARLP) had a record year of clean tons and yield at coal operations in the Illinois Basin. In addition, the company achieved record oil and gas royalty volumes that led to impressive fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results.
Fourth quarter net income was up 406.2% to $82.7 million as adjusted EBITDA increased 54.1% to $191.1 million. The robust earnings growth was driven by record oil and gas royalty volumes, up 7.2% and 20.2%, respectively. On the other hand, coal production volumes increased by 18.7% to 8.2 million tons. However, revenue in the quarter was down 9.2% to $535.5 million.
Full-year revenue was also down 10.4% to $2.19 billion due to lower coal sales pricing and transportation revenues. Net income also dropped to $311.2 million, or $2.40 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, compared to $360.9 million or $2.77 per basic share delivered in 2024. Alliance Resource is poised for higher oil and gas royalty volumes in 2026, near record levels recorded in 2025. The company expects coal volumes to average between 33.75 million tons and 35.25 million tons in 2026.
“With tightening domestic coal supply, robust contracting activity, and growing electricity demand, our longer-term outlook continues to be promising. Supported by our logistical advantages, cost structure, and strong balance sheet, we believe Alliance will continue to demonstrate its ability to serve as a reliable supply partner and is preparing to meet increased customer demand,” Craft said.
Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ:ARLP) is a diversified energy company and the second-largest coal producer in the eastern United States, operating underground mining complexes in the Illinois Basin and Appalachia regions. They produce and market thermal and metallurgical coal for domestic/international utility and industrial customers.
3. Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (NYSE:AMR)
Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. (NYSE:AMR) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 27, Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. (NYSE: AMR) delivered disappointing fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results reflecting the persistent challenges in the met pricing environment.
Fourth quarter net loss widened to $17.3 million or $1.34 per diluted share compared to a net loss of $2.1 million or $0.16 a share delivered in the same quarter in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA narrowed to $28.5 million compared to $53.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. Coal revenues in the met segment shrank to $519.1 million compared to $525.2 million in the third quarter.
Amid the disappointing fourth-quarter results, Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. (NYSE: AMR) continues to return value through buybacks as part of a $1.5 billion share repurchase program. The company has already acquired 6.9 million shares for about $1.1 billion in the first quarter . Additionally ,it has committed and priced about 37% of its metallurgical coal for 2026 at an average price of $134.02 a ton.
Alpha Metallurgical Resources Inc. (NYSE:AMR) is a Tennessee-based mining company specializing in the extraction, processing, and sale of metallurgical coal for global customers. Operating in Virginia and West Virginia, it is a leading U.S. producer with numerous underground and surface mines.
2. Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC)
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 12, Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC) delivered solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, characterized by higher production, improved costs, and the commencement of operations at the Blue Creek mine.
Commissioning of operations at Blue Creek long wall, eight months ahead of schedule, positions the company for materially higher coal volumes and enhanced profitability in 2026. Sales volumes in the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled 2.9 million tons, compared to 1.9 million tons in Q4 2024. The 53% increase is attributed to sales of Blue Creek steelmaking coal of 881 thousand short tons. During the quarter, Warrior Met produced 3.4 million short tons of steelmaking tons, up 61% year over year.
For the full year, Warrior Met Coal produced 10.2 million short tons, a 24% increase from 2024 levels. Fourth quarter revenues increased 53% to $384 million, partially offset by a decline in average net selling price. Full-year net revenues decreased 14% to $1.3 billion, driven by a 30% decline in the net selling process of steelmaking coal. Net income in the fourth quarter totaled $1.2 million, while full-year interest income came in at $18.5 million.
“With a strengthened first quartile cost structure, a growing reserve base, and a clear pathway to higher volumes, Warrior is exceptionally well-positioned to capitalize on long-term demand for high-quality steelmaking coal. We continue to remain focused on disciplined capital deployment, operational reliability, and creating long-term shareholder value,” said Walt Scheller, CEO.
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC) is a U.S.-based mining company that produces and exports high-quality, non-thermal metallurgical (coking) coal specifically for the global steel industry. Operating in Alabama, they focus on supplying premium, low-sulfur coal used in steel production for manufacturing, infrastructure, and defense.
1. Ramaco Resources Inc. (NASDAQ:METC)
Ramaco Resources Inc. (NASDAQ:METC) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. On February 25, CEO Randall W. Atkins reaffirmed that Ramaco Resources Inc. (NASDAQ:METC) is on track to increase coal production for the sixth consecutive year, while also aiming to reduce cash costs per ton sold for the third straight year.
Ramaco Resources Inc. (NASDAQ:METC) expects annual sales of coal volume of between 4.1 million and 4.5 million tons, likely to increase to almost 5 million tons, depending on market conditions. It also expects annual met coal production volume of between 3.7 million and 4.1 million tons.
Ramaco is projecting cash cost of sales of between $95 and $100 per ton, which should lead to a third annual decrease in cash cost of sales. It already has a coal sales commitment of 3.1 million tons for 2026, translating to about 80% of the midpoint guidance. The commitments include 1.1 million tons to North American customers at an average price of $142 per ton, with 2 million tons committed to seaborne customers.
Ramaco Resources generated a net loss of $14.7 million and a diluted earnings per share of $0.26. It also posted an adjusted EBITDA of $8.9 million. Full-year net loss totaled $51.4 million or diluted EPS of $0.99.
Ramaco Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:METC) is a developer of high-quality, metallurgical (coking) coal used for steelmaking, with major mining complexes in West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky. The company also operates the Brook Mine in Wyoming, which is being developed as a significant domestic source of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals.
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