In this article, we will discuss: 11 Best Copper Stocks to Buy Now.
Copper stocks are businesses that invest in the exploration, mining, smelting, and refining of copper ores and related products.
In its Global Trade Update (May 2025), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) cautioned that a lack of copper could impede the world’s transition to sustainable energy and digitalization. Copper demand is expected to increase by more than 40% by 2040, but the existing supply is limited since mine development is risky, expensive, and slow, often taking up to 25 years. According to UNCTAD Director Luz María de la Mora, “copper is no longer just a commodity.” It might take $250 billion in investment and more than 80 new mining projects to meet the 2030 targets.
Although more than half of the world’s reserves are held by five different countries, including Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Peru, China dominates value-added processing, importing 60% of the world’s ore and producing 45% of its refined copper. Tariff escalation further deters refining in underdeveloped countries. Recycling accounted for 20% of refined copper in 2023 (4.5 million tonnes), and UNCTAD encourages copper-rich countries to engage in recycling, processing, and industrial policy to advance up the value chain.
With that said, here are the 11 Best Copper Stocks to Buy Now.
An aerial view of the 1,840 mineral claims spread out over a 274 square mile area for the Pebble Copper-Gold-Molybdenum-Silver-Rhenium project.
Our Methodology
For this article, we sifted through online rankings to form an initial list of the 20 Best Copper Stocks. From the resultant dataset, we chose 11 stocks with the highest number of hedge fund investors, using Insider Monkey’s database of 1000 hedge funds in Q1 2025 to gauge hedge fund sentiment for stocks. We have used the stock’s revenue growth year-over-year as a tie-breaker in case two or more stocks have the same number of hedge funds invested.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that 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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
11. Ero Copper Corp. (NYSE:ERO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 15
Ero Copper Corp. (NYSE:ERO) renewed its Precious Metals Purchase Agreement with Royal Gold with a $50 million Stream Supplement, bringing total proceeds to $160 million since 2021.
Ero Copper Corp. (NYSE:ERO) has extended Stage II gold delivery milestones at its Xavantina Operations in Brazil and broadened the stream’s sphere of effect in return. It is anticipated that additional gold delivery under the Stream Supplement will start in 2028.
Royal Gold will continue to receive 25% of the gold produced at 20% of the spot price under the revised terms, which apply to the first 49,000 ounces (Stage I), of which 45,177 ounces had been delivered by December 31, 2024.
Royal Gold will get 25% of the gold at 40% of the spot price under stage II terms, which are in effect until 160,000 cumulative ounces are delivered. Stage III will generate 10% of production at 40% of the spot price for the life of the mine. Royal Gold’s allocation is increased by 40,200 ounces by the Stream Supplement. The proceeds help Xavantina’s long-term growth and 2025 capital expenditure plans.
10. Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) has obtained a Letter of Interest from the US Export-Import Bank, confirming potential debt financing of up to $825 million for the development of its Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona. The loan would be given out for 15 years as part of EXIM’s Make More in America campaign, which seeks to fortify key domestic mineral supply chains.
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) owns all of the Santa Cruz Copper Project, which is situated on private property and supports American strategic objectives to safeguard domestic copper supplies. Initial construction is anticipated in H1 2026, and the corporation is progressing engineering and permitting efforts. On-site production of pure copper cathodes will enable the project to serve the energy, defense, and infrastructure sectors in the United States.
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) is also looking into additional sources of assistance, such as Section 45X tax credits and EXIM’s Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. The project is being led by Fluor Inc., and a preliminary feasibility study is scheduled for June 2025. Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) is one of the best copper stocks.
9. BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
A deal has been reached for G Mining Ventures to buy the CentroGold Project in Brazil from BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) subsidiaries.
A total of 1.7 million ounces of indicated and 0.6 million ounces of inferred gold resources that comply with JORC are included in CentroGold. BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) will be compensated with an NSR royalty of 1.0% on the first one million ounces produced and 1.5% beyond that.
CentroGold is a 1,900-square-kilometer project in Brazil’s Gurupi Gold Belt that includes three open-pit deposits (Blanket, Contact, and Chega Tudo) and 47 tenements. Oz Minerals (bought by BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP)) conducted a pre-feasibility study in 2019 that outlined a 10-year mine life with a maximum annual gold output of up to 210,000 ounces.
GMIN wants to update the resource to NI 43-101 standards and incorporate the project into its expansion pipeline after the development of Oko West and the ramp-up in Tocantinzinho. GMIN now has 8.1 million measured and indicated ounces and 2.2 million inferred ounces, a substantial increase from the acquisition.
8. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Revenue growth (YoY): 15.54%
UBS decreased Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO)’s price objective to $100 from $120 on April 15 while retaining a Buy rating. The company cited the current trade war as a major reason for the adjustment, which comes after it reduced its expectations for industrial commodities for 2025 and 2026.
UBS is still hopeful about the medium-term rebound in copper and aluminum prices while lowering its short-term forecasts for industrial metals, especially copper, because of geopolitical uncertainties. Furthermore, the company still has a positive outlook on gold. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO), a major copper producer, is viewed as well-positioned to prosper once market conditions normalize.
Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) is a fully integrated producer of copper and other minerals, with mining, smelting, and refining operations in Peru and Mexico. It produces copper, molybdenum, zinc, and silver. The business is divided into three segments: Peruvian operations, Mexican open-pit operations, and Mexican underground mining operations. It is ranked eighth on our list of the best copper stocks.
7. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34
Revenue growth (YoY): 19.60%
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) has restarted operations in Snow Lake after the evacuation order was removed on June 14, 2025.
The Lalor mine has resumed mining, with a focus on gold zones. The Stall concentrator is projected to reach full output shortly, while the New Britannia mill is anticipated to reach full production soon. The Snow Lake and Flin Flon facilities at Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) were unharmed structurally. The business anticipates meeting its 2025 Manitoba production projection despite the ongoing evacuations of Flin Flon.
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) activated emergency measures during the wildfire disaster and raised its funding to more than $2 million. This includes a $500,000 payment to the Canadian Red Cross and $1.6 million for employees who were evacuated. Furthermore, a Community Relief Fund was established, which doubled the amount of employee donations.
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) upheld its infrastructure, sent out outside firefighters, and found housing for displaced workers. Rob Carter, senior vice president, highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting impacted communities and collaborating with local authorities on recovery. It is one of the best copper stocks.
6. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36
Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) and Hancock Prospecting will invest $1.61 billion, with Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) contributing $800 million, to develop the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in the Pilbara area of Western Australia.
Two above-water-table pits with a combined yearly production capacity of 31 million tonnes will be part of the project, which has obtained all necessary State and Federal licenses. More than 950 jobs will be created during construction, and the operation will support about 1,000 full-time equivalent positions at Greater Hope Downs. It is anticipated that the first ore will be mined in 2027 and then delivered to Hope Downs 1 for processing.
Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) and Hancock Prospecting have a long-standing cooperation, which was marked with the establishment of the Hope Downs Joint Venture in 2006. Hope Downs 1 started production in 2007, subsequently followed by Hope Downs 4 in 2013. Hope Downs 2 will feature additional infrastructure, rail crossings, transport roads, and a 6-kilometer realignment of the Great Northern Highway.
Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)’s plan to maintain Pilbara output, which targets 345–360 Mtpa capacity, is backed by the project. The $13 billion investment plan (2025-2027) and an initial feasibility study at Rhodes Ridge show the company’s sustained commitment to Pilbara iron ore. It is among the best copper stocks.
5. Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Brazilian mining behemoth Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) has consented to sell Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a U.S.-based company, a 70% share in its renewable energy division, Alianca Energia. The transaction, which was reported in a securities filing on March 31, will result in around $1 billion in cash for Vale once completed.
This agreement comes after news surfaced in February that Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) was in advanced talks with GIP to sell a solar plant and the majority of Alianca. In 2023, Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE) bought the remaining 45% of Alianca from Cemig for 2.7 billion reais, making it the company’s sole proprietor.
Alianca, which was founded as a joint venture in 2013, will now consolidate the Sol do Cerrado solar plant and the whole Risoleta Neves hydropower complex, both in Minas Gerais. The deal is in line with Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE)’s continuous plan to maximize its asset base and further its energy transition objectives.
4. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46
The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has officially opened arbitration procedures between Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B) and the State of Mali.
The business requested temporary steps to safeguard its rights under legally binding mining conventions. This comes after the Bamako Commercial Tribunal ruled that Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B)’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex should be placed under interim administration, giving an outside company operational authority. Its operations were previously suspended after the Malian government confiscated its gold holdings and prohibited gold exports.
Even after almost 30 years of collaboration in Mali, the government continues to take harsher measures against the firm, such as detaining staff members. According to Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B), these actions jeopardize both operational viability and legal integrity and have no legal or factual foundation. The business is dedicated to participation but focuses on safeguarding employee rights and shareholder value. The ICSID arbitration is seen as an impartial forum for resolving the conflict, and it does not exclude communication. It is among the best copper stocks.
3. Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
The British Columbia government has granted Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Highland Valley Copper Mine Life Extension project (HVC MLE).
Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) can now proceed with a final construction sanction decision, which is anticipated in Q3 2025, due to this approval. Permitting and site preparation will soon start. The project is expected to generate $500 million in GDP annually, supporting 1,500 continuing positions after completion and creating 2,900 construction jobs.
The goal of HVC MLE is to continue operations at the biggest copper mine in Canada through the middle of the 2040s. The project complements Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK)’s copper growth plan and supports the vital mineral supply chain in North America.
Jonathan Price, president and CEO, acknowledged the partnership of stakeholders, the Province of British Columbia, and Indigenous Governments. Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) has placed great importance on the responsible development of metals that are crucial to economic growth and the global energy transition, and it has world-class copper and zinc operations throughout America. It is one of the best copper stocks.
2. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65
A final deal to purchase a 100% stake in a portfolio of Australian copper-gold exploration assets from Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) subsidiaries was signed by Inflection Resources on June 13, 2025.
The acquisition involves both the Tennant East project in the Northern Territory, which consists of twelve exploration licenses focusing on Iron Oxide Copper Gold prospects, as well as the Bell River project in New South Wales, which is promising for porphyry systems.
The Tennant East project covers several Iron Oxide Copper Gold targets in Australia’s Northern Territory and has not been extensively explored. One of Australia’s major mineral belts, the Macquarie Arc, is home to the Bell River project, which is considered to have outcropping lithocaps that show surviving copper-gold porphyry systems.
Inflection’s CEO Alistair Waddell stressed that these properties fit Inflection’s current exploration activities, which are sponsored by AngloGold Ashanti, and satisfy the company’s stringent exploration standards. The business seeks to unlock value in both new and current assets by using its methodical approach.
1. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) and Amarc Resources are preparing a substantial CAD 10 million drill initiative for 2025 in British Columbia’s JOY District, particularly concentrating on the high-grade Cu-Au-Ag AuRORA Deposit and other key targets such as the PINE Deposit, Twins, and Canyon Discoveries.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) has already contributed CAD 35 million, obtaining a 60% stake. The firm may choose to contribute an extra CAD 75 million in Q3 2025 under Stage 2 of the deal. Amarc will continue to oversee all exploration operations.
The AuRORA Deposit is still open and has high-grade, near-surface mineralization across 600 x 500 m within the 4 km² NWG Target of the 495 km² JOY District. The grades from AuRORA outperform those from the previous production at Kemess South, located at Northgate. Amarc’s team had previously identified Kemess South and worked on all nine porphyry deposits in the Toodoggone-Kemess region, exhibiting extensive geographical knowledge.
While we acknowledge the potential of FCX to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than FCX and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stock To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Disclosure: None. Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily e-newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below.
