In this article, we will take a look at the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Invest In.

In 2025, geopolitics influenced mining and metals developments and investment decisions. The unusual amount of unpredictability, caused by rapidly changing policies in the United States and China, pushed markets into a deal cycle dominated by politics rather than pricing and supply/demand expectations. Meanwhile, the mining sector in 2026 appears to be heading into a distinct path. Precious metals manufacturers are expecting a solid year, with prices rising significantly faster compared to costs, likely leading to record-breaking returns.

Global gold production was projected to increase in 2025, with growth extending through 2027 before slowing after 2030, as major mines age and ore grades fall. Looking specifically at 2026, global gold production is expected to increase by 7% year-over-year to 72.8 million ounces.

Silver also performed well in 2025, at times exceeding gold, with both metals reaching their highest end-of-day prices. Silver remains upbeat, supported by solid industrial demand through green energy projects, tightening supply, and its status as a safe-haven commodity.

Meanwhile, the UN predicts that the market for critical minerals that fuel technology will triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040. Regarding this, Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said the following at a signature event:

“A decade ago, minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel had limited strategic importance. Today, they underpin the technologies powering the digital economy and the energy transition.”

Back in 2023, DiCarlo described critical minerals as one of the biggest drivers of the current economy, estimating that trade in raw and semi-processed minerals would reach around $2.5 trillion.

Our Methodology

To compile our list of the 11 Best Mineral Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds, we used the Finviz screener to identify companies operating in the gold, silver, iron, aluminum, coking coal, and lithium sectors. We ranked these stocks based on hedge fund sentiment, using Insider Monkey’s Q3 2025 hedge fund database.

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 427.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 264 percentage points (see more details here).

11. Aura Minerals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUGO)

Aura Minerals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUGO) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On February 27, Aura Minerals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUGO) announced its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, which revealed a significant disparity between operational efficiency and financial performance. The company reported earnings per share of $1.39, coming in shy of the projected $1.43, and revenue of $322 million, compared with the $332.94 million forecast.

Despite these missed targets, Aura’s operational statistics revealed a different picture, with record quarterly gold-equivalent production and significant year-over-year increases in key performance metrics. Aura Minerals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUGO) recorded its highest quarterly production, totaling 82.1 thousand gold equivalent ounces (GEO) in Q4 2025, representing an 11% increase from the quarter prior and a 23% year-over-year improvement.

Meanwhile, the company’s fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA increased to a record $207.9 million, up 37% quarter-over-quarter and a staggering 162% year-over-year.

Aura Minerals Inc. (NASDAQ:AUGO) is involved in the development and operation of gold, copper, and base metal projects throughout the Americas.

10. SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM)

SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On March 5, BMO Capital raised SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) to Outperform from Market Perform, boosting its price target to C$41 from C$27. The development comes after SSR Mining announced the sale of its Çöpler mine for $1.5 billion in cash.

Analyst Kevin O’Halloran claims that the sale price is more than three times higher than the firm’s $472 million net asset value for the mine. The sale, according to the analyst, eliminates the uncertainty surrounding a possible reset at Çöpler, which was weighing on the stock.

Additionally, on March 20, SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) intends to redeem $227.5 million of convertible notes that are due in 2039. As part of this redemption, the company will pay the principal amount, accrued interest, and a make-whole premium.

SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM), together with its subsidiaries, acquires, explores, and develops precious metal resource properties in the US, Türkiye, Canada, and Argentina. The company explores for gold doré, copper, silver, lead, and zinc deposits.

9. MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP)

MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. William Blair reaffirmed its Outperform rating on MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) on March 4, highlighting the company’s role as a vital provider of rare earths for the United States’ rare-earth autonomy. According to the firm, MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) serves as one of the few domestic producers of magnets and the only major commercial rare-earth processor in the US.

According to William Blair, MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) will garner recognition on March 31, when President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, especially if the US continues to add tariffs under Section 301.

William Blair stated that, to improve the company’s supply chain, it wouldn’t be surprising if MP Materials bought a business with heavy rare-earth resources and processing capabilities.

MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) owns and operates the Mountain Pass rare-earth mine, supplying key materials such as neodymium and praseodymium, which are essential for EV batteries and electric motors, supporting the global transition to clean energy and electric vehicles.

8. Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD)

Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On March 3, Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) participated in the 47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference, with CEO Bill Heissenbuttel highlighting the company’s solid financial performance amid increased competition in the royalty and streaming sectors.

Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) reported an adjusted EBITDA margin of 82% for 2025, indicating solid operational efficiency. The company also increased dividends for 25 straight years, reaffirming its shareholder-focused strategy.

Strategically, Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) has evolved through acquisitions, including Sandstorm and Kunsanshi, and now has a diverse portfolio of 360 mineral properties, 80 of which generate revenue. Looking ahead, expansion projects such as Platreef and MARA, as well as the appealing Four Mile discovery, have the potential to increase long-term value.

Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) is a leading precious metals company focused on the acquisition and management of precious metal streams and royalty interests.

7. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM)

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in.  On February 26, S&P Global Ratings boosted Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) to ‘BB-‘ from ‘B+’ with a steady outlook, noting higher cash flow and decreased leverage as a result of stronger-than-expected 2025 revenues and earnings.

The company was able to produce $174 million in adjusted free operating cash flow in 2025, driven by a 22% increase in EBITDA. Greater realized copper and gold prices, which climbed by 11% and 47%, respectively, over 2024, led to higher earnings despite lower production volumes.

Additionally, Mitsubishi Corp. awarded Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) $420 million in January 2026 for a 30% share in its Copper World development project in Arizona, with a further $180 million anticipated over the following 18 months. The company plans to complete a feasibility report on the project within the coming months before confirming a construction commitment sometime this year.

Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) is a diversified mining company that explores, develops, operates, and optimizes properties in North and South America.

6. Nexa Resources S.A. (NYSE:NEXA)

Nexa Resources S.A. (NYSE:NEXA) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. Nexa Resources S.A. (NYSE:NEXA) reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on February 27, highlighting a strong end to the year driven by higher zinc prices and stronger mining operations. The company reported earnings per share of $0.60, almost 20% higher than expected, while revenue of $903 million exceeded estimates by 16.5%.

The focal point was adjusted EBITDA, which hit $300 million in Q4, up 61% quarter-over-quarter and 53% year-over-year. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 33% in the quarter, from 24% in Q3 2025 and 27% in Q4 2024.

The mining division generated solid cost performance, with cash expenditures net of by-products at -$0.58 per pound and cost per standard mining ore at $56.40 per ton, both in line with or exceeding expectations.

Nexa Resources S.A. (NYSE:NEXA), an operator in the global zinc mining and smelting industry, has a broad portfolio that includes six polymetallic mines in Peru and Brazil. The company focuses on sustainable growth through high-return assets that yield copper, lead, and zinc, along with other by-products.

5. First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG)

First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On February 20, H.C. Wainwright boosted its price target for First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) to $30 from $24.50 with a Buy rating, following the company’s results release. The company’s earnings per share of $0.30 outperformed the expected $0.18 by 66.67%. Additionally, First Majestic Silver’s revenue exceeded expectations by 14.91%, reaching $463.9 million versus the expected $403.71 million.

Revenue from the company’s mines in San Dimas, Santa Elena, and La Encantada increased by 52%, 20%, and 54%, respectively, year-over-year. The revenue increases were primarily due to increased metal prices, with the company reporting an average silver retail value of $41.52 per ounce, a 47% increase year-over-year.

Looking ahead, First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) plans to generate 13-14 million pure silver ounces and 110,000-130,000 ounces of gold through 2026.

First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE:AG) is a Canadian mining company focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of silver and gold properties in North America. Its main products are silver bullion and gold bullion.

4. Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB)

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On March 4, Truist Securities reaffirmed its Buy rating on Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) and set a price target of $210. The firm stated that the recent upswing in lithium pricing appears resilient, with robust demand growth, especially across the electric car and grid-based storage markets, expected to surpass sector supply projections in the near to medium term.

Truist believes the current value will rise further since Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) has a fairly strong standing in a market that is showing signs of favorable inflection.

Furthermore, on March 2, the company stated that it had completed the sale of a controlling investment in Ketjen Corporation’s refining catalyst solutions division to KPS Capital Partners, while keeping a minority interest.

Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) is a specialty chemicals company that operates as a global leader in providing essential materials for modern technology, particularly lithium and bromine.

3. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM)

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On March 5, Erste Group elevated Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) to Buy from Hold, noting rising gold demand and prices as significant factors supporting the company’s growth. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decreases, heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and sustained central bank gold purchasing all contribute to rising gold prices in the medium term.

Erste Group predicts a significant increase in revenue and sales this year, with profit growth in the next year above existing industry estimates.

Furthermore, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) achieved strong financial results in the fourth quarter of 2025. The company outperformed analyst estimates with earnings per share of $2.70, compared to the expected $2.62. Meanwhile, the company reported revenue of $3.56 billion, which exceeded the anticipated $3.42 billion.

​Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) is a leading Canadian gold mining company that produces precious metals, primarily gold, from operations across Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico.

2. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On March 4, JPMorgan began coverage of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) with an Overweight rating along with a price target of A$226, up from A$201. According to the firm, Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) can produce 5.3 million ounces in fiscal 2026 and almost 6 million ounces in fiscal 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 5%.

JPMorgan lifted its long-term real gold price projection by 15% to $4,600 per ounce and boosted its gold price estimates for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 by roughly 10%. In that regard, the firm believes that Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) will have approximately $8 billion in net cash through fiscal 2026.

The firm also expects average medium-term free cash flow yields of around 11%, which it says will sustain growth and capital returns.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a key player in gold mining. The company’s broad portfolio comprises world-class gold and copper assets in North and South America, Australia, and Africa.

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

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) ranks among the best mineral stocks to invest in. On February 20, Freedom Capital Markets raised Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) from Hold to Buy and boosted its price target to $76 from $47. The firm emphasized the company’s standing as a key copper producer, accounting for roughly 9% of global supply.

According to Freedom Capital, the upgrade indicates leveraged exposure to the copper rebound amid restricted supply. The firm also underlined ambiguity around the Grasberg expansion, with normalization set for the latter half of 2026.

Separately, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian government to extend its operational rights in the Grasberg mining sector for the duration of the resource. The existing Grasberg license is set to expire in 2041. Under the deal, Freeport-McMoRan will transfer an additional 12% ownership stake in the mineral rights at no charge after 2041, reducing its stake from 48.8% to 36.8%.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) is a leading global mining company with major operations in North and South America and Indonesia, specializing in copper, gold, and molybdenum. Its Grasberg site in Indonesia constitutes one of the largest copper mines in the world.

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.

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