In this article, we will look at the 8 Best American Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now.
American mining stocks are getting a closer look as investors rethink the role of metals in a market shaped by electrification, AI infrastructure, supply-chain security, and geopolitical risk. The theme is broader than gold alone. Copper, silver, lithium, rare earths, uranium, and other critical materials are increasingly tied to power grids, batteries, data centers, and defense supply chains. Sprott frames the shift directly, saying “Energy security has become a top geopolitical priority as nations scramble to control critical materials,” and that “the U.S. is treating critical materials as a national security priority.”
The supply side also matters. Capital Group notes that in a more fragmented world, “commodity prices surge with even a modest uptick in demand because new supply can take years to come online.” The firm adds that “The expected increase in demand could benefit certain mining companies.” BlackRock makes the broader mining-equity case, saying “The mining sector is benefiting from the world’s most compelling long-term trends,” including “digital transformation” and “gold and precious metals.”
Against this backdrop, American mining stocks deserve a closer look, especially those exposed to metals where demand is supported by electrification, AI infrastructure, defense priorities, and persistent uncertainty. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 8 Best American Mining Stocks to Buy Right Now.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz screener to identify American mining stocks that are viewed favorably by analysts. We then 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 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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
8. Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN)
On May 7, 2026, Materion Corporation (NYSE:MTRN) announced that its Board of Directors declared a second-quarter 2026 dividend of 14.5c per share, an increase of 0.5c per share from the prior payout. The company said this marks the 14th consecutive year of dividend increases. The dividend will be payable on June 12, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 28, 2026.
On April 30, 2026, KeyBanc analyst Samuel McKinney raised the firm’s price target on Materion Corporation to $185 from $170 while maintaining an Overweight rating on the shares. Following the company’s Q1 results and discussions with management, the firm modestly increased its 2026 and 2027 estimates.
On April 29, 2026, Materion Corporation reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.27, versus the consensus estimate of $1.25. Revenue totaled $549.8M, versus the consensus estimate of $479.04M. President and CEO Jugal Vijayvargiya said the company delivered a strong start to the year, with double-digit growth across most end markets and improved operational performance throughout the business. Vijayvargiya added that Electronic Materials posted record results, while the Precision Optics transformation continued to exceed expectations. The company also said it exited the quarter with record backlog levels and continued momentum in order rates, increasing confidence in its 2026 outlook. Materion Corporation said it now expects top-line growth in the low double-digit range while reaffirming its FY26 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.00-$6.50, with increasing confidence toward the high end of the range.
Materion Corporation produces advanced engineered materials across the United States, Asia, Europe, and other international markets.
7. SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM)
SSR Mining Inc. (NASDAQ:SSRM) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.15, versus the consensus estimate of 80c. Revenue totaled $581.78M, versus the consensus estimate of $533.68M. Executive Chairman Rod Antal said the first quarter marked a significant milestone for the company following its definitive agreement to sell its ownership interest in Copler for $1.5B in cash. Antal added that the transaction, together with the company’s acquisition of Cripple Creek & Victor last year, positions SSR Mining as a stronger Americas-focused producer with renewed free cash flow generation capacity.
The company generated $300M in operating cash flow and $211M in free cash flow during the quarter. SSR Mining Inc. also said it returned $300M to shareholders through share repurchases after quarter-end. Antal stated that the company is now in the strongest financial position in its history and expects its lower-risk, Americas-focused platform to support a premium valuation as it re-establishes itself as a leading mid-cap gold producer.
Following the earnings report, UBS has raised the firm’s price target on SSR Mining Inc. to $44 from $43 previously while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. Last month, Scotiabank analyst Ovais Habib raised the firm’s price target on SSR Mining Inc. to C$55 from C$50 previously and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares.
SSR Mining Inc. acquires, explores, and develops precious metal resource properties across the United States, Türkiye, Canada, and Argentina.
6. MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP)
On May 12, 2026, Deutsche Bank raised the firm’s price target on MP Materials Corp. (NYSE:MP) to $70 from $65 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares following the company’s Q1 results.
Wedbush analyst Sam Brandeis also raised the firm’s price target on MP Materials Corp. to $100 from $90 and maintained an Outperform rating. The firm said the company delivered strong Q1 results, highlighted by record NdPr oxide production and record NdPr sales volumes as MP continued scaling its vertically integrated mine-to-magnet platform. Wedbush added that it has increased confidence in the company’s growth trajectory through 2026 and beyond as commercial magnet deliveries ramp and NdPr oxide production continues scaling toward year-end targets.
Similarly, Canaccord analyst George Gianarikas raised the firm’s price target on MP Materials Corp. to $82 from $79 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The firm said the target increase reflects model adjustments and continued operational progress toward scaling production.
On May 7, 2026, MP Materials Corp. reported Q1 EPS of 3c, versus the consensus estimate of a loss of (4c). Revenue totaled $90.65M, versus the consensus estimate of $72.14M. Founder, Chairman, and CEO James Litinsky said the company delivered record NdPr production and sales alongside solid adjusted EBITDA generation during the quarter. Litinsky added that MP advanced several key growth initiatives, including expanding operations at Independence and breaking ground on the 10X facility, while commissioning activities for scaled heavy rare earth separation at Mountain Pass are expected to begin shortly. The company said these milestones reflect continued momentum behind its vertically integrated strategy.
MP Materials Corp. produces rare earth materials in the Western Hemisphere.
5. Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA)
On May 11, 2026, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE:AA) announced a $65M investment to expand foundry production capabilities at its Mosjoen smelter in Norway to incorporate recycled content into the casting process. The company said the project will help expand its low-carbon aluminum product offering while integrating post-consumer recycled aluminum into its products for the first time. Alcoa added that the investment will expand and upgrade the Mosjoen casthouse, increasing production capacity by up to 75,000 metric tons. Since 2020, the company has invested approximately $180M in sustaining and return-seeking capital projects at the smelter.
On May 7, 2026, Wells Fargo upgraded Alcoa Corporation to Overweight from Equal Weight while raising the price target to $70 from $67. The firm said aluminum price strength could persist well into 2027 due to limited capacity additions and low global inventories. Wells Fargo added that the Iran conflict has further tightened aluminum market conditions and believes the potential benefit to Alcoa from stronger aluminum prices is underappreciated at current share levels. The firm also pointed to possible catalysts tied to monetizing idled assets for data center conversion opportunities.
Alcoa Corporation operates across bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminum production, and energy generation globally.
4. Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX)
On May 7, 2026, Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ:CENX) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.63, versus the consensus estimate of $1.77. Revenue totaled $649.2M, versus the consensus estimate of $633.07M. The company said it expects second-quarter adjusted EBITDA to range between $315M-$335M, primarily driven by higher realized London Metal Exchange prices, stronger regional premiums, and the expansion at its Mt. Holly facility.
Last month, Century Aluminum Company announced that it restarted production in the second potline at its Norural smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, several months ahead of schedule. President and CEO Jesse Gary said the Grundartangi team worked through difficult conditions to accelerate repairs and resume production sooner than expected. Gary added that the restart, together with the recent expansion at Mt. Holly, reflects the company’s efforts to meet customer demand amid tightening market conditions.
Earlier in April, BMO Capital analyst Katja Jancic raised the firm’s price target on Century Aluminum Company to $75 from $61 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm said higher underlying commodity prices are expected to support earnings growth across much of its metals and mining coverage universe, while U.S. steel sheet prices have remained relatively resilient despite broader market volatility.
Century Aluminum Company produces primary aluminum and alumina through operations in the United States and Iceland.
3. Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL)
On May 6, 2026, H.C. Wainwright lowered the firm’s price target on Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) to $26.75 from $36.50 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares following the company’s Q1 results. The firm said the reduced target primarily reflects the sale of Casa Berardi at a valuation below its prior model assumptions, along with the use of a cash flow per share valuation framework.
On May 5, 2026, Hecla Mining Company reported Q1 EPS of 25c, versus the consensus estimate of 24c. Revenue totaled $411.43M, compared to two analyst estimates of $432.44M. President and CEO Rob Krcmarov said the quarter highlighted the strength of the platform the company has built. Krcmarov added that the sale of Casa Berardi sharpened Hecla’s focus on silver production and enabled the company to redeem its senior notes in April, leaving it debt-free with a $225M undrawn revolving credit facility. Krcmarov also highlighted several organic growth initiatives across the portfolio, including the Greens Creek pyrite concentrate circuit, a potential restart at Midas, and a near doubling of exploration spending in 2026. The company said these initiatives, combined with its debt-free balance sheet and operating base, position it to deliver long-term value with significant silver exposure.
Last month, Canaccord analyst Dalton Baretto upgraded Hecla Mining Company to Buy from Hold, previously with an unchanged price target of $24 on the shares.
Hecla Mining Company produces precious and base metals through operations in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, and other international markets.
2. Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC)
On May 1, 2026, UBS lowered the firm’s price target on Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC) to $102 from $104 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. The firm said the company’s Q1 results missed expectations on EBITDA and EPS due to weaker volumes and pricing despite solid cost control. UBS added that rising inventories and near-term oversupply risks continue to pressure pricing, though operational execution remains strong and an earnings inflection is expected as Blue Creek-related capital expenditures decline.
A day earlier, Warrior Met Coal, Inc. reported Q1 EPS of $1.37, versus the consensus estimate of $1.42. Revenue totaled $458.59M, versus the consensus estimate of $463.27M. CEO Walt Scheller said the quarter marked a defining milestone for the company as it completed the final project spending for the Blue Creek mine ahead of schedule and in line with capital expenditure guidance. Scheller added that Blue Creek is already contributing meaningfully to financial performance, with production volumes helping drive record sales volume during the quarter while its lower-cost structure supports margin expansion and free cash flow generation despite challenging steelmaking coal market conditions. Scheller also noted that while trade restrictions involving China and global supply pressures continue to weigh on pricing, particularly in the High Vol A market, India remains a key source of demand growth for steelmaking coal. The company also cited the recent Middle East conflict as a source of additional uncertainty and inflationary pressure across global markets.
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. reaffirmed its FY26 guidance, including coal sales of 12.5M-13.5M short tons, coal production of 12.0M-13.0M short tons, sustaining capital expenditures of $105M-$115M, and Blue Creek project capital expenditures of $50M-$75M.
Warrior Met Coal, Inc. produces and exports non-thermal steelmaking coal used in steel production across Europe, South America, and Asia.
1. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX)
On May 4, 2026, Citi lowered the firm’s price target on Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) to $66 from $67 while maintaining a Buy rating on the shares. Jefferies also lowered the firm’s price target on Freeport-McMoRan Inc. to $75 from $76 and kept a Buy rating. The firm updated its model to reflect changes to Grasberg guidance and estimated the net present value impact at negative $2.2B. Jefferies added that while it may take time for the company to recover from the operational weakness, Freeport remains positioned to benefit from rising copper prices over the longer term.
On April 23, 2026, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 57c, versus the consensus estimate of 47c. Revenue totaled $6.23B, versus the consensus estimate of $5.96B. President and CEO Kathleen Quirk said the company delivered stronger revenues, cash flow, and earnings year over year despite reduced capacity at its Indonesia operations. Quirk added that Freeport continues to focus on restoring operations at Grasberg safely and sustainably, improving efficiency across its Americas operations, and advancing its portfolio of organic growth projects. Quirk also described Freeport as “America’s Copper Champion” and highlighted the company’s geographically diversified asset base and long-term copper growth pipeline.
Consolidated production during the quarter totaled 662M pounds of copper, 97,000 ounces of gold, and 22M pounds of molybdenum, while consolidated sales reached 657M pounds of copper, 121,000 ounces of gold, and 24M pounds of molybdenum. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. expects full-year 2026 sales of approximately 3.1B pounds of copper, 650,000 ounces of gold, and 90M pounds of molybdenum. The company said revised 2026 sales estimates primarily reflect timing adjustments related to the Grasberg Block Cave ramp-up schedule.
Operating cash flow totaled $1.5B during Q1 2026. Assuming commodity prices of $6.00 per pound for copper, $4,500 per ounce for gold, and $25.00 per pound for molybdenum for the remainder of the year, the company expects full-year operating cash flow of approximately $8.7B. Capital expenditures totaled $1.0B during the quarter, including $0.6B tied to major mining projects, while full-year capital expenditures are expected to reach approximately $4.3B.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. mines mineral properties across North America, South America, and Indonesia.
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