In this article, we will explore the 9 Best Gold Mining Companies to Buy With High Upside Potential.
It’s been a whirlwind for gold and associated stocks characterized by explosive rallies, crashes, and V-shaped bounce-backs. The GDX gold stock ETF rallied to all-time highs in January after a 30% gain, as gold prices rose to a record high of $5,580 an ounce. However, the ETF suffered a 13% sell-off on a single day as gold prices also pulled back from an all-time high amid a broad market selloff.
Gold lost 12% in March as investors pulled a record $12.8 billion from commodities ETFs, triggering the worst month for inflows on record. Gold prices, pulling back from all-time highs, have also come at the back of central banks taking advantage of the high prices to recoup significant returns from investments to bolster foreign reserves.
According to Iain Barnes, Netwealth CIO, heightened gold price volatility is driving its inclusion as a popular financial asset across investment portfolios.
“Financial, rather than fundamental investors are the marginal buyers of gold and we see them reducing risk across the board,” he said in an email. “This is especially true for fast-moving, leveraged funds which are faced with higher borrowing costs.”
Gold and Gold stocks’ underperformance in recent weeks has come amid the US dollar strengthening across the board and rate cut expectations waning. However, with the Middle East conflict showing no signs of resolution, the precious metal outlook remains positive after a period of profit-taking.
While gold stocks have pulled back from all-time highs, seasonal factors suggest a potential bounce back from current levels. From mid-March to early June, gold and gold stocks tend to rally in the spring. Gold averages 3.8% rally during this period, with Gold stocks exhibiting their strongest leverage to the precious metal.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential, we used stock screeners from Finviz and Yahoo Finance to find gold mining companies. We settled on companies engaged in gold exploration and mining activities. We further trimmed the list to stocks with upside potential of more than 20% (as of April 6), and that are popular among elite hedge funds in Q4 2025. Finally, we ranked the stocks in ascending order by upside potential.
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 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
Best Gold Mining Companies to Buy With High Upside Potential
9. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM)
Stock Upside Potential: 22.60%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 30, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited reiterated its commitment to acquiring positions in highly prospective geological properties. The company announced that it is in the process of acquiring C$7.6 million in securities of Cascadia Minerals Ltd.
Under the terms of the agreement, the company is to acquire 19.32 million units at C$0.26 per unit for C$5.02 million and an additional 10 million units for C$2.6 million. Following the acquisition, the company will own 14.21% of Cascadia’s outstanding shares on a non-diluted basis and 19.90% on a partially diluted basis.
In addition, the companies entered into an earn-in agreement for the Catch property in Yukon. Consequently, Agnico Eagle Mines can earn up to an 80% interest in the property, up from an initial 51%. There is also a strategic alliance agreement that establishes a 3-year partnership for exploration work in Yukon’s Stikine Terrane.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited is a senior Canadian gold mining company and the world’s second-largest gold producer, focused on exploring, developing, and operating mines. Founded in 1957, it operates high-quality, low-risk assets primarily in Canada, Australia, Finland, and Mexico, with about 85% of its production coming from Canada.
8. Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD)
Stock Upside Potential: 24.57%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Royal Gold, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGLD) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On April 1, Raymond James reiterated an Outperform rating on Royal Gold, Inc. and raised the price target to $350 from $345.
According to analysts at the research firm, Royal Gold’s robust royalty and streaming business model provides investors with exposure to high-margin metal sales. That’s evidenced by the company’s impressive 87% gross profit margin, which indicates an efficient model. The research firm also touted the company’s high-quality diversified asset base in a lower-risk jurisdiction.
Royal Gold maintains leverage to commodity pricing and exploration optionality through a string of royalty and streaming agreements. In addition, the company can mitigate downside risk given its limited exposure to operating and capital costs. It also boasts a solid, flexible balance sheet capable of supporting future investments and dividend growth.
Royal Gold, Inc. is a precious metals streaming and royalty company that acquires and manages streams, royalties, and similar production-based interests. Focused on gold, it finances mining projects in exchange for the right to purchase metals (gold, silver, copper, nickel) produced at a set price, without operating the mines.
7. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM)
Stock Upside Potential: 30%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (NYSE:WPM) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On April 1, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. subsidiary Wheaton Precious Metals International entered into a Precious Metals Purchase Agreement.
The agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of KGL Resources Limited concerns a portion of the gold and silver produced at the Jervois Project in Australia. Under the terms of the agreement, the unit is to pay KGL $275 million in total upfront cash, in two installments of $16 million each, and the remaining $243 million in four equal installments. The company is to finance the majority of the upfront payment through operating cash flows.
In return, Wheaton is entitled to the purchase of 75% of payable gold until 45,000 ounces and 37.5% until an additional 15,000 ounces are delivered. Wheaton will also purchase 75% of payable silver until 4.3 million ounces are delivered, and then 37.5% until an additional 1.7 million ounces are delivered.
“This is a fully permitted copper project, with significant exploration potential, that is positioned to commence construction imminently. As global efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy accelerate, responsibly produced critical metals such as copper, sourced from politically stable jurisdictions, have never been more important,” said Haytham Hodaly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wheaton.
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. is one of the world’s largest precious metals companies. It provides upfront capital to mining partners to build or expand mines, and in return, secures the right to purchase a percentage of future silver, gold, palladium, and cobalt production at fixed, low costs.
6. AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU)
Stock Upside Potential: 30.01%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 26, AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) reiterated that its Arthur Gold Project in Nevada is a tier-one gold deposit with robust economics and strong potential.
The remarks follow a pre-feasibility study that identified a probable mineral reserve of 4.9 Moz of contained gold. The reserve consists of 88 million tons at 1.75 grams per tonne gold and 2.76 grams per tonne silver. The study supports a nine-year mine life with average annual production of 500,000oz.
At the Merlin deposit, the company also detailed an Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.0 Moz and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 5.5 Moz.
The Arthur Gold Project is a cornerstone of AngloGold Ashanti’s strategy to build a world-class, long-life production platform, given its significant mineral reserves. Backed by a world-class orebody, discipline, and a capital approach, the company has a clear roadmap to growth and long-term shareholder value.
AngloGold Ashanti plc (NYSE:AU) is a leading global gold mining company with a diverse portfolio of operations and projects across four continents. It explores, mines, and produces gold while also producing by-products like silver and sulphuric acid.
5. Equinox Gold Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX)
Stock Upside Potential: 40.10%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37
Equinox Gold Corp (NYSEAMERICAN:EQX) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 30, Equinox Gold Corp reiterated that it remains focused on ramping up and achieving sustained nameplate milling capacity of 27,000 tons per day at the Greenstone Gold Mine in Ontario, Canada.
Achieving a milling capacity of 27,000 tons per day will establish Greenstone as a cornerstone within the vast portfolio. Achieving stable nameplate performance would open the door to further increases in mill throughput to 30,000 tonnes per day while incorporating higher-grade underground resources.
At the Valentine Gold Mine project in Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, the company is proceeding with Phase 2 expansion, scheduled for completion in the second half of 2028. The expansion will increase throughput to 13,700 tons per day and annual gold production to an average of 223,000 ounces per day over the next ten years.
Equinox also remains focused on unlocking additional value through the growth and enhancement of Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources, supported by a $70 to $80 million exploration budget in 2026.
Equinox Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based mining company focused on acquiring, exploring, developing, and operating gold mines in the Americas (Canada, USA, Mexico, and Brazil). The company produces and sells gold, aiming to be a premier producer with significant growth projects, including the Greenstone mine.
4. Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO)
Stock Upside Potential: 41.22%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22
Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 25, Eldorado Gold Corporation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with G-Mining Services to establish a strategic alliance for engineering and construction.
Under the terms of the MOU, G Mining is to provide engineering and construction services to support Eldorado Gold’s project development and execution activities. The ultimate goal is to enhance project readiness, delivery certainty, and capital efficiency across current and future projects. The agreement aligns with the company’s push to maximize value from sector-leading projects.
Eldorado Gold is leveraging G Mining expertise to strengthen its project delivery model through consistent teams, aligned ways of working, and a strong track record of safe, reliable execution. The partnership is also expected to help the company maximize cash flow per share from a high-quality internal growth pipeline.”
On the other hand, the board of directors is urging investors to consider and vote on the Share Issuance Resolution. The proposed arrangement is expected to establish an operating platform and financial strength with Foran’s highly attractive growth profile.
Eldorado Gold Corporation is a Canadian-based mid-tier gold and base metals producer engaged in the mining, development, and exploration of mineral properties. It operates mines primarily in Canada, Greece, and Türkiye, producing gold, silver, lead, and zinc.
3. Barrick Mining Corporation (NYSE:B)
Stock Upside Potential: 45.06%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 75
Barrick Mining Corp (NYSE:B) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On April 2, analysts at Raymond James lowered their price target on Barrick Mining Corp to $61 from $62 while reiterating an Outperform rating.
The outperform rating reflects the company’s significant interest in high-quality gold mines and copper assets. Consequently, it remains well-positioned to continue generating strong cash flow. The acquisition of Randgold has exposed the company to top-tier assets and prospects for free cash flow generation.
In addition, the creation of the Nevada joint venture with Newmont consolidated management has also expanded the company’s footprint into the world’s largest gold complex. It has also opened the door to meaningful synergies. However, Barrick Gold has had to go slow on developing copper and gold projects in Pakistan due to security concerns in the region. The company plans to reduce its capital spending while maintaining active management.
Barrick Mining Corporation is a leading international mining company engaged in the exploration, development, production, and sale of gold and copper assets. It operates high-margin, long-life mines across 18 countries, with a focus on Africa, North America, South America, and Saudi Arabia.
2. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC)
Stock Upside Potential: 52.33%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 12, RBC Capital upgraded Kinross Gold Corporation to an Outperform from Sector Perform and raised the price target to $45 from $36.
The upgrade and price target hike are in response to the company’s high free cash flow generation prospects. In addition, the research firm believes the company is well-positioned to benefit from rising gold prices and a stable operating outlook. The research firm expects the company to generate a free cash flow yield of more than 11% in 2026, attributed to higher gold prices.
Raymond James expects cash flow from higher gold prices to drive growth in per-share metrics for investors. In addition, the company has outlined plans to return capital to shareholders backed by robust gold mining assets across multiple jurisdictions. The company remains in a solid financial position, with its board of directors approving a 14% increase in its longstanding dividend. Its dividend will be $0.16 per share on an annualized basis.
Kinross Gold Corporation is a gold mining company that explores, develops, and operates gold mines globally. It primarily produces and sells gold and silver, with major mining operations in the Americas and West Africa.
1. Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE)
Stock Upside Potential: 60.97%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51
Coeur Mining Inc (NYSE:CDE) is one of the best gold mining companies to buy with high upside potential. On March 23, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Coeur Mining Inc to a Buy but lowered the price target to $20 from $24.
The upgrade is in response to the stock’s recent pullback amid broader industry consolidation. In addition, the research firm remains confident about the company’s long-term prospects, driven by its 2026 guidance and the prospects of mine life extensions. Dividend and buy-back plans also affirm commitment to shareholder value, thus the buy rating.
Coeur Mining Inc expects its 2026 consolidated gold, silver, and copper production to range between 680,000 and 815,000 ounces, 18.7 – 21.9 million ounces, and 50 – 65 million pounds, respectively. Amid the expected production, the board of directors has authorized an expanded $750 million share repurchase program. The board has also authorized a $0.02 share semiannual dividend expected to be paid in June and December.
“With the New Gold acquisition now complete, the addition of New Afton and Rainy River increases our expected overall gold production by 80% and adds meaningful copper production alongside our dominant silver production profile. The tremendous free cash flow profile from our combined platform of seven North American operations will allow the Company to meaningfully accelerate and enlarge its return of capital strategy while also further bolstering our overall liquidity position,” said Mitchell J. Krebs, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Coeur Mining, Inc. is a precious metals producer with a primary focus on exploring, developing, and operating gold and silver mines in North America. It owns several major operations, including the Rochester (NV), Kensington (AK), Wharf (SD), Palmarejo (Mexico), and Las Chispas (Mexico) mines, as well as Canadian assets (Rainy River, New Afton).
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