In this article, we will talk about the 9 Best Junior Gold Mining Stocks to Buy Now.

On January 6, gold continued to extend its gains as demand for the safe havens surged following the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s President Maduro. Spot gold was up 0.93% at $4,482.64, after a notable 3% rally in the previous session. Reuters reported that U.S. gold futures for February 2026 delivery advanced 1.1% to $4,498.10. Gold surged to its record 64.4% in 2025, registering its best annual return since 1979.

“Precious metals traders see more risk on the horizon than stock and bond traders do at present,” said Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals. According to Reuters, the analyst noted that the U.S. raid on Venezuela has fueled continued demand for gold and silver as safe-haven assets.

As global geopolitical tensions remain high, demand for gold and silver will continue to spike. JPMorgan expects the gold price to continue to reach new record-highs and push toward $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2026. Natasha Kaneva, head of Global Commodities Strategy at J.P. Morgan, said,

While this rally in gold has not, and will not, be linear, we believe the trends driving this rebasing higher in gold prices are not exhausted. The long-term trend of official reserve and investor diversification into gold has further to run.

JPMorgan’s head of Base and Precious Metals Strategy, Gregory Shearer, noted that their gold price projection relies on the relationship between quarterly investor and central bank demand, which supports the gold price forecast. Overall, JPMorgan Global Research forecasts the gold price to average $5,055 per ounce by the end of 2026, soaring toward $5,400 per ounce by the end of 2027.

With that said, let’s take a look at the 9 Best Junior Gold Mining Stocks to Buy Now.

Our Methodology

To compile the list of 9 best junior gold mining stocks to buy now, we shortlisted U.S.-listed gold mining companies listed on the VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF with a market capitalization of at least $300 million. The gold miners on our list are mostly development-stage companies with gold-mining operations. Finally, we assessed the number of hedge funds holding stakes in these companies using Insider Monkey’s database of Q3 2025, and selected the top 9 companies. The stocks are ranked in ascending order by the number of hedge fund holders.

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).

Note: All the data is as of market close on January 5, 2026.

9. Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL)

Share Price: $27.16

Market Capitalization: $524.32 Million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

Three out of four analysts covering Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL) have rated the stock as a Buy. The consensus median price target of $38.09 implies a 34.17% upside as of January 5.

On January 6, the passage of Zimbabwe’s Finance Act, 2025, reaffirmed Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc’s (NYSE: CMCL) December 19, 2025 announcement regarding royalty rates.  The passing of the Finance bill enacts the 2026 National Budget. It also attests to the previously outlined provisions, which indicate that a higher royalty rate of 10% will only apply in case of the gold price surpassing $5,000 per ounce.

The other proposed changes to the tax and royalty regime announced by Caledonia on December 1 and 19 have been withdrawn, including changes to the tax treatment of Capex, the proposed 15% withholding tax on interest on offshore loans, and any additional adjustments to royalty tiers or mining taxes. During the earlier announcement, the company was expecting changes to its operations in Zimbabwe.

However, with the withdrawal of taxes, the company has confirmed that no changes are required to the Bilboes Gold Project report following the Budget approval. The Bilboes project has proven and probable gold reserves of 1.749 Moz at 2.26 g/t, including measured and indicated resources of 532,000 ounces at 1.37 g/t and 984,000 ounces at 1.62 g/t. Other projects, such as Blanket Mine, will have implications if the gold price surpasses $5,000 per ounce, with a higher royalty rate of 10% applicable.

In other news, on December 23, Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL) reported that it received notification from Mr. Victor Gapare, who owns a majority stake in Toziyana Resources Limited, that Toziyana purchased 7,457 shares of Caledonia’s common stock. On December 22, Mr. Gapare, through his company Toziyana, bought CMCL shares at a price of $26.83 per share, with a total amount of approximately $200,071. This purchase now reflects Toziyana’s total stake of 12.66% in Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL).

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (NYSE:CMCL) is a development-stage gold mining company. The company primarily operates a gold mine in Jersey and also focuses on the exploration and development of mineral properties for precious metals in Zimbabwe, projects including Blanket Mine, Maligreen, Bilboes, and Motapa.

8. Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA)

Share Price: $30.91

Market Capitalization: $3.22 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13

Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

As of January 5, all analysts covering Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) are bullish, with a consensus median price target of $52.09, which reflects a strong upside of over 63%. Over the past six months, Seabridge Gold shares have surged more than 108%.

On December 16, Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) shared its plans to spin-out the Courageous Lake Gold Project into a subsidiary to be renamed Valor Gold. Following the spin-out into a new subsidiary, Valor Gold will focus on expanding the project through exploration, engineering, and permitting. Seabridge plans to list the shares of Valor Gold on a major exchange, with the shares distributed to Seabridge Gold Inc. shareholders.

This decision allows the company to focus on its KSM gold/copper project and its other exploration assets, while providing autonomy to the Courageous Lake Gold Project under a new subsidiary.

Seabridge Gold describes the Courageous Lake Gold Project as one of Canada’s largest underdeveloped gold projects. The management indicates the total underdeveloped gold inventory of around 13.3 million ounces of gold, comprising Measured and Indicated Resources of 11 million ounces of gold and an additional 3.3 million ounces of gold in the inferred category. Whereas, the reported measured and indicated resources include 2.8 million ounces of proven reserves. The potential project could be one of the highest-grade open-pit gold developments in Canada.

Seabridge Gold believes there is significant upside from the addition of potential high-grade, near-surface pits nearby. The 500 km² land package remains largely unexplored; to date, less than 15% has been explored.

Seabridge Gold Inc. (NYSE:SA) is a development-stage gold mining company. It is primarily engaged in acquiring and exploring gold properties in North America.

7. Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE:IDR)

Share Price: $45.26

Market Capitalization: $705.71 Million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14

Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE:IDR) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

On December 30, according to a regulatory filing, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE:IDR) President and CEO John Swallow sold 20,000 common shares of the company. Swallow sold the shares at $41.72, for a total valuation of approximately $834,400.

As of January 5, Idaho Strategic Resources’ shares have skyrocketed by over 256% over the past six months. At the market close on January 5, IDR traded at its all-time high of $45.26. Earlier, on December 12, 2025, Roth Capital raised the price target on IDR from $35 to $45, according to The Fly, citing the analyst’s optimism following Idaho’s results from its 2025 field season at its Lemhi Pass rare earth element project near Salmon, Idaho.

The analyst firm cited the project as “the most comprehensive first pass reconnaissance, identifying at least eight neodymium prospects in areas of high radiometric readings.”

The robust growth of IDR is reflected in the strong results achieved across its Lemhi Pass. On December 11, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE:IDR) reported a successful 2025 field season at Lemhi Pass, outlining elongated zones of neodymium enrichment up to 1,740 parts per million (ppm). For 2026, the company intends to expand its radiometrics and soils footprint across the Idaho-Montana border, conduct SGS processing tests to target permits, and initiate drilling at Lemhi Pass and Mineral Hill.

Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (NYSE:IDR) is a resource-based company that is engaged in the exploration, development, and extraction of gold, silver, and base metal mineral resources in the Idaho region.

6. McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX)

Share Price: $16.09

Market Capitalization: $1.07 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 16

McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

On January 6, McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX) completed its acquisition of Canadian Gold Corp. (CGC) under a statutory plan of arrangement, as previously announced. Under the agreed terms, each Canadian Gold share will convert into 0.0225 MUX common shares, consolidating CGC holders into MUX books. Whereas, Canadian Gold will be delisted from the TSX Venture on January 7, 2026.

Following the closing of the arrangement agreement on January 5, 2026, the arrangement grants McEwen control of the Tartan mine asset in Manitoba. The new management intends to expand and accelerate exploration and commence mining plans once it has full control over the asset. McEwen plans to report on the updated resource estimate for Tartan in February 2026 to redefine development goals. Rob McEwen, Chairman and Chief Owner, said:

We see strong exploration and development potential of Tartan, which we believe will significantly contribute to shareholder value. Our immediate priorities are to accelerate and expand the scope of exploration, initiate mine plan engineering, and advance production permitting to enable us to timely restart the mine. We also expect to publish an updated resource estimate by the end of February.

In other news, on December 16, McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX) reported that it received the extension of its Environmental Impact Assessment for the El Gallo Mine from the Mexican government. This approval now allows McEwen to initiate the Phase 1 Mill Construction. The company plans to begin the construction in mid-2026 and expects the first gold pour by mid-2027. McEwen has also acquired the ball mill located on site. Phase 1 is projected to produce around 20,000 Gold Equivalent Ounces annually following the start of commercial production.

McEwen Inc. (NYSE:MUX) is a development-stage gold and silver mining company focused on the exploration, development, and production of gold and silver deposits.

5. Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV)

Share Price: $3.53

Market Capitalization: $900.33 Million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17

Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

On December 23, Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV) acquired approximately 8.57 million units of Niobay Metals Inc. at a price of $0.14 per unit. Through its subsidiary, Barkerville Gold Mines, Osisko increased its Niobay exposure from 10.8% pre-placement to 16.2% on a diluted basis, representing an aggregate of $1.2 million. This increases Osisko from a minority investor to a holder with notable governance leverage.

In other news, on December 15, Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV) updated on infill drilling at the Cariboo Gold project in British Columbia. The company pointed out that the results to date are mainly in line with modelled reserve stopes and vein corridors. Osisko has completed nearly 5,983 meters of infill drilling in around 62 holes on a tight 10-meter spacing. This represents approximately 44% of the planned 13,000-meter program.

Overall, the company has completed 10,000 meters of total drill meters, while the remaining are expected to be completed through the first quarter of 2026. Osisko expects potential for additional new reserve stopes, which will be estimated following the completion of the planned drill.

Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE:ODV) is a gold-mining company engaged in development projects. Osisko also operates through its subsidiaries and explores and develops metal resource properties.

4. Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC)

Share Price: $5.46

Market Capitalization: $618.41 Million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18

Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

On January 5, The Fly reported that H.C. Wainwright initiated coverage of Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC) with a Buy rating. Heiko Ihle at H.C. Wainwright initiated coverage of DC with a $9.75 price target. All analysts covering DC have rated the stock a Buy, with a median price target of $9.88, implying an upside of 80.86% as of January 5.

The Fly reported that the analyst noted that Dakota Gold Corp. is ‘well underway’ to build on the district’s 145-year legacy of mining, with more than 48,000 acres of high-caliber gold mineral properties.

In other news, on December 23, Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC) reported additional drill hole assay results from the Richmond Hill Gold Project. The company’s gold project in South Dakota continues to show resource expansion potential, with the recent gold mineralization drilling intersecting up to 230 meters north of the current Measured and Indicated resource boundary.

In 2025, Dakota Gold Corp. completed 242 drill holes, achieving a total of 29,279 meters. So far, the company has released results from 136 drill holes, with 106 drill hole results pending release. The company expects to report the results from these drill holes in early 2026.

Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC) is a gold-mining company in the development stage. The company mainly explores for gold deposits and is dedicated to restoring gold mining in the Homestake District in Lead, South Dakota.

3. i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX)

Share Price: $1.51

Market Capitalization: $1.25 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21

i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

On December 18, i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) reported major refurbishment progress of its Lone Tree Plant in North Nevada. The company shared results from Hatch’s engineering study, which outlined the refurbishment of the plant, indicating the ability to process sulfide and oxide gold-bearing feed at 2,268 tonnes per day.

The management highlighted that their goal is to become a mid-tier gold producer through transitioning from toll mining to an owner-operator processing model. This could reduce costs by one-third and increase margins by nearly $1,000 to $1,500 per ounce of gold. i-80 Gold has a new $430 million capital benchmark per the recent study, higher than previous expectations, with a potential payback of 1 to 2 years. The company expects construction activities to begin during the second half of 2026. Paul Chawrun, COO at  i-80 Gold, said,

With approximately 30% of detailed engineering now complete, this level of technical definition provides significantly improved accuracy in our capital cost estimate.”

i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) remains one of the two companies in Nevada with an autoclave facility, adding to its potential and setting eyes on its targeted objectives. Over the past six months, IAUX shares have soared by more than 138%, as of January 5, reflecting strong investor sentiment amid a promising outlook for its Lone Tree Plant.

i-80 Gold Corp. (NYSE:IAUX) is a development-stage mining company. i-80 Gold explores for, develops, and produces gold, silver, and polymetallic deposits in the U.S.

2. Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA)

Share Price: $26.42

Market Capitalization: $3.22 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30

Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

As of January 5, all analysts covering Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA) are bullish, with a consensus median price target of $32, which reflects a healthy upside of just over 21%.

On December 16, Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA) announced that it has hired Hatch Ltd. as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management contractor for the Stibnite Gold Project. Apart from that, Hatch is investing $4 million as an equity investment in Perpetua, as the contractor believes in the strategic vision of the project. The Private Placement comprises the 138,696 common shares of PPTA at the price of $28.24 per share, as of closing on December 12, 2025. “Partnering with Perpetua to safely and efficiently deliver this project is our highest priority,” said John Bianchini, CEO of Hatch.

Stibnite Gold remains a key project for Perpetua, and Hatch’s involvement as an investor and contractor adds to Perpetua’s transition from planning to development. Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources, said,

Hatch brings the depth, discipline, and proven execution capability required to responsibly deliver the Stibnite Gold Project. Today’s decision reflects our commitment to a robust construction strategy that combines top-tier engineering and project management while serving our national interest.

In other news, on December 9, Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA) signed an agreement with the Idaho National Laboratory to work on a pilot processing plant on the company’s ores at the Stibnite project. The goal is to recover various key defense-related minerals, including antimony. Beyond the company’s primary focus on gold, the defense deal adds to its Stibnite project, with Perpetua receiving up to $22.4 million in Defense grants as of May 2025.

Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ:PPTA) is a development-stage gold mining company that acquires mining properties in the U.S.

1. Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSE:ORLA)

Share Price: $13.84

Market Capitalization: $4.70 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33

Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSE:ORLA) is one of the best junior gold mining stocks to buy now.

As of January 5, Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSE:ORLA) shares have soared over 36% over the past six months. Out of 10 analysts covering ORLA, 8 rank the stock as a Buy with an average price target of $16.87, indicating an upside of 21.93% as of January 5.

On December 18, Orla Mining updated on exploration results at Musselwhite Mine. The company achieved successful exploration results at the mine, confirming the extension of high-grade gold mineralization two kilometers below the ongoing operational site. By the end of 2025, the company had expanded its planned drill meters from 11,000 to over 12,500 meters.

Following the acquisition of the Musselwhite Gold Mine in March 2025, Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSE:ORLA) has achieved successful results at the mine. During Q3 2025, Musselwhite produced approximately 57,586 ounces of gold with a gold recovery rate of 95.3%. The company remains optimistic about the Musselwhite Gold Mine and is carrying strong momentum in 2026. Orla’s Senior Vice President of Exploration, Sylvain Guerard, said,

Since our October 2025 update, the Musselwhite exploration program has continued delivering a steady stream of high-grade intercepts across all priority zones. These results strengthen confidence in resource growth and the outlook for extended mine life. We will carry the momentum with all priority exploration programs initiated in 2025 continuing through 2026.

In addition, on December 16, Orla Mining Ltd. announced that Ms. Joanna Pearson has joined its Board of Directors as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Pearson brings 25 years of international experience in strategic financial transformation, risk management, and financial reporting in the mining sector. Pearson served as CFO of Endeavour Mining plc (OTC:EDVMF) from 2020 to 2023, and prior to her role at Endeavour, she was an Audit Partner with Deloitte for 12 years, mainly serving in the mining and emerging markets.

Orla Mining Ltd. (NYSE:ORLA) is a Canada-based development-stage mining company that explores, develops, and exploits mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, and other metals.

While we acknowledge the potential of ORLA 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 ORLA and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Small-Cap Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 12 Best Commodity Stocks to Buy Right Now.

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 below.