Best ASX mining stocks to watch this year

Australia is known as the lucky country, blessed with an abundance of natural resources.

Predictably, this means there's also an abundance of mining stocks on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), including some of Australia's indisputable blue chip companies like BHP, Fortescue and RIO Tinto.

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What are the best mining ETFs in Australia?

Here are some of the largest exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the Australian and global mining sectors and are available to trade on the ASX:

• BetaShares Gold Bullion ETF (QAU)
• BetaShares Global Gold Miners ETF (MNRS)
• BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (QRE)
• VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX)
• VanEck Vectors Australian Resources ETF (MVR)

What are mining stocks?

Mining stocks are companies listed on a stock exchange that extract minerals from the earth.

Mined materials vary in composition and can be divided into the following major categories:

• Energy materials. Bitumen, coal and uranium.
• Fertilisers. Boron, rock phosphate, potash and sulphur.
• Industrial metals. Aluminium, cobalt, copper, iron ore, lithium, nickel and zinc.
• Industrial minerals. Asbestos, bentonite, graphite, gravel, gypsum, limestone, mica, potash, pumice, salt, sand, silica and talc.
• Precious metals. Diamond, gold, iridium, mercury, osmium, palladium, platinum and silver.

Mining is a critical sector to the Australian economy, making up for a large chunk of our resources, which has helped propel our economy as a whole.

Major and juniors

There are 2 major mining categories known as the majors and the juniors.

Majors refer to mining operations that are well established, usually have decades of history, have operations around the world and have fairly steady cash flows. The majors in Australia include the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals.

The majors have a proven history of making money. They can break down their costs into per tonnage and overall make it easier for investors to evaluate their share price.

On the other hand, juniors are small mining companies with less working capital and shorter histories than their major counterparts. Think of them as a type of growth stock specific to the mining industry.

They are rarely well funded, have short histories and are more based on higher hopes. On the upside though, given they aren't well established, they can have a higher upside should they be able to develop in their field.

Why invest in mining stocks?

The old saying goes: if you can't grow it you have to mine it. Thanks to its long history, economic viability and global demand, the mining industry holds great potential for profit, and mining stocks can pay strong dividends.

Many industries rely on mining efforts to produce the materials needed to manufacture their wares and services. Without cobalt, electric vehicle manufacturers would flounder. Without uranium, we wouldn't have nuclear energy.

Mining is a time- and energy-intensive process, but mining companies continue to expand their reach thanks to the international demand for what they source and produce.

This type of global reliance on mined materials makes this industry among the more powerful and viable investment categories.

Major mining companies offer the opportunity for steady returns and dividends while junior mining companies hold the potential for rapid growth. Before investing, you should research the mining company that interests you and what materials it yields to determine potential benefits specific to the product.

Risks of investing in mining stocks

The mining industry isn't immune to risk and faces several unique challenges, chief among them being economic and geopolitical shifts.

The mining industry tends to do well in an up market because the profitability of this sector is largely tied to the health of the global economy. When demand for mined metals and materials is high, mining companies are well-positioned for strong and consistent cash flow. But when demand is low in response to a down market, mining companies may suffer.

Mining companies are also vulnerable to political regulations depending on where their mines are located. Many mining stocks on the market are international companies with mine locations across the globe. A mine's location can have a big impact on a mining company's profitability as the political environment of the country the mine is located in can impact mining processes and material prices.

Mining companies are also unable to set the price at which they sell their products. The price of, say, iron ore is determined by the future markets. This limits the potential brand power of mining companies.

Compare trading platforms to trade mining stocks in Australia

You'll need a brokerage account to invest in mining stocks in Australia. Compare options by features and fees to find the account that best meets your needs.

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Finder Score	AU Trading Fee	US Trading Fee	Available products	Rewards
Finder Rewards ExclusivePromoted Finder Score 9.6 Excellent Moomoo Share Trading Finder AwardExclusive	Finder Score 9.6 Excellent	$3	US$0.99	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs	ENDS SOON! $100 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Sign up to Moomoo and make a trade 3 Get card from Finder Ends by. T&Cs apply.	Finder exclusive: Unlock up to AUD$4,000 and US$4,000 in $0 brokerage over 60 days. T&Cs apply.	Invest across US, ASX (CHESS-sponsored) and Asian markets, with options trading and social trading features.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder Score 8.7 Great eToro	Finder Score 8.7 Great	US$2	US$2	ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	CFD service. Capital at risk. Trade stocks, ETFs and currencies from the one account and get access to social trading.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Webull Finder Award	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	$1.00	US$1.00	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	Up to 3% cashback on Webull deposits or portfolio transfers when you hold for 2 years. Ends 15 Jan 2026. T&Cs apply.	Trade over 3,300 Australian and US ETFs with $0 brokerage.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Rewards Exclusive Finder Score 9.3 Excellent Tiger Brokers Finder Award	Finder Score 9.3 Excellent	$3	US$2	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, ETFs	ENDS SOON! $120 VISA CARD REWARD 1 Join Finder 2 Sign up to Tiger Brokers and make a trade 3 Get card from Finder Ends by. T&Cs apply.	Deposit any amount and receive $20 to trade in Tiger Brokers. Plus 4x zero brokerage trades and no FX fees on the first $2,000 you exchange every month. T&Cs apply.	Trade US, Asian and CHESS-sponsored ASX stocks and US options.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent CMC Invest Finder Award	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	$0	US$0	ASX shares, Global shares, Options trading, US shares, mFunds, ETFs, Cryptocurrencies	Trade over 45,000 shares and ETFs from Australia and 15 major global markets. Plus, buy Aussie shares or ETFs for $0 brokerage up to $1,000 (First buy order of each security, each day - excludes margin loan settled trades).	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder Score 9.3 Excellent IG Share Trading	Finder Score 9.3 Excellent	$0	US$0	ASX shares, Global shares, US shares, UK shares, ETFs	Trade Australian and international shares with zero commission fees and access to round-the-clock customer support. 0.7% FX fees apply to international shares.	Go to siteMore info Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Bottom line

Major mining stocks represent a potential long-term investment with the opportunity for steady gains. Junior mining stocks may have more growth potential but are typically riskier investments. Before you purchase either, review your platform options to find the brokerage account in Australia that's ideal for your investment goals.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I purchase penny stocks in the mining industry?

  Yes. There are numerous penny stocks in the mining category, including MinRex Resources, Grange Resources, Jervois Mining and many more.

• Do mining stocks pay dividends?

  Yes. Some that do including BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals.

• What factors influence mining stock prices?

  Mining stock prices are driven by a mix of commodity prices, demand and supply trends, global economic conditions, geopolitical risks and company performance. Factors such as production costs, resource discoveries and regulatory changes can also affect the share price of mining companies.

• Are mining stocks a good investment during economic uncertainty?

  During periods of uncertainty, some investors turn to mining stocks - especially those tied to gold - as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. However, performance varies by commodity, so it’s important to consider how global demand and supply dynamics impact each sector.

• How can I diversify my portfolio with mining stocks?

  You can diversify by investing across different commodities, such as gold, lithium, iron ore and copper, or by including both large established miners and smaller exploration companies. Alternatively, consider exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on mining or resource sectors for broader exposure.

• What are the risks of investing in mining companies?

  Mining investments carry specific risks, including commodity price fluctuations, environmental regulations, operational setbacks and political instability in resource-rich regions. Exploration companies, in particular, face higher risks as their financial success depends on successful discoveries and project development.

• How can I research mining stocks before investing?

  Before investing, review company financial reports, production volumes, project updates and exploration results. Keep an eye on commodity price forecasts and industry analyses. Tools like share trading platforms, annual reports and ASX announcements can provide valuable insights.

• What is the difference between junior and major mining companies?

  Major miners are large, established producers with diverse operations and steady cash flow. Junior miners are smaller exploration or development companies focused on discovering new resources. While juniors can offer higher potential returns, they also come with greater investment risk.

• How do dividends work for mining stocks?

  Some mining companies pay dividends when commodity prices and profits are strong. Dividends are typically a portion of earnings distributed to shareholders. However, not all miners pay dividends - especially those reinvesting heavily in exploration or development projects.

• Can I invest in overseas mining stocks from Australia?

  Yes, many Australian brokers offer access to international markets. This lets you invest in global mining companies listed on exchanges such as the NYSE, LSE, or TSX. Check your broker’s international trading options and any additional fees involved before investing abroad.

• How do environmental and social factors affect mining stocks?

  Sustainability concerns and environmental policies increasingly impact the mining sector. Companies that effectively manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks may attract more investors and maintain better long-term performance than those that don’t prioritise responsible practices.

• What role does government policy play in mining investments?

  Government regulations, taxation and approvals for new projects can significantly influence mining companies’ profitability. Changes to export laws, royalties, or carbon policies can affect individual miners as well as the overall sector. Staying informed on policy updates helps investors assess potential impacts.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Joselle Delos Reyes as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Thomas Stelzer

Journalist

Tom Stelzer is a journalist with 6 years of experience covering personal finance, specialising in investment and cryptocurrency. With a Master of Media Arts and Production and a Bachelor of Communications in Journalism from the University of Technology Sydney, Tom provides expert analysis on digital assets and market trends, helping readers navigate the fast-evolving world of finance. See full bio