Copper stocks are publicly traded companies that mine copper. These companies will be the key beneficiaries of growing copper demand in the coming decades. Demand for copper is on track to surge 50% by 2040, driven in part by the need for copper in AI data centers.
Other key drivers are the vital role copper plays in supporting the electrification of the transportation sector and producing renewable energy. For example, electric vehicles use four times as much copper as traditional cars. Meanwhile, a wind turbine consumes 3 metric tons of copper per megawatt of power produced.
This outlook bodes well for the copper industry. It suggests that copper prices could be much higher in the coming years. Here's a closer look at some of the top copper stocks that could benefit from the transition.
Top copper stocks to buy in 2026
Copper is the third-most-consumed industrial metal in the world behind iron ore and aluminum, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Because of its importance to the economy, many mining companies operate copper mines.
However, while many companies produce copper, only a few can expand their production through reserves and commercially viable expansion projects. These resources position them to capitalize on the industry's growth. Top copper stocks include:
| Name and ticker | Market cap | Current price | Dividend yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) | $202.8 billion | $79.65 | 3.33% |
| Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) | $87.7 billion | $60.54 | 0.49% |
| Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) | $125.0 billion | $99.81 | 4.04% |
| Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK) | $29.4 billion | $59.81 | 0.61% |
| Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO) | $147.8 billion | $179.07 | 1.86% |
Here's a closer look at these five leading copper company stocks.
1. BHP Group
NYSE: BHP
Key Data Points
2. Freeport-McMoRan
NYSE: FCX
Key Data Points
Cash Flow
3. Teck Resources
NYSE: TECK
Key Data Points
4. Southern Copper
NYSE: SCCO
Key Data Points
5. Rio Tinto
NYSE: RIO
Key Data Points
Benefits and risks of investing in copper stocks
Some of the benefits of investing in copper stocks include:
- Capitalizing on the expected growth in copper demand.
- The potential to collect passive income from dividends.
- The potential to help hedge your portfolio against some of the impacts of inflation.
- The potential for an individual copper stock to outperform the price of copper and other copper stocks.
Meanwhile, some of the risks of investing in copper stocks include:
- Copper price volatility.
- Mining cost overruns.
- Geopolitical issues.
- A copper stock underperforms the price of copper.
Should you invest in copper stocks?
Copper demand could grow 50% by 2040, driven by increased electrification, AI data centers, and other catalysts. The increased demand should support additional copper expansion projects by the world's top mining companies, enabling them to boost production and capitalize on higher prices. The combination of rising production and prices should enable copper miners to increase cash flow, pay dividends, repurchase shares, and boost total returns. The upside potential makes the copper industry attractive to investors.
In addition to copper mining stocks, investors could consider investing in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on copper. Copper ETFs provide similar upside exposure to rising copper prices. An ETF focused on copper mining stocks is less risky than investing in a single copper mining company, which could underperform for various reasons.
FAQ
Investing in copper stocks: FAQ
About the Author
Matthew DiLallo has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Teck Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
