In this article, we will be looking at the 10 best copper stocks to buy, according to Wall Street analysts.
The U.S. stock market has changed rapidly since the new president took control of the Oval Office. In the list of commodities that are recently surfacing as standout performers in the market, copper holds a significant place. The commodity has captured the attention of investors across the globe. According to The Wall Street Journal, by the end of March 2025, the U.S. copper future saw a 26% increase, reaching $5.02 per pound. The extraordinary growth, in addition to surpassing global prices, has set unprecedented records in the industry.
The recent tariff implementations from the U.S. administration stand among the heavy contributors to this surge. The U.S. president has recently announced a series of tariff increases, targeting the major trading partners of the U.S. Accordingly, the EU imports will be charged a 20% tariff. Chinese goods have the most impact at a 34% tariff. Similarly, a minimum 10% hike is imposed on all imports globally. Because of these measures, the average tariff rate has risen to 23%, the highest in over a century. The WSJ calls it the most significant shift in the United States’s approach to global trade.
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These new tariffs affect the import and export of various goods in the U.S. concerning copper. A rush has been noted to import the commodity into the U.S. before the new import tax rates take effect. This influx has resulted in a notable rise in physical deliveries, causing domestic copper prices to surge.
Income-seeking investors in the market, however, need to look past these immediate market reactions and focus on the long-term outlook for copper. Even in the long run, the value of copper remains robust. An article by CNBC noted that the world’s leading mining companies anticipate a 70% growth in the global demand for copper by 2050. The surge is expected to be driven by the adoption of copper-intensive technologies, such as renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. With constant growth in several customers shifting to renewable energy-based technologies, such an increase in demand for the commodity is inevitable.
On the other hand, the industry will likely face significant challenges in meeting this rise in demand. The mining industry, for instance, faces constraints like declining ore grades and the need for substantial capital investments to develop new projects. Owing to these factors, the growth in supply and the industry’s ability to sustain high copper prices in the future could take a hit.
Even so, copper stocks remain attractive, and investors are increasingly looking towards adding them to their portfolios to give them a diverse touch. The immediate price surges due to trade policies and the potential for long-term demand position the copper sector as a compelling investment avenue. But with this said, investors may be wondering what the best copper stock to buy today is.
To answer this question, we have compiled the 10 best copper stocks investors may want to look at to reinforce their portfolio.
A close-up photo of a copper rod coiled around itself.
Our Methodology
We followed a few criteria when putting together our list of best copper stocks for investors. Primarily, we considered only those copper stocks with an upside potential of 10%. The criteria were placed to present our interested investors with stocks with the prospect of significant capital appreciation. A substantial rise in the price of stocks often correlates with substantial profits for investors. Hence, we ranked our list based on this upside potential. We have also considered only those stocks followed by hedge funds listed in Insider Monkey’s Q4 2024 database. It ensures the institutional interests in the stocks.
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 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
10. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33
Upside potential: 11.07%
Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) is a major integrated copper producer headquartered in Arizona, U.S. The company has mining, smelting, and refining operations in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company focuses on producing Copper, along with molybdenum, zinc, and silver. With one of the largest copper reserves globally and low production costs, SCCO serves construction, electronics, and industrial clients worldwide. Southern Copper Corporation differentiates itself from its competitors in the market through vertical integration and high-margin operations.
The fourth quarter earnings results indicated that Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO)’s EPS missed the estimates but only slightly by $0.01. On the other hand, the 74% surge from the year-ago quarter suggests the company’s sales are moving in an upward direction. In addition to achieving a 5.4% increase in copper sales volume, the company also recorded a 59.4% year-over-year growth in zinc sales. Guidance for 2025 revealed a production of 967,000 tons of Copper in 2025, aligning with the performance during 2024.
With 33 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database currently invested, Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) gains moderate institutional interest. Its upside potential of 11.07% is low compared to other entries in our list of best copper stocks, suggesting a relatively conservative growth outlook from Wall Street analysts.
9. BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
Upside potential: 13.12%
One of the world’s largest mining companies, BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) operates from its headquarters in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The company is among the largest iron ore, Copper, nickel, and metallurgical coal producers. BHP serves global infrastructure, technology, and energy markets, with significant operations in Australia, the Americas, and beyond. Access to vast resources and high free cash flow allows the company to enjoy economies of scale. As one of the top-performing copper stocks, the company leverages its capital discipline to drive long-term value.
BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) has seen a strong operational and financial performance since the beginning of the 2025 financial year, achieving an underlying EBITDA of $12.4 billion. The company continues to lay its focus on operational excellence and capital discipline. Significant advancements in copper projects have led to a 10% growth in copper production, contributing to a 24% growth over three years. With its Escondido Mine performing better in the first half of 2025, the company aims to elevate its positive outlook among shareholders by increasing copper production to between 1,845 and 2,045 kt.
BHP Group Limited (NYSE:BHP) is held by 28 hedge funds, as per the Insider Monkey Q4 2024 database, indicating relatively lower institutional participation than some other companies here. However, the upside potential of 13.12% points to near-term share price expansion in the future for interested investors.
8. Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 44
Upside potential: 22.19%
Toronto-based company, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) is among the largest gold mining firms in the world. It has business operations in North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Though the company focuses heavily on its core product, gold, it also produces significant quantities of copper. In addition to scale and cost efficiency, the company’s position in the market is thriving because of its joint ventures, such as its Nevada Gold Mines partnership with Newmont. The company serves global investment, jewelry, and industrial markets.
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) recorded a 30% increase in EBITDA per its most recent quarter results. Additionally, while gold production has increased by 15% compared to the previous quarter, the company has managed to subdue the costs by 3%, gaining shareholders’ positive appreciation. It also continues adding significant new reserves for gold and Copper. For 2025, Barrick Gold Corporation is guiding gold production between 3.15 and 3.5 million ounces, with a substantial focus on copper reserves.
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) has moderate institutional support, with 44 hedge fund holders from the Insider Monkey Q4 2024 database holding stakes. Its upside potential of 22.19% also indicates modest capital growth expectations, which would attract investors looking for one of the best copper stocks to buy.
7. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Upside potential: 30.07%
Operating from its headquarters in London, United Kingdom, a global mining and metals company, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is engaged in exploring and processing essential minerals. Along with copper, the range of minerals the company handles includes iron ore, aluminum, and lithium. Rio Tinto Group operates across six continents, and its client base covers the construction, automotive, and energy industries. Despite the large-scale business operation, the company maintains its competitive strength with the help of its diversified assets and its high-performance efficiency.
Strong performances in copper and aluminum, as reported in the fourth quarter results, contributed to a 3% increase in net operating cash flow. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) has also garnered the support of its stakeholders by maintaining a 60% payout for the ninth consecutive year. With copper production expected to increase between 780,000-850,000 tons, the company anticipates a rise in capital expenditure to $11 billion. The Rincon project in Argentina and the Simandou project in Africa are expected to generate returns and increase shareholder value in 2025.
As one of the best copper stocks to invest in, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) has attracted 39 hedge fund holders from the Insider Monkey database as of Q4 2024. Hedge funds reflect a steady institutional engagement. An upside potential of 30.07% positions the stock as a potentially undervalued large-cap copper stock for investors to buy.
6. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39
Upside potential: 34.59%
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) is a diversified Canadian mining company in Toronto, Canada. The company is involved in discovering, producing, and developing base and precious metals, primarily copper, gold, and zinc. Hudbay Minerals satisfies the demands of the global industrial and manufacturing markets with its key operating mines in Canada and Peru. Using its strong exploration capabilities, the company is increasing its growth-focused project pipeline, thereby competing with mid-tier producers like Lundin Mining and Capstone Copper.
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM)’s performance in the recent quarter has been slightly down, with the revenue hitting a 2.9% fall compared to the previous year. Additionally, the 2025 company guidance noted a stable production level from 2024, with the consolidated copper production maintained at an average of 144,000 tons. The company intends to reap the benefits from completing the optimization efforts at Copper Mountain in the next three years. In addition to this, other exploration plans, including Constancia and Snow Lake, also reflected positively in the analysts’ estimations for HBM.
Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM), with 39 hedge fund holders at the end of Q4 2024, maintains a strong presence in institutional portfolios and is a valuable copper stock. Its 34.59% upside potential indicates a reasonable room for share price appreciation that could benefit the shareholders.
5. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88
Upside potential: 46.49%
Arizona-based company, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) is a leading international miner primarily extracting copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company’s key assets include the Grasberg mine in Indonesia. Large-scale operations are also being conducted in North and South America. The company is known for its extensive reserves and strategic geographic presence, which allows it to serve significant sectors like construction and energy across the globe and survive in the market against competitors like Rio Tinto and Southern Copper.
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE:FCX) achieved a 14% increase in 2024, bringing its EBITDA to $10 billion. By scaling the leach opportunity, the company’s 2025 company guidance targets a run rate of 300 million pounds by the end of 2025. The company is also advancing several organic growth projects that are expected to gain value for its stocks in the upcoming years. This includes the brownfield expansions in the U.S. and South America. These instances have garnered a positive outlook for the company in 2025.
With 88 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database holding stakes in the company at the end of Q4 2024, the level of institutional interest remains strong. The company has an upside potential of 46.49%, thus gaining a position in the list of best copper stocks for investors to purchase.
4. Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66
Upside potential: 54.55%
Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) is a Canadian mining company focused on copper, zinc, steelmaking coal, and energy. The company has operations in Canada, Chile, and Peru and supports its diverse client base in the infrastructure, renewable energy, and manufacturing sectors. Having earned a position as one of the high-growth copper companies, Teck Resources stands apart from its competitors with its strong base metal portfolio and ESG initiatives. Using its strategic asset positioning and responsible resource development strategy, the company achieves a competitive edge over other players in the market.
After selling its steelmaking coal business, Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) has repositioned itself solely as an energy transition metals company focused on copper and zinc. With it, the company announced its highest shareholders return in history, amounting to $1.8 billion. The company returned $1.25 billion through buybacks, while the rest was paid as dividends. Teck Resources Limited also announced a 50% increase in annual copper production compared to the year prior, suggesting high business performance. It intends to increase this production to between 135,000 and 150,000 tons in 2025, per its production guidance.
Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK) has drawn the attention of 66 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database at the end of Q4 2024. It suggests strong institutional participation. A notably high upside potential of 54.55% increases investors’ interest by raising the perception of the company’s value.
3. Taseko Mines Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:TGB)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 12
Upside potential: 62.62%
A Canadian mining company, Taseko Mines Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:TGB) is focused on the production and development of copper. The company’s principal asset is the Gibraltar Mine in British Columbia. The company also holds development-stage projects like Florence Copper in Arizona. It primarily serves the global construction and electrification markets while using key differentiators, including long-life assets and advanced in-situ recovery technology, to stay ahead of its competitors in the market.
Taseko Mines Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:TGB) achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $224 million for 2024. The recent quarter’s results suggest significant progress with the Florence project. With construction advancing smoothly as planned, the Florence project is expected to become their second production operation soon. For 2025, the company intends to focus on the Florence Copper project, anticipating its first copper production before the end of the year. Gibraltar copper-molybdenum mine exceeded the design capacity and produced 29 million pounds of Copper, recording the fourth quarter as the best quarter in history.
Our Insider Monkey database noted that only 12 hedge funds at the end of Q4 2024 held stakes in Taseko Mines Limited (NYSEAMERICAN:TGB). It suggests low institutional ownership compared to our high-growth copper stocks. Despite this, its upside potential stands at a significant 62.62%, thus attracting the attention of investors seeking to modify their portfolios.
2. MAC Copper Limited (NYSE:MTAL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 14
Upside potential: 65.90%
MAC Copper Limited (NYSE:MTAL), listed as Metals Acquisition Limited (MTAL), is a mining and metals company headquartered in Jersey. The company’s focus is on acquiring high-quality copper assets. Its flagship project is the CSA Copper Mine in Australia, which serves the global infrastructure and electrification sectors. With strategic acquisitions and a strong focus on copper amid the energy transition across many economies, the company builds a sturdy foothold in the global market against emerging players like Ivanhoe Mines.
MAC Copper Limited (NYSE:MTAL) surpassed the midpoints of its guidance by achieving a record copper production in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company has also reported a substantial EBITDA margin of 47%. Company guidance anticipates copper production to reach over 50,000 tons by 2026. For 2025, production is expected to be in the range of 43,000 tons to 48,000 tons, capturing the attention of investors and analysts alike in the market.
As per the Insider Monkey database of Q4 2024, 14 hedge fund holders held stakes in MAC Copper Limited, suggesting low institutional exposure compared to other leading copper stocks in our list. However, its substantial upside potential of 65.90% stands out markedly, attracting investors interested in incorporating one of the best copper stocks into their portfolios.
1. Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13
Upside potential: 148.96%
A U.S.-based mineral exploration and technology company, Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) is focused on critical metals, including copper and gold. The company targets electrification and renewable energy markets by leveraging geophysical imaging technologies in mineral development. The combination of proprietary technology and exploration offers a unique approach that allows the company to meet the competition in the market.
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) has recently reported a quarterly loss of $0.19 per share against the anticipated loss of $0.24. On the other hand, the company posted a revenue of $1.33 million, surpassing the estimates by 77.60%. Even so, the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona has gained a positive outlook since the company holds a 100% interest in the project. Ivanhoe Electric is set to deliver a completed PFS for the Santa Cruz Copper Project before the end of Q2 2025. The company has also announced its intention to stabilize its financial position through a $50 million underwritten public offering.
Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) is backed by 13 hedge funds from the Insider Monkey database as of Q4 2024, making it one of the best copper stocks with the least institutional interest on our list. However, it takes the leading position against other copper stocks in our list because of its upside potential of 148.96%, the highest in this set.
Overall, Ivanhoe Electric Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:IE) ranks first on our list of the best copper stocks to buy according to Wall Street analysts. While we acknowledge the potential for IE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that went up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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