In this article we discuss the 5 largest mining companies by market cap. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the mining industry, go directly to the 15 Largest Mining Companies by Market Cap.
5. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO)
Market Cap: $53.6 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 27
Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is one of the largest mining companies by market cap and was founded in 1952. The operations involve smelting copper and it is the leading producer and refiner of molybdenum, silver, and zinc. The refining, smelting, and mining facilities are located in Peru and Mexico. The company’s annual reports show a solid 9.6% growth in revenues, from $7.2 billion in 2019 to $7.8 billion in 2020. Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is one of the largest publicly traded copper mining companies. The company’s current portfolio for approved projects in Peru totals $2.8 billion.
4. Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX)
Market Cap: $59.8 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 68
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) is an American mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona. It operates geographically diverse assets with significant proven and probable reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company’s portfolio of assets includes the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, which is one of the largest copper and gold deposits.
It also has significant mining operations in South and North America. According to the annual reports 2020, the company’s consolidated copper and gold sales were a record 3.2 billion pounds and 0.9 million ounces, respectively. Moreover, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) generated $14.2 billion in revenues in the same year. With $59.8 billion, the company is one of the largest mining companies by market cap.
3. Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE)
Market Cap: $104.9 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31
Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE) is one of the biggest mining companies in Brazil. It was founded in 1942 and is the largest producer of iron ore, pellets, and nickel globally. It is the most valuable company in Latin America with its operations spanning over 30 countries. Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE) also produces manganese, copper bauxite, potash, and cobalt.
Though the company is involved in mining operations, it is also one of the largest logistic operators in Brazil. It also operates several hydroelectric plants and a vast network of railroads, ports, and ships to carry the transportation of its products. It generated over $40 billion in revenues in 2020 and is one of the largest companies by market cap.
2. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE: RIO)
Market Cap: $137.6 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25
Rio Tinto Group (NYSE: RIO) is an Anglo-Australian multinational and the world’s second-largest metals and mining corporation behind BHP Group (NYSE: BHP). The company’s operations revolve around mining and producing iron ore, aluminum, diamond, gold, copper, and borate. The company provides its services in nearly 35 countries and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Along with mining and extraction of minerals, the company has also some operations in refining, particularly bauxite and iron ore. According to the annual reports, Rio Tinto Group (NYSE: RIO) generated a revenue of $44.6 billion in 2020. With $137.6 billion, it is one of the largest mining companies by market cap.
1. BHP Group (NYSE: BHP)
Market Cap: $183.1 billion
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
BHP Group (NYSE: BHP) tops our list of the largest mining companies by market cap. The Australian company was founded in 1851 and has headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. It mines and produces a wide range of minerals and metals, including coal, uranium, petroleum, iron ore, copper, and natural gas. The company has operations in China, Australia, Japan, India, South Korea, South America, and North America. Its revenue in 2020 stood at $42.93 billion.
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