Agnico, Hycroft and Sidney top January mining ranks

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Agnico Eagle, Hycroft Mining Holding and Sidney Resources began 2026 as clear January leaders in the Global Mining Power Rankings, lifted by investor sentiment, firmer commodity prices and strong 2025 execution that set them apart from peers.

The January rankings reflect companies seen by investors, analysts and industry insiders as delivering operational consistency, financial momentum and strategic progress across market capitalizations. Sentiment carried extra weight this month, supported by improving balance sheets, steady project delivery and supportive gold, silver and copper prices.

Large-cap winner: Agnico Eagle (9.2% of votes)

Agnico Eagle claimed first place with 9.2% of votes. Canada’s Agnico Eagle (TSX, NYSE: AEM) topped the category for a third straight month, backed by steady production across Canada, Australia, Mexico and Finland, disciplined cost control and a strong third quarter that kept the stock ahead of global peers. Investors continued to favour the company’s predictable operating profile in a year marked by persistent inflationary pressure across the mining sector.

Shares have climbed 89% in Toronto and roughly doubled in New York over the past year. Agnico also streamlined its portfolio through the sale of its 55% interest in the Barsele project in northern Sweden to Goldsky Resources, reinforcing balance sheet strength. In 2025, the company broadened its strategic reach with the launch of Avenir Minerals Limited to pursue about $80 million in early-stage critical minerals investments, following its $180 million investment in Perpetua Resources (NASDAQ, TSX: PPTA) and the Stibnite gold-antimony project in Idaho. 

With gold prices strengthening early in 2026, investors continued to position for sustained shareholder returns.

Notables:

2. Rio Tinto (7.1%): Firm iron ore prices and steady global steel demand underpinned sentiment.

3. Newmont (7.1%), with investors weighing portfolio optimization and integration progress following asset sales and strategic refocusing through 2025.

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Small-cap winner: Hycroft Mining Holding (4.2% of votes)

The Nevada-based precious metals developer benefited from renewed interest in large-scale gold and silver assets as prices firmed late in 2025. Hycroft made progress last year on technical work aimed at unlocking value from its Hycroft mine, including metallurgical testing and project optimization, while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital amid volatile markets. That progress, combined with improving sentiment toward silver, helped lift the company into the top spot.

Notables

2. Snowline Gold Corp (3.4%) (TSX: SGD; OTCQX: SNWGF) Snowline delivered a total return of about 209% in 2025, far outpacing gold’s gains. The Yukon-focused explorer advanced its Rogue project, where drilling at the Valley deposit extended mineralization beyond 1 km, and graduated to the TSX in November, a key corporate milestone.

3. Vizsla Silver Corp (2.4%). The company had a strong 2025 marked by continued exploration success at its Pánuco silver-gold district in Mexico, where drilling supported resource growth and reinforced the project’s status as one of the sector’s more advanced primary silver assets. Late in January, however, ten workers were abducted from the Pánuco project in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, underscoring the persistent security risks facing mining companies operating in regions affected by organized crime.

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Micro-cap winner: Sidney Resources Corp. (11.7%) 

The Idaho-focused explorer climbed to the top in January after expanding its footprint in the historic Warren Mining District through the acquisition of Unity GoldSilver Mines assets early in the year and staking roughly 7,600 acres of new claims in December. The company advanced gold, silver and critical minerals exploration during 2025 while continuing development of its proprietary laser mining technology.

“We are profoundly grateful to the MINING.COM readers for selecting Sidney Resources as the #1 Micro-Cap company and being ranked in the top 5 for the second consecutive month.,” chief executive Sean-Rae Zalewski said. “This ongoing support underscores the momentum from our recent advancements, including expanded claims in the Warren District, promising concentration achievement in rare earth elements and critical minerals, and steady progress on our innovative laser mining technology.”

Zalewski said his company remains focused on responsible growth and creating long-term value through disciplined exploration and ethical practices.

Notables

2. Xtra Energy (10.8%): The micro-cap explorer spent 2025 advancing early-stage critical mineral and energy-related assets, focusing on asset consolidation, permitting and positioning for drilling as investor interest in domestic resource supply chains increased.

3. BrightRock Gold (9.5%):  The third spot win is the product of a year in which the company sharpened its exploration focus, expanded its land position and delivered steady technical progress that resonated with retail investors seeking leverage to higher gold prices.