Agnico, Hycroft and Sidney lead February stocks ranks

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Agnico Eagle, Hycroft Mining Holding and Sidney Resources Corp. captured the top spots in their respective categories in February’s Global Mining Power Rankings as investors rewarded operational consistency, financial strength and strategic momentum.

After strong gains in late 2025, profit-taking and technical selling weighed on markets in early February, but shifting US tariff policy and rising geopolitical tensions revived safe-haven demand and supported precious metals prices later in the month. 

This month’s rankings reflect companies that investors, analysts and industry insiders view as delivering steady project execution, stronger balance sheets and leverage to firm gold, silver and copper prices, with sentiment carrying added weight.

Large-cap winner: Agnico Eagle (11.32% of votes)

Agnico Eagle (TSX, NYSE: AEM) secured 11.32% of votes, marking its fourth consecutive month at the top. Canada’s largest gold miner reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results in early February, highlighting record free cash flow, total shareholder returns of about $1.4 billion and a 12.5% increase to its quarterly dividend.

At year-end 2025, gold mineral reserves rose about 2% year over year to roughly 55.4 million ounces. Indicated mineral resources increased about 10% to 47.1 million ounces, while inferred resources climbed about 15% to 41.8 million ounces, driven largely by exploration success at Detour Lake, Odyssey and Hope Bay. The company also outlined its 2026 exploration plans to build on that momentum.

Notables:

2. Rio Tinto (9.43%): Firm iron ore prices and steady global steel demand underpinned sentiment.

3. Newmont (8.49%), with investors assessing portfolio optimization efforts and integration progress after 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 investor interest in large-scale gold and silver assets as prices strengthened late in 2025. Hycroft Mining Holding (NASDAQ: HYMC) advanced metallurgical testing and project optimization at its Hycroft mine while maintaining capital discipline in volatile markets, positioning it to capitalize on improving sentiment toward silver.

Notables:

2. Almonty Industries (7.27%). The Canada-headquartered miner ranked second after confirming that its Sangdong tungsten mine in South Korea remains on track for commercial production in the first quarter of 2026. Almonty (NASDAQ: ALM) (TSE: AII) began ramp-up activities following first ore delivery in late 2025, marking a significant de-risking milestone.

“We’re honoured to be listed on the Global Mining Power Rank for a second consecutive month. With commissioning of our Sangdong mega-mine nearing completion and work advancing at our Gentung property in Montana, we’re proud to be on track to become the first US tungsten producer in more than a decade,” CEO Lewis Black said. “Our long-standing focus on tungsten and Western industrial customers positions us well amid the global realignment of raw material supply chains.”
Almonty’s shares are up over 135% so far this year after reaching record or multi-year highs on the Toronto Stock Exchange and in US trading in late February. The stock has been buoyed by surging tungsten prices and a tight ammonium paratungstate market that support revenue expectations.

3. Vizsla Silver Corp (7.27%). Investor confidence remained resilient despite a tragic incident in late January, when five of 10 employees abducted from the company’s Panuco silver-gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico, were found dead. The remaining individuals are still unaccounted for.

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

Idaho-focused Sydney Resources (OTCMKTS: SDRC) led for a second straight month after it released its 2026 strategic objectives and operational roadmap as it advances high-grade underground gold projects, particularly the Lucky Ben project, where it is moving from exploration toward resource definition. An upcoming mineral resource estimate aims to convert geological potential into a quantifiable asset.

“We extend our deepest thanks to the MINING.COM audience for honoring Sidney Resources with the top Micro-Cap ranking for the third straight month,” chief executive Sean-Rae Zalewski said. “This continued endorsement highlights our recent strides, from bolstering our Warren District holdings to advancing rare earth and critical mineral discoveries, all while innovating with our laser mining technology.”

The executive noted that as the company moves forward, its focus remains on nurturing sustainable growth, cultivating robust stakeholder support, and creating long-term value through responsible and strategic development. “We appreciate everyone walking this path with us,” Zalewski said.

Notables:

2. Xtra Energy (11.57%): The micro-cap explorer spent 2025 advancing early-stage critical mineral and energy-related assets, focusing on consolidation, permitting and drill positioning amid growing investor interest in domestic supply chains.

3. BrightRock Gold (10.74%):  The third spot win reflects a year of sharpened exploration focus, land expansion and steady technical progress that appealed to retail investors seeking leverage to higher gold prices.

As geopolitical tensions in 2026, particularly conflicts in the Middle East and escalating trade disputes, drive investors toward safe-haven assets, precious metals have climbed to record highs, reinforcing the sector’s momentum.

Gold spot prices rose as much as 2.9% on Monday to more than $5,400 per ounce — the highest level since the late January selloff — while silver and platinum have also posted strong gains amid fears of regional escalation and potential supply disruptions, setting a firm backdrop for mining equities in the months ahead.