The Top 50 Global Mining Companies 2022

Global equity markets have been volatile this year with most being mostly down. In the commodity markets, its been a similar story with some shining while others falling year-to-date. For example, energy- related commodities such as crude oil, natural gas and coal have been big winners. Even Uranium had one of the best years. The Russian invasion of Ukraine lit a fire under fertilizer ingredient potash leading to a 14-year peak. Growing adoption of EV vehicles by consumers have led to soaring demand for Lithium which is used in making the batteries. By October, Lithium prices have doubled this year. Gold prices have been stagnant to down though it is considered as a safe haven asset during adverse market conditions for equities. Gold prices started the year at over $1,805 per ounce and closed at $1,751 recently.

With that brief intro, let’s take a quick look at the Top 50 biggest mining companies in the world according to a report by Mining.com:

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*NOTES:

Source: MINING.COM, Miningintelligence, Morningstar, GoogleFinance, company reports. Trading data from primary-listed exchange at September 30, 2022 where applicable, currency cross-rates October 3, 2022. 

Percentage change based on US$ market cap difference, not share price change in local currency.

Market capitalization calculated at primary exchange from total shares outstanding, not only free-floating shares.

Source: The top 50 biggest mining companies in the world, Mining.com

The biggest mining company world based on market cap at the end of Q3, 2022 is BHP Group (BHP) of Australia. The ADR trading on the NYSE is up by 11% YTD. Rio Tinto (RIO) is the second biggest firm and its ADR is down by 1% so far this year.

A few other observations from the report:

  • Vanvouver, Canada- based Teck Resources Ltd (TECK) has benefitted from its exposure to Canadian oil sands and coal.
  • Coal companies like  Shaanxi Coal, Yanzhou Coal and India’s Coal India have had a great run this year.
  • Lithium producer Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) has shot up over 82% YTD due to a 10-fold increase in profits and US-based Albemarle Corporation (ALB) has also increased by 15% YTD.
  • Other notable firms in the above list include Vale(VALE) of Brazil, Nutrien Ltd (NTR) of Canada, Southern Copper Corp(SCCO), Mosaic Co (MOS),  Cameco Corp (CCJ) and Cleveland-Cliffs Inc (CLF).

Disclosure: No positions

30 Years of the FTSE 250: Infographic

The FTSE 250 Index is the mid-cap index of the UK stock market. The index is a better representation of the British economy than the widely popular FTSE 100 which is more global-oriented. The FTSE 250 index was created 30 years ago in 1992. The following infographic shows some of the major milestones of the index:

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Link for the Infographic:

30 YEARS of the FTSE 250

Source: FTSERussell

European Countries Continue Trading with Russia Despite Sanctions: Chart

Russia’s trade with China and India are soaring to record levels this year. The import of Russian oil, gas and coal by these countries has increased dramatically following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Russia offering cheaper prices. This is not a surprising news since both these countries are developing countries and have historically maintained friendly relations with Russia.

The biggest news that may shock many is that European countries continue to trade with Russia despite imposing sanctions against it as a punishment for its invasion of Ukraine. This is because unlike the US, Europe is heavily dependent on Russian energy imports and hence is increasingly difficult to totally avoid Russian energy imports until alternative viable options are found. According to an investigation by one British newspaper, the UK allowed import of Russian oil from 39 carriers during the sanctions. Other major economies of Europe including Germany, France, Italy and Spain have continued to import Russian energy thereby fueling the Russia’s coffers and helping prolong its war over Ukraine. So on the one hand these countries support Ukraine by sending weapons and funds to fight Russia. But their other hand indirectly feeds Russia by buying its oil and gas. It is like trying to profit from both sides in a war with the poor Ukrainians suffering the consequences.

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Source: What Countries Trade With Russia Despite Imposing Sanctions?, Sputnik