As the world races towards a greener future, nickel has quietly become one of the most sought-after commodities on the planet. Essential for making the batteries that power electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, and renewable energy storage. Demand for nickel is soaring, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. For investors, this presents an interesting opportunity to invest in nickel mining stocks.
While the UK isn’t a major producer of nickel itself, UK investors have access to a wide range of nickel mining stocks listed both locally and internationally. Whether you’re looking for the stability of a diversified mining giant or the risk of a smaller pure-play nickel producer, understanding the landscape is key to making smart investment choices. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most interesting nickel-related stocks and the risks and rewards of digging into this increasingly vital sector.
Some of the most recognisable nickel mining stocks are listed on global stock exchanges, so if you invest in some global stocks, you can get exposure to them. Remember to account for foreign exchange fees when comparing trading platforms.
Here are some of the pros and cons of investing in nickel mining stocks:
ETFs or exchange traded funds can be a good way to diversify your investment by spreading it between several assets. They work a bit like an index fund, investing in stocks on an exchange. Here are some of the main pros and cons of investing in nickel through an ETF:
Investing in nickel futures isn’t suitable for nervous investors as it’s extremely risky. You’re agreeing to buy stocks in the future at a set price that you agree now. You might win big if you’re right in predicting stock market movements, but you could lose money if the price moves in the opposite direction to your predictions.
If you want to do futures trading, you’ll need a strong constitution and a good understanding of stock trading.
The amazing rise of nickel prices is largely due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The conflict has prompted fears of long term supply problems.
However, the nickel prices have been extremely volatile in the past. Prices rocketed in 2019 after an Indonesian imports ban but collapsed in early 2020 before rising again.
Most nickel is currently used for the manufacture of stainless steel, but it is also an essential part of making car batteries for electric vehicles so it’s likely that demand will increase in the future.
Nickel is an amazing metal and is valued for its anti-corrosion properties as well as being strong and high and low temperatures and special magnetic and electronic properties. It’s mainly used to make stainless steel but it also has other uses. Here are some of the most common uses:
We round up a selection of stocks in or related to the nickel mining industry, weighting the list more heavily towards popular mid- and large-cap US stocks.
If you're interested in investing in the nickel mining industry, take a closer look at what companies in this industry do and how the stocks have historically performed. Keep in mind that positive past performance doesn't guarantee that a stock will continue to rise in the future.
Best known for its platinum and gold operations, Sibanye Stillwater (SBSW) is also a growing force in nickel production. With assets in the US and Africa, it offers investors exposure to the essential metals powering the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Nickel isn't its only focus, but it’s becoming increasingly important to its strategy, and to investors seeking diversified battery metals plays.
Sibanye Gold Ltd ADR is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around 112.1 billion and employs 57,857 staff.
Capital at risk
Materion (MTRN) isn’t a miner in the traditional sense, but it’s a key player in supplying high-purity nickel alloys and materials critical for aerospace, electronics, and battery technologies. Its value lies in its exposure to advanced manufacturing demand, making it a unique nickel-related investment without involving direct mining risk.
Materion Corporation is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $1.7 billion and employs 3,000 staff.
Capital at risk
Public Joint Stock Company Mining and Metallurgical Company Norilsk Nickel, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a metals and mining company in Russia, Europe, Asia, North and South America, and CIS countries. The company operates through GMK Group, South Cluster, Kola Division, GRK Bystrinskoye, Other Mining, and Other Non-Metallurgical segments. It explores for, extracts, and refines ore and nonmetallic minerals; and sale of base and precious metals produced from ore.
GMK Norilskiy Nikel PAO is listed on the MCX and has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $17.9 billion.
Capital at risk
A rising star in exploration, Canada Nickel (CNC) is developing the Crawford Nickel-Cobalt Sulphide Project, one of the largest new discoveries in years. It’s a speculative but exciting option for investors who want early-stage exposure to what could become a major supplier to the EV battery sector. However, it’s still early days for this particular nickel mining project.
Canada Nickel Company is listed on the V.
Capital at risk
Rather than investing in a company, WisdomTree Nickel offers pure exposure to the price of nickel itself through in the form of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) vehicle. It's ideal for investors who want to back the price of the metal without trading derivatives or dealing with the operational or political risks tied to individual nickel mining stocks, just be prepared for the inherent volatility of commodity prices.
WisdomTree Nickel is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around N/A and employs 0 staff.
Capital at risk
The Brazilian mining giant Vale (VALE) is a major global producer of nickel, particularly after its acquisition of Inco. Vale’s scale, low-cost inventory, and increasing focus on supplying the EV battery sector make it a blue-chip nickel mining stock option for those looking for diversified yet substantial nickel exposure.
Vale SA ADR is listed on the NYSE, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $35.6 billion and employs 64,616 staff.
Capital at risk
A subsidiary of China's Jinchuan Group, this company focuses on mining and producing copper and cobalt, but nickel is a growing part of its portfolio. It's a play on China's strategic dominance over battery metals, though investors must weigh that against geopolitical and regulatory risks linked with Chinese investments.
Jinchuan Group International Resources Co is listed on the HK, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around $594.8 million and employs 1,676 staff.
Capital at risk
One of the world’s largest commodity traders and miners, Glencore’s (GLEN) nickel operations in Canada and Australia provide significant leverage to the global energy transition. Its diversified mining model cushions it from nickel’s price swings, making it a steadier way to gain exposure compared to pure-play miners but share price performance is also linked to other materials, not just nickel.
Glencore is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around HK$230.9 billion and employs 84,146 staff.
Capital at risk
A titan of mining, BHP (BHP) is ramping up its nickel production, particularly with its Nickel West operations in Australia. Nickel is central to BHP’s future-facing strategy, and for investors, it offers a mix of large-scale production, strong financial backing, and growing relevance to the EV boom. BHP is also a stock with steady cash flows that have resulted in solid dividend payments over the years.
BHP Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £54 billion and employs 38,962 staff.
Capital at risk
A small-cap explorer, Red Rock Resources (RRR) is involved in a range of mineral projects, including nickel. It’s a high-risk, high-reward proposition suited to adventurous investors betting on early-stage discoveries hoping that it will pay off in the long-term nickel mining global narrative.
Red Rock Resources is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and employs 10 staff.
Capital at risk
Though not a miner, Tesla’s (TSLA) heavy investment in securing nickel supply chains makes it a vital player in the nickel story. Its future battery ambitions hinge on this metal, so while you’re investing in a tech and EV giant, nickel exposure is quietly woven into Tesla’s growth plans.
Tesla is listed on the NASDAQ, has a trailing 12-month revenue of around £95.7 billion and employs 125,665 staff.
Capital at risk
To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, features, ease and range of investments across 30+ platforms are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the platform – simple.
Read the full methodologyIn times of stock market volatility, investors tend to see commodities, including nickel, as a safe investment. However the commodities market is currently subject to extremely unpredictable forces. Metal and commodity prices are likely to continue fluctuating significantly in the near future.
If you do decide to invest in nickel, then hold onto your hat. You could be in for a bumpy ride.
42% of people we surveyed said they already invest in nickel stocks or would consider investing in nickel stocks.
| Response | |
|---|---|
| I would consider it | 37.82% |
| Not sure | 34.32% |
| I wouldn't consider it | 23.25% |
| I already invest in this | 4.61% |
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
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