U.S. Exchanges

List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs

Access a comprehensive List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs to track the producers of industrial and critical minerals. Our 2026 data highlights top funds by AUM, expense ratios, and performance metrics.

$30.48B GDX Assets (AUM)
+46% XME 1Y Return
0.35% Lowest Exp Ratio
Apr 2026 Last Updated
This page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions.

Navigating the List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs is essential for investors seeking exposure to the raw materials powering the EV, AI, and green energy revolutions. While broad funds like the iShares PICK ETF Profile provide diversified exposure to industrial producers, many traders are shifting toward single-commodity plays. It is important to note that these lists typically exclude pure-play precious metals funds, though you can find those on our Global Gold Mining ETFs page. In 2026, the performance of mining stocks is increasingly tied to the "critical minerals" thesis, where supply constraints in lithium and copper drive significant alpha. Understanding the distinction between equal-weighted U.S. producers and market-cap-weighted global giants is key to a balanced portfolio.

Key Takeaways

01 Critical Minerals Outperformance

Specialized funds tracking uranium and lithium have led 2026 performance lists due to the nuclear energy renaissance and EV battery demand. See the Global X URA Uranium ETF for more.

02 Broad vs. Focused Portfolios

Industrial metal giants like Glencore and Vale dominate broad global funds, whereas domestic funds like XME provide equal-weighted exposure to U.S. steel and aluminum producers.

03 Supply Constraint Drivers

2026 market dynamics favor mining equities over spot commodity prices, as producers capture higher margins from supply deficits in copper and rare earths.

04 Industrial Commodity Focus

Leading diversified funds specifically exclude gold and silver to focus on industrial metals. For precious metal exposure, refer to the Global Silver Mining ETFs list.

Top List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs by Market Cap (2026)

This table compares the largest and most liquid metals and mining ETFs listed on U.S. exchanges, featuring 2026 AUM and performance metrics.

Rank Ticker Fund Name Primary Focus AUM ($B) 1Y Return Exp Ratio Top Holding
1 GDX VanEck Gold Miners ETF Gold Mining $30.48B -- 0.51% Newmont
2 XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining US Industrial $4.67B +46% 0.35% Alcoa
3 URNM Sprott Uranium Miners ETF Uranium $2.24B +64% 0.75% Cameco
4 PICK iShares Global Metals & Mining Global Industrial $1.30B -- 0.39% Glencore
5 COPX Global X Copper Miners ETF Copper $1.20B -- 0.65% Lundin Mining
6 URA Global X Uranium ETF Uranium/Nuclear $1.15B -- 0.69% Cameco
7 REMX VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Strategic Metals $0.48B -- 0.53% Zhejiang Huayou
8 LIT Global X Lithium & Battery Tech Lithium $0.42B -- 0.75% Albemarle
Market data is approximate and for informational purposes only. Data reflects early Q2 2026 figures. Not a recommendation to buy or sell.

List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs — Complete Company List

List of Global Metals and Mining ETFs Listed on U.S. Exchanges

Global Metal and Mining ETFs

Global Coal ETFs

Copper ETFs

Lithium ETFs

Rare Earth

Steel ETFs

Uranium ETFs

Risks & Considerations

High Cyclical Volatility

Mining stocks are highly sensitive to the global economic cycle. A slowdown in industrial manufacturing or Chinese construction can lead to rapid price corrections in industrial metal funds.

Geopolitical Supply Chain Risk

Many metals, particularly rare earths and lithium, are concentrated in regions with high geopolitical instability or restrictive export policies, which can disrupt fund NAVs.

Regulatory & ESG Pressure

Mining operations face increasing scrutiny over environmental impact and labor practices. New regulations can lead to higher operational costs and stranded assets for producers.

Operational Leverage

Mining companies carry high fixed costs. While this provides leverage when commodity prices rise, it can lead to significant losses during price troughs as margins evaporate quickly.

These risk factors are for educational purposes only and are not exhaustive. Individual investment decisions should be based on thorough due diligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

VanEck GDX ($30.48B AUM) is the largest for gold miners. For industrial metals, SPDR XME ($4.67B) and iShares PICK ($1.3B) are the primary market leaders by size and liquidity.
SPDR XME has shown strong momentum with a +46% 1Y return. For investors targeting the EV transition, the Global X COPX (copper) is frequently highlighted as a top pick for 2026.
No, iShares PICK specifically excludes precious metals. It focuses on industrial metals like steel and copper, with major holdings including Glencore and Vale.
Global X COPX is the primary vehicle tracking copper producers. Unlike commodity futures, it invests in the equity of miners like Lundin and Freeport-McMoRan.
SPDR XME reached a 52-week high of $113 in early 2026. Its equal-weighted approach to U.S. metals has allowed it to outperform market-cap-weighted peers over the last year.
Demand for critical minerals like lithium, copper, and uranium for EV and AI infrastructure is the primary driver. Supply constraints in these areas have helped uranium miners like URNM gain +64% over the past year.
Yes, Sprott URNM ($2.24B AUM) and Global X URA are the leading uranium mining ETFs. Both have benefited from the global nuclear energy renaissance.
VanEck REMX focuses on rare earth and strategic metals used in high-tech supply chains. It offers diversified exposure to minerals like neodymium and cobalt, often outside of Chinese-only producers.
Last updated April 2026 · Data sourced from U.S. exchange filings