2 Mining Stocks That Are Quietly Becoming the Trades of the Year

Freeport-McMoRan and BHP Group, two of the world's largest copper producers, have surged over 36% in 2026, tripling the S&P 500's 12% return. Driven by global copper demand from electrification, EVs, and AI infrastructure, both companies benefit from tight copper supplies and strong financial performance. BHP offers better diversification and a 4% dividend yield, while Freeport provides pure copper exposure with growth potential from leaching technologies.