YieldMax ETFs launched the YieldMax Strategic Metals & Mining Portfolio Option Income ETF (NYSE: MINY) on February 27, 2026. The fund seeks to generate current income through options-based strategies on strategic metals and mining companies, with Tidal Investments LLC as the investment adviser. The fund's first distribution is expected to be announced on March 10, 2026.

Highlander Silver Corp. has successfully completed its acquisition of Bear Creek Mining Corporation through a plan of arrangement, with Bear Creek becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary. Highlander paid US$6.2 million to Royal Gold and US$1.6 million to Equinox to settle debts, and repaid Wheaton Precious Metals. Bear Creek shares will be delisted from TSX Venture Exchange on or about March 2, 2026. The combined entity will focus on advancing the San Luis gold-silver project in Peru.

Tungsten prices have surged fivefold over the past year due to prolonged underinvestment and tightening Chinese exports, with ammonium paratungstate trading at approximately $1,775 per metric tonne unit. Copper prices have jumped above $11,000 per tonne for the first time, with StoneX estimating the copper market deficit will nearly double to 333,000 tonnes in 2026. Major mining companies are advancing critical mineral projects in stable jurisdictions to capitalize on tightening supply fundamentals.

The global precious metals market is projected to grow from USD 640.20 billion in 2026 to USD 1,147.61 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.70%. Asia Pacific dominates with 39.01% volume share, while gold remains the largest segment. Growth is driven by demand in automotive catalysts, electronics, renewable energy, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Key developments include strategic deals and corporate restructuring among major producers.

BHP Group reached a record high of $74.27 as copper earnings surpassed iron ore earnings for the first time in the company's 170-year history. This shift reflects growing demand for copper driven by AI data center infrastructure and electrification, supported by the U.S. government's Project Vault strategic minerals reserve. BHP's strong financial position, including a 46% dividend increase and a $4.3 billion silver streaming deal, positions it as a leading play on the copper supercycle.

The U.S. launched a $12 billion critical minerals stockpile initiative to secure domestic supply of strategic metals amid geopolitical tensions. Five mining companies are positioned to benefit: GoldHaven Resources announced a $2 million financing for its Magno Polymetallic Project with strong tungsten and silver results; Wheaton Precious Metals secured an expanded $4.3 billion silver stream at Peru's Antamina mine; Capstone Copper guided 2026 production of 200,000-230,000 tonnes; Ivanhoe Mines reported $3.28 billion revenue from its Kamoa-Kakula copper complex; and Taseko Mines commenced production at its Florence Copper operation in Arizona.

BHP Group reported first-half earnings beating expectations with underlying profit surging 22% to $6.2 billion. For the first time in its 170-year history, copper generated more profit than iron ore, driven by a 32% jump in realized copper prices. This structural shift reflects massive demand from AI infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. The company increased its dividend by 46% and is well-positioned to capitalize on forecast higher long-term copper prices.

BHP Group and Wheaton Precious Metals have signed a record $4.3 billion silver streaming agreement covering BHP's share of output from the Antamina mine in Peru. Wheaton will pay BHP an upfront $4.3 billion and ongoing payments equal to 20% of spot silver price per ounce. The deal allows BHP to monetize silver byproduct while retaining full exposure to copper, zinc, and lead production, and doubles Wheaton's exposure to Antamina's silver production amid growing demand for the metal.

With silver prices surging 160% amid geopolitical tensions and a multi-year supply shortage, two mining stocks offer different exposure strategies. First Majestic Silver is a traditional miner with leveraged upside to silver prices but higher operational risk, while Wheaton Precious Metals uses a streaming model to finance mines and collect profits with lower operational risk and better margins.

The article argues that Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM) is a better investment than Vertiv in 2026. While Vertiv profits from the AI boom, Wheaton benefits from the literal gold rush, with gold up 72.5% over the past 12 months. Wheaton operates as a precious metals streaming company with contracts with 23 mines, generating $913.4 million in net earnings in the first nine months of 2025 (more than double 2024) and maintaining a 54.7% net profit margin—far superior to typical gold mining companies at 10%.

Two gold-focused ETFs, IAU and SGDM, have benefited from gold's strong performance over the past year. SGDM (Sprott Gold Miners ETF) returned 137% in one year by holding 43 gold mining companies, while IAU (iShares Gold Trust) returned 73% by tracking physical gold prices. IAU offers lower costs (0.25% vs 0.50% expense ratio) and greater liquidity, while SGDM provides higher volatility and returns through mining company exposure.

The FTSE 100 has reached record highs of 10,362 points with gains exceeding 4% year-to-date. Investors are favoring large-cap companies with global reach, diversified revenues, and pricing power as a defensive strategy amid elevated volatility. Mining giants are leading the advance driven by strong precious metals prices, while multinational companies benefit from currency dynamics and overseas revenue streams that provide earnings stability.