Elevated gold, silver and copper prices are supporting expectations for stronger third-quarter 2026 results across five mining and precious-metals royalty companies: Freeport-McMoRan, Franco-Nevada, Lundin Mining, OR Royalties and Wheaton Precious Metals. Sector earnings are projected to rise 29. 1% year over year on 6. 2% revenue growth, with higher realized commodity prices providing the main support.
Freeport’s operating update showed about 830 million pounds of copper production and 230,000 ounces of gold production during the quarter. Freeport estimated a realized copper price above $6. 50 per pound and said its Grasberg recovery remained on schedule, with the Indonesian smelter restarting in late August.
The company’s earnings estimate was 75 cents per share, up 50% from the year-earlier quarter.