From gold to copper and lithium: Mining stocks are on a tear and these 4 ASX ETFs tell the story

2025 has been a spectacular year for some commodities.

For example, the gold price has jumped by about 70% since early January to reach a new record high on Monday.

This powerful rally has also helped some of the leading ASX 200 gold miners to deliver outsized returns for their shareholders.

Take Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN).

Shares in both companies are up by more than 160% so far this year.

But gold isn’t the only metal breaking new ground.

Silver and copper pushed to record highs at the start of this week, whilst lithium has also posted strong gains in recent months.

Such favourable pricing environments help boost the earnings prospects of mining companies and drive strength across the sector.

And broadly speaking, mining stocks have enjoyed a powerful and wide-ranging rally in 2025.

The four exchange traded funds (ETFs) presented below help paint a picture of how strong this momentum has been.

In essence, each of the following mining-related ETFs just hit a new record high.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR)

This ETF offers exposure to a portfolio of ASX mining and energy stocks operating across a wide range of commodities.

Its largest holdings include diversified mining titan BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and iron ore giant Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG).

Today, shares in this ASX ETF reached their highest level since the fund’s inception in 2013.

They have now risen by 37% since the start of the year, changing hands at $43.83 per share at the time of writing.

VanEck Gold Miners AUD ETF (ASX: GDX)

Founded in 2015, this ASX ETF provides exposure to the world’s largest gold miners, mostly located outside Australia.

However, it holds positions in some renowned ASX 200 gold producers such as Newmont and Evolution.

Shares in this ETF hit an all-time peak in today’s session, reaching as high as $138.63 per share.

They are now up by 150% since the start of the year.

Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)

This ETF offers exposure to a portfolio of global companies producing metals for the world’s energy transition.

In a nutshell, the push to reduce carbon emissions has seen the mining industry tasked with delivering the critical metals for a cleaner world.

So, metals such as lithium, rare earths, silver, and copper are taking on an increasingly important role.

Today, shares in this ASX ETF also reached their highest level since the fund’s inception in 2022.

They have now risen by 98% in 2025, climbing to $14.68 each at the time of writing.

Global X Copper Miners AUD ETF (ASX: WIRE)

This ASX ETF has been providing access to the world’s leading copper miners since its founding in late 2022.

Copper boasts widespread industrial applications.

It is also becoming growingly significant in AI data centres, as well as electric vehicles and associated infrastructure.

Shares in this ETF also reached a new all-time high in today’s session.

All up, they have now soared by 75% since the start of January.

The post From gold to copper and lithium: Mining stocks are on a tear and these 4 ASX ETFs tell the story appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Bart Bogacz has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.