Highlights
- Gold rally could drive 60–90% upside for gold miners.
- Key stocks: Fresnillo (LSE:FRES), Hochschild Mining (LSE:HOC), AngloGold Ashanti (ASX:AGG).
- Precious metals market fueled by geopolitical and inflationary factors.
The impressive rally in gold prices this year might just be the beginning, as optimism builds for even greater gains in the precious metals sector. Recent projections suggest that gold miners across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) could see their stock valuations surge by 60–90% if gold prices approach $4,000 an ounce by the second quarter of 2026.
Despite notable performances so far, with gold rising approximately 15% and mining stocks appreciating between 20% and 50%, recent market volatility following first-quarter earnings has left valuations appealing for many investors focusing on this sector.
Among the notable names poised for further growth are Fresnillo (LSE:FRES), Hochschild Mining (LSE:HOC), and AngloGold Ashanti (ASX:AGG). Fresnillo (LSE:FRES) remains a standout, with a revised price target of £14.50 per share, up from £10, thanks to its strong cash generation capabilities and a notably low valuation at around 4.5 to 5 times expected earnings.
Hochschild Mining (LSE:HOC) has also seen an upward revision in its prospects, with analysts increasing its target price to £4.30 from £3.00. This revision is based on anticipated higher earnings supported by the rising gold price environment.
Meanwhile, AngloGold Ashanti (ASX:AGG), listed on both Johannesburg and New York exchanges, received a price target upgrade to $53 per share, or from 622 rand to 1,001 rand for its South African listing.
Forecasts for gold itself have been lifted significantly, with expectations now set at $3,300 an ounce for 2025 and $3,600 for 2026. There is also a potential scenario where gold could touch $4,000 as early as next year. This optimism is underpinned by continued strong buying from central banks, increased safe-haven demand from investors, and persistent geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.
If gold reaches the projected $4,100 per ounce mark by 2026, earnings across the EMEA gold mining sector could be 40–60% higher than currently anticipated. This creates a favorable backdrop for growth, especially considering the sector’s recent pullback, which is now viewed as a strategic entry point.
Looking ahead, the precious metals sector remains well-positioned, offering compelling potential amid broader economic uncertainties. The momentum in gold prices could pave the way for significant upside across key mining stocks, signaling a bright horizon for those focused on the precious metals market.