Top Gold Stocks Set to Outperform in 2025, According to Expert Analysis

1. Thesis Gold is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$4,000 and US$5,000. 
2. James Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee. 
3.  This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company. 

For additional disclosures, please click here.

Brian Leni, the founder of Junior Stock Review, is an engineer by training who transitioned to full-time investing in the junior mining sector. His journey began when he met his wife's brother, who introduced him to precious metals and monetary policy. Intrigued, Brian began purchasing gold and silver bullion and exploring the junior mining sector.

"I started buying bullion. And the deeper I dug, the more interested I became. Where does the gold come from? How is it mined? Where is it mined? And I got hooked on the junior mining sector," he explained in a call with Streetwise Reports.

His early success in the sector fueled his passion, but he quickly learned the cyclical nature of the industry. In 2013, he sold his house and invested two-thirds of the equity into what he believed were the best junior mining stocks. By 2016, the market turned, and Brian's portfolio gained nearly 300%. Since then, he has become a full-time investor and launched a successful paid newsletter in 2020.

"Speculating in the junior resource sector isn't easy," Brian admitted. "But I've been able to make a lot of good picks over the years and returned a lot of value for my readers.”

Gold Bullion vs. Gold Stocks

Brian distinguishes between gold bullion and gold stocks by their purpose and potential. He views gold bullion as "the only real money out there," describing it as a hedge against financial calamity and a way to preserve wealth for future generations. In contrast, gold stocks — especially junior miners — are speculative but offer tremendous upside potential if chosen wisely.

"The bullion is the real thing that preserves your wealth," he said. "The juniors are like lottery tickets. They either deliver spectacular returns or can take everything you put in."

Market Outlook for Gold and Precious Metals

Brian remains bullish on gold, especially given current geopolitical and economic uncertainties. He believes that chaos in global markets tends to drive gold prices higher.

"Chaos is a huge plus for precious metals," he said, pointing to events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the shift in global wealth from Western to Eastern nations. "I think we'll see gold go well beyond US$3,000 this year."

He also predicted that silver will follow gold's lead and gain traction soon. With gold prices climbing, Brian Leni went on to highlight the stocks he believes have the most upside in 2025.

Thesis Gold Inc. 

Brian's top pick is Thesis Gold Inc. (TAU:TSXV; THSGF:OTCQX; A3EP87:WKN), owns the Lawyers Ranch project in British Columbia.

The project already has close to 5 million gold-equivalent ounces, with significant exploration upside. 

"I think Thesis is extremely undervalued relative to their underlying value," Brian said. "Led by Ewan Webster, a PhD geologist, the project has excellent potential for further growth."

New drill results expected in 2025 could highlight additional resources, increasing the project's overall potential. Additionally, the release of a pre-feasibility study in H2 2025 will provide greater clarity on the project's future development, which is likely to boost investor confidence. With a rising gold price environment, Brian believes more investors will begin to recognize the value in Thesis Gold, further driving market interest.

According to Refinitiv, 47.49% of Thesis Gold is held by institutions. Of those, Equinox Partners Investment Management holds the most with 19.11%, followed by Van Eck Associates Corporation with 7.18%, then Franklin Advisers with 7.06%, Merk Investments LLC with 6.73%, and Konwave AG with 2.18%.

Management and Insiders hold 1.57%. The rest is retail. Thesis has a market capitalization of CA$156 million with 196 million free float shares.

Kenorland Minerals Ltd. 

Brian's largest holding is Kenorland Minerals Ltd. (KLD:TSX.V; KLDCF:OTCMKTS; 3WQO:FSE)), a prospect generator with a strong focus on Quebec's Renault discovery.

"Kenorland's 4% NSR on the Renault project alone is worth more than their market cap," Brian stated. "You're essentially getting their cash and other projects for free."

Approximately US$25 million is expected to be spent by joint venture partners in 2025, which could accelerate project development and increase interest from investors.

The 4% net smelter return (NSR) on Renault provides Kenorland with a significant financial advantage, potentially boosting its valuation as the project advances. Additionally, Brian believes Renault could become a multi-million-ounce deposit, further solidifying its long-term investment appeal.

Refinitiv lists Kenorland Minerals with Institutions holding 10.86%.

Management and Insiders hold 24.27%.

John Tognetti holds 14.51%, Zachary Edward Flood owns 7.11%, and Scott Smits has 1.96%.

Strategic Investors own 9.99% with that total being held by Sumitomo Metal Mining Canada Ltd.

The rest is retail.

Kenorland presently has a market cap of CA$62.21 million and 50.36 million free float shares.

Aurion Resources Ltd. 

Brian's third pick is Aurion Resources Ltd. (AU:TSX.V), which partially owns the Helmi project in Finland alongside B2Gold. 

"I think Aurion is going to be acquired by Rupert Resources in 2025," Brian predicted. "The synergies between the Helmi project and Rupert's Ikkari discovery make this an obvious move."

The potential buyout by Rupert Resources could provide a significant premium to current share prices, giving investors a potential windfall.

Additionally, the Helmi project's location is ideal for optimizing the Ikkari open pit and related infrastructure, making the project more efficient and cost-effective. With rising gold prices further enhancing the project's economics, Brian believes this acquisition could materialize sooner rather than later.

According to Refinitiv, Institutions hold 24.19% of Aurion Resources.

Management and Insiders hold 12.3% of the company, with non-executive Chairman David Lotan (via Lotan Holdings) being the largest single shareholder. Aurion has a market capitalization of CA$68.8 million with 132.49 free float shares.

Brian's Final Thoughts: Watch Copper

Beyond gold, Brian highlighted copper as a commodity to watch.

"Copper is moving stealthily right now," he said. "With futures recently hitting US$4.70 per pound, I think we'll see more attention shift to copper as gold prices dominate headlines."

Brian remains confident in the junior mining sector and continues to seek out opportunities where the price-to-value gap is widest. "It's all about being counter-cyclical," he concluded. "That's where the biggest gains are made."

Sign up for our FREE newsletter