Gold mining stocks shine as market volatility persists: NAK and BTG in focus

As global markets continue to navigate economic uncertainty, gold remains a sought-after asset, drawing attention to mining companies involved in its extraction. Two companies, Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEAMERICAN: NAK) and B2Gold Corp (NYSEAMERICAN: BTG), are attracting significant investor interest, each for distinct reasons.

Northern Dynasty Minerals

Northern Dynasty Minerals, a Canadian-based mineral exploration company, is primarily focused on developing the Pebble Project, a vast copper, gold, and molybdenum deposit located in southwest Alaska. While still in the exploration phase, the Pebble Project holds immense potential, estimated to contain one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold resources. However, the project has faced significant environmental scrutiny and regulatory hurdles, contributing to volatility in NAK's stock price. Investors are closely looking for updates on permitting and potential partnerships that could unlock the project's value.

NAK shares are up 335.71% over the last 52 weeks (June 17, 2024 to Jan. 13, 2025). Shares closed at $1.22 on Friday, down 0.81% for the day. NAK has a 52-week low of $0.27 and a high of $1.36. Currently, the company does not pay dividends.

On the other hand, B2Gold Corp, a Canadian gold producer with operations in Mali, Namibia, and the Philippines, presents a more established profile, but its dividend is on life support.

B2Gold Corp.

BTG boasts a robust production history and a strong balance sheet, making it a potentially attractive option for investors seeking stability within the gold mining sector. Recent quarterly reports have highlighted consistent gold production and cost management, further bolstering investor confidence. The company's focus on responsible mining practices and a clear growth strategy adds to its appeal.

BTG shares are up 48.43% over the last 52 weeks (June 17, 2024 to June 13, 2025). Shares closed at $3.77 on Friday, up 1.62% for the day. BTG has a 52-week low of $2.20 and a high of $3.83.

Dividend History

On May 7, B2Gold's board of directors declared a cash dividend for the second quarter of 2025 of $0.02 per common share, payable on June 24 to shareholders of record as of June 11. At least there still is a dividend, if not much of one.

In January, BTG’s management and board of directors said they had completed a comprehensive review of its existing dividend level and approved a change in its intended quarterly dividend rate from $0.04 per common share to $0.02 per common share.

Since payment of its inaugural dividend in 2020, B2Gold has paid a sector-leading dividend, principally funded through the strong free cash flow generation from its three existing operating mines. In total, B2Gold has paid approximately $870 million in dividends to shareholders since 2020.

The company is scheduled to deliver approximately 265,000 gold ounces from July 2025 to June 2026. The price of gold at 9:20 a.m. EDT on Friday stood at $3,440 per ounce, a jump of $1,107 from a year prior.

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stock mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any stock mentioned in this post.