It's no secret the ASX – like Australia itself – is home to a multitude of mining companies. And cream-of-the-crop mining shares are often found on the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).
The ASX 200 has had a good run so far this year. It's currently 10.03% higher than it was at the start of this year. It's been boosted again today, with the ASX 200 gaining another 1.65%.
And these 3 mining shares are taking advantage of the ASX 200's enthusiasm. They're currently topping the list of the ASX 200's best performing mining shares of 2021.
Which miners are leading the way?
Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)
Pilbara Minerals is leading the ASX 200 mining pack so far this year, having gained 68.10% year to date.
Currently, the Pilbara Minerals share price is $1.46.
Pilbara Minerals claims to be the ASX's leading pure-play lithium producer, with operations near Port Hedland, Western Australia. The company also produces tantalum – a metal often used in alloys and as a filament due to its high strength and melting point.
It has a market capitalisation of around $3.9 billion, with approximately 2.9 billion shares outstanding.
Champion Iron Ltd (ASX: CIA)
Champion Iron shares are currently swapping hands for $6.48 – 34.54% more than they were at the start of 2021.
The company is – you guessed it – an iron miner. It has a number of operations in Québec, as well as one in Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador.
The company has a market capitalisation of around $3.1 billion, with approximately 506 million shares outstanding.
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)
The Lynas Rare Earths share price is also up there, having gained 28.23% since the start of this year.
Its shares are currently trading for $5.36 apiece.
As its name suggests, Lynas is a rare earth miner. It has rare earth assets in Australia and a manufacturing facility in Malaysia.
Lynas has a market capitalisation of around $4.9 billion, with approximately 901 million shares outstanding.
