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.
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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.
