There are a lot of options for investors to choose from in the gold sector.
But which ones could best buys for 2026? Let's take a look at three that Bell Potter is tipping as buys for next year:
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Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN)
The first ASX gold stock that Bell Potter is bullish on is Evolution Mining. It highlights the miner's strong management team and track record of delivery as reasons to be positive. The broker said:
We continue to prefer Evolution Mining as our first pick gold producer on the basis of its unhedged exposure to the gold price, strengthening balance sheet, increasing free cash flows (has passed its CAPEX peak) and, in our view, is an unlikely potential acquiror.
We expect the market to pay more attention to its 80ktpa copper production exposure in a tightening copper market, as well as it supporting an increasing dividend stream. A strong management team and track record of delivery to guidance make EVN one of the go-to gold exposures on the ASX – a position we believe is justified.
Bell Potter has a buy rating and $12.35 price target on Evolution Mining's shares. This is now below its current share price, so investors may want to wait for a better entry point.
Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6)
Another ASX gold stock that has been given the thumbs up by Bell Potter is Minerals 260.
The broker sees a lot of positives in the gold developer's Bullabulling Gold Project (BGP) in Western Australia. Especially given its experienced leadership team and significant resource.
Minerals 260 is a Perth-based exploration and development company which is advancing its 100%-owned Bullabulling Gold Project (BGP), 65km from Kalgoorlie in WA. With a Resource of 4.5Moz at 1.0g/t Au it is one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Australia, sits on granted Mining Leases and is positioned at the heart of Australia's gold mining industry.
The company is led by a proven team of project developers and operators. The 4.5Moz Resource reinforces the potential for a low cost, open-pit gold mining operation, producing ~200kozpa over a +10-year mine life. There is M&A appeal in a market characterised by well valued gold producers with strong balance sheets and appetites for growth.
Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and 75 cents price target on its shares.
Ballard Mining Ltd (ASX: BM1)
Finally, Ballard Mining is a third ASX gold stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a best buy.
It likes the company due to its Baldock project, which it believes has significant potential and could make it a takeover target. It said:
We summarise Ballard Mining's strategy for driving value as one focused on developing the current Baldock project (930koz at 4.1g/t Au) into a standalone operation, whilst simultaneously growing the Resource and Reserve base via targeted exploration. Baldock is covered by a granted mining lease, allowing for expedited development in a rising gold market.
Near-term catalysts include infill drilling and a maiden Ore Reserve estimate to support the first 5-6 years of operations, and a feasibility study (BPe Mid CY26). We believe over time this will lead to a re-rate in value and/ or make BM1 an attractive corporate target.
Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and $1.05 price target on its shares.
