Mining outperformed in FY26 due to higher demand amid the green energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI) build-out.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) rose 53% and delivered total returns of 59% in FY26.
However, it wasn't just ASX mining shares that soared last financial year.
Higher commodity prices pushed up the earnings of miners and associated companies all over the world.
Many of them are listed on foreign stock exchanges, but we can gain easy access to them via ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Australian investors have $372 billion of their hard-earned money invested across 458 ASX ETFs today.
One of the biggest advantages of ETF investing is being able to buy international shares via our local exchange.
Let's look at four of the best-performing ASX mining ETFs of FY26, all of which incorporated foreign-listed stocks.
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Betashares Energy Transition Metals ETF (ASX: XMET)
XMET ETF delivered a one-year return of 83%. The historical distribution yield is 3.6%.
This ASX ETF invests in global metals producers specifically involved in the green energy transition.
The metals in highest demand include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, silver, and rare earths.
The top holdings are copper miners, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Anglo American, and First Quantum Minerals.
Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)
ACDC ETF generated a one-year return of 78%. The historical distribution yield is 10.2%.
During this month's ETF distribution season, ACDC was among 6 ETFs that paid a 10%-plus dividend yield in a single payout.
ASX ACDC paid $16.34 per unit on 16 July, which was the largest dollar-value dividend of all VanEck ETFs on the market today.
ACDC's mega dividend reflects the surge in lithium prices over FY26 and high demand for batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
The lithium spodumene price rose about 280%, and carbonate soared 160%.
This translated into higher earnings for lithium miners and battery developers all over the world.
ACDC's top holdings include industrial technology and engineering company, Siemens AG, EV battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), and consumer electronics and industrial technology company, Panasonic.
ACDC also holds ASX mining shares Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), and PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS).
SPDR S&P/ASX 200 Resources ETF (ASX: OZR)
OZR ETF delivered a total one-year return of 51%. The historical distribution yield is 2.4%.
OZR ETF was at the top of the list of the 6 best performing Aussie-stock-based ETFs in FY26.
This ASX ETF seeks to mirror the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Resources Index.
OZR invests in 59 large companies, predominantly miners, oil and gas suppliers, and other resources companies like steel makers.
The ETF has a 40% weighting to BHP shares. Other top holdings include Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) and Rio Tinto.
Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF — Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS)
MNRS ETF gave a total return of 49% last year. The historical distribution yield is 8.6%.
MNRS tracks the Nasdaq Global ex-Australia Gold Miners Hedged AUD Index, which is comprised of 54 gold mining shares.
The top holdings are Canadian gold miner, Barrick Mining, US gold miner, Newmont Corporation, and Canadian precious metals streaming and royalty company, Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
Newmont has CDIs listed on the ASX as Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM).
Currency hedging proved advantageous in FY26, turbocharging returns and magnifying ETF distributions this month.
