Great Panther Mining

For decades, mining companies have been a part of the penny stock world. Because the operations are typically small and the work is risky, they are typically inexpensive stocks. Mining operations are frequently conducted in foreign countries where conditions are difficult, governments are unstable, and logistics are a headache.

GPL, a Canadian mining company, has, on the other hand, been handling all of the above since 1965. That's quite a survival record in this difficult game. The majority of its operations are in Peru, specifically in the Andes. It is primarily concerned with gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc.

In general, the business strategy of smaller miners looks something like this. You discover promising prospects for industrial metals, which usually indicate the presence of precious metals, and you begin digging. While you wait for gold and silver, industrial metals keep the money flowing.

The stock has a market capitalization of $303, so it is not insignificant. And gold is an excellent hedge in uncertain times.

Year to date, the stock is up 67 percent.

Website: www.greatpanther.com

Market Cap: 96.546M