Mining Companies Weighing on the Market Today

Hecla Mining and Cliffs Natural Resources are both down big today, helping the basic materials sector lag the overall market. They also are accompanied by a few gold miners that could be considered value plays after the rough time they've had over the past 52 weeks.

Down around 35% since its Feb. 18 earning call...
Cliffs Natural Resources has grown from a domestic iron ore producer into an international player in both the iron ore and metallurgical coal markets. It has also underwhelmed investors lately, especially after its dramatic 76% dividend cut in February. However, it could now be looked at as a possible value play due to several factors that are likely to remain advantageous for Cliffs' management. For details on these advantages and more, click here now to check out The Motley Fool's premium research report on the company.

For reasons why these companies are down big, check out the video below from Motley Fool analyst Taylor Muckerman.

The article Mining Companies Weighing on the Market Today originally appeared on Fool.com.

Joel South has no position in any stocks mentioned. Taylor Muckerman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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