"A looming supply shortage stands to push palladium prices sharply higher over the next couple years, and North American Palladium (PAL) is sitting on one of the world's biggest deposits," notes Nathan Slaughter.

The editor of Street Authority Market Advisor explains, "The company has several promising gold mines under development that could soon produce over 80,000 ounces annually.

"Believe it or not, there are only two mines on the planet that yield palladium first and foremost -- it's a by-product everywhere else. And one of those mines belongs to North American Palladium.

"Cliffs Natural (CLF), a mining firm producing iron ore, has shown a technical price breakout from a 5-week, cup-and-handle base," says technical Leo Fasciocco.

The breakout specialist and editor of Ticker Tape Digest explains, "The move carries the stock to a 52-week high. CLF's 12-month performance chart shows the stock appreciating 90% versus a 20% gain for the S&P 500 index.

"With annual revenues of $394 million, Stillwater Mining (SWC) is a small cap play in the palladium, platinum and associated metals mining sector," says technician Leo Fasciocco.

The editor of Ticker Tape Digest explains, "Technically, the stock has broken out from a nine-week flat base. The move carries the stock to an 8-year high.

"Stillwater produces palladium, platinum and associated metals from a geological formation in south central Montana known as the J-M Reef and from the recycling of spent catalytic converters.

"London-based Rio Tinto (RIO) is one of the largest and most diversified mining companies in the world; ith the potential to reward shareholders with increased dividends and share buybacks, Rio is a buy for investors seeking exposure to booming commodity markets," says Paul Tracy.

The editor of High Yield International explains, "Rio's operations are located in Australia, North and South America, South Africa, Europe and Indonesia. Its strategy is to concentrate on the development of large, high quality mineral deposits and become a low-cost producer for each commodity.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Our top stock pick for 2011 is a very speculative play, based on our conviction that at some point during the year, gold bullion will experience a strong run-up in price, perhaps reminiscent to the peak that occurred in January 1980," says Alan Newman.

The editor of CrossCurrents explains, "The Global X Explorers ETF (GLDX) is a brand new addition and began trading this past November.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"My favorite stock for 2011 is Almaden Minerals (AAU), a Vancouver-based mining exploration company," notes Mark Skousen -- one of the top performing advisors in last year's Top Picks report.

This year, the editor of Forecasts & Strategies notes, "Almaden is rapidly going from 'small cap' ($253 million) to 'large cap' and may even be bought out soon by a major.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"NovaGold Resources (NG) -- my top pick for 2011 -- is an up-and-coming mining outfit that owns a pair of world-class deposits," says Stephen Leeb.

The editor of The Complete Investor explains, "It has partnered with a couple of industry heavyweights to develop these projects, and it has the backing of some of the savviest investors around, giving it the wherewithal that will enable the company to transition from junior explorer to mid-tier producer in a few short years.

"China produces roughly 95% of the global supply of rare earth elements and the Chinese have managed to corner the market on rare earth element," says Glenn Rogers.

The contributing analyst to Internet Wealth Builder explains, "Why you should care? Because without them, many of the high-tech devices we take for granted wouldn't exist.

"It turns out there are 17 rare earth elements (REEs) which are critical to the manufacture of numerous high-tech products such as color TVs and flat-panel displays.

"Silver stocks are exploding upwards; one beneficiary is Coeuer d'Alene Mines (CDE), a classic turnaround story," says Mark Skousen.

The editor of The Turnaround Letter explains, "Despite the recent run-up, still is selling at a 60% discount from its high of $60 a share back in 2006.

"Although it was founded in 1928 and is one of the oldest silver mines in the famed northern Idaho panhandle, it's been a money loser for years and heavily in debt.

"Iron ore miner Vale (VALE) turned in outstanding results in the third quarter, with a 110 percent increase in revenue, thanks to a more than doubling in iron ore prices this year," notes Ian Wyatt.

The editor of Global Commodity Investing explains, "Iron ore prices, which are set quarterly, have since declined 10 percent, so the company won't rack up such impressive numbers again in this quarter. The weak dollar will also have an impact on the company's margins.

"Still, given China's continued strong expansion, as well as those of other emerging markets-and limited expected supply additions, iron ore prices are likely to remain high for some time to come.

"For much of their history, Mongolians described themselves as 'beggars sitting on a huge pile of gold;" suggests international investing expert Nicholas Vardy.

The editor of The Global Bull Market Alert explains, "Even Genghis Khan knew about Mongolia's massive mineral deposits. He just had no idea how to tap into them. But that's all changing largely thanks to the efforts of Ivanhoe Mines (IVN).

"Ivanhoe is a Canadian company that is building what may turn out to be the world's largest copper and gold mine: Oyu Tolgoi.

"Given the fact that Canada is looking pretty stable and smart these days, I thought it was time to feature a Canadian stock," suggests Glenn Rogers.

The contributing editor to Internet Wealth Builder explains, "Below, we look at Teck Resources (TCK), a highly diversified resource business based in Vancouver. With Teck you get good copper exposure plus coal and zinc as well as oil sands.

"This is a pretty good time to be in the natural resources business particularly if you are seen as a reliable and politically neutral trading partner such as Canada.

"In our view, golden days lie ahead for silver; and one of the most promising small-cap silver mining companies is Coeur d' Alene Mines (CDE), which I believe has the potential for 40 percent or more upside," says Ian Wyatt.

The editor of The 100K Portfolio explains, "While the company takes it's name from the Idaho town in which it is headquartered, this is a mining company with a global presence.

"With mines in geographically stable areas including Argentina, Alaska, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico and Nevada, the operations are wide reaching.