The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Canadian-based mining companies that are betting on the global energy transition saw a surge of investor interest in 2023, according to the latest edition of the TSX Venture 50 list. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says that the annual ranking of top performers on Canada's main venture exchange, released by the Toronto Stock Exchange on Wednesday, shows 2023 was a blockbuster year for the mining sector. Mining dominates this year's list, with companies in that sector posting an average 734-per-cent-market-cap appreciation for the year and a 245-per-cent average share price increase, the report said. The gains came as investors flocked to small-cap and venture companies exploring opportunities in precious metals, critical minerals and the energy transition. The TSX Venture 50 list showcases small-cap issuers across five sectors -- energy, mining, clean technology and life sciences, diversified industries and technology. This year's companies delivered an average financial return of 121 per cent and saw an average market capitalization increase of 248 per cent, a boost from last year's performance. The year was a softer one for traditional energy stocks.