Why is the Australian Strategic Materials (ASX:ASM) share price halted?

Here's what's going on with the company's stock today.

| More on:
Man in business suit crouched and freezing in a block of ice.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX: ASM) share price is still in the freezer as the company prepares to announce potentially exciting study results.  

The company froze the trading of its shares before the market opened on Friday. Since then, the Australian Strategic Materials share price has been sitting at $11.40.

Let's investigate what the market might hear from the speciality metals and oxide producer when it exits the trading halt.

What's going on?

Plenty of eyes are on Australian Strategic Materials share price today after the company flagged it would either release highly anticipated news or restart trading on Tuesday morning. Unless, of course, it extends its trading halt.

The anticipated news regards an optimisation study at the company's wholly-owned Dubbo Project – a critical pillar of its business.

In October, the company said the study's results would be released before the end of November. However, no news has been heard of it yet.

The study is aiming to update previous findings at the project with current pricing and design improvements.

Following its completion, Australian Strategic Materials hopes to start moving towards the next phase of the project's development.

The Dubbo Project's said to be a globally significant resource of rare earths, zirconium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, and yttrium.

According to the company, the metals play an important role in future technologies, particularly in the clean energy and transportation sectors.

The company expects the project will see it becoming one of few critical metal oxide supply options outside of China.

It plans to process the project's productions at its critical metals plants, located in key technology markets. The first plant will be in South Korea.

Australian Strategic Materials share price summary

Right now, the Australian Strategic Materials share price is trading 73% higher than it was at the start of 2021. However, it has fallen 6.4% since this time last month.

At its current share price, the company has a market capitalisation of $1.59 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Materials Shares

A statuesque woman throws earth in the air in front of a rocky outcrop.
Materials Shares

Lithium price rebounds 25% in 2025: Which ASX lithium shares are a buy?

We reveal the latest broker ratings and 12-month share price targets on 3 popular ASX lithium shares.

Read more »

Focused man entrepreneur with glasses working, looking at laptop screen thinking about something intently while sitting in the office.
Materials Shares

'Stronger, sharper, and simpler': Rio Tinto shares fall despite major update

Let's see what this mining giant has released a strategy update.

Read more »

A little boy holds up a barbell with big silver weights at each end.
Materials Shares

$3,000 invested in this ASX silver share in July is now worth $6,577

That's a mighty impressive return in just a few months!

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Materials Shares

How much upside does Macquarie tip for Rio Tinto shares?

Let's see what the broker thinks of this mining giant.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Materials Shares

Why are Vulcan Energy shares crashing 33% today?

Let's see why this lithium stock is sinking heavily in morning trade.

Read more »

Female miner on a walkie talkie.
Materials Shares

Leading broker thinks this ASX materials stock is set to double!

This small-cap stock is tipped to take off.

Read more »

Woman with an amazed expression has her hands and arms out with a laptop in front of her.
Materials Shares

$5,000 in this ASX lithium share just one month ago would be worth $8,627 today

Lithium commodity values are rising amid renewed global demand.

Read more »

A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today
Materials Shares

How much higher can this explosive ASX stock go?

Analysts are broadly bullish and see some upside.

Read more »