The Pilbara (ASX:PLS) share price pumped 5% higher today. What happened?

Wednesday was a good day on the ASX for Pilbara and its peers.

| More on:
A female employee in a hard hat and overalls with high visibility stripes sits at the wheel of a large mining vehicle with mining equipment in the background.

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 Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price surged higher today despite no news being released by the company.

However, it wasn't alone in its gains. The company's home sector, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ), also soared today, having gained 2.14%.

As of Wednesday's close, the Pilbara share price is $2.49, 5.51% higher than it was at the end of Tuesday's session.

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1.25% today.

Let's take a look at the latest news from the lithium producer and what might have boosted its stock.

Pilbara share price storms higher

Wednesday was a good day on the ASX for the Pilbara share price.

Its surge brought the company's gains for the last 30 days to 8.7%, despite it having been relatively quiet in that time.

The first and only time the market heard from Pilbara in the last month was when it announced it had increased its senior debt facilities.

As my Foolish colleague, Aaron reported at the time, the company expanded its finance facility by US$20 million to US$130 million and its undrawn working capital facility by US$10 million to US$25 million. Its total senior secured debt facilities were also boosted by US$30 million to US$155 million.

Most of the extra funds will go towards the restart of its Ngungaju Plant, part of its Pilgangoora Operation.

The news saw the Pilbara share price lift 1.6% and hit a new all-time high.

However, today's surge is less simple to explain. Though, unexplained gains seemed to have occurred across the lithium-producing board today, with many of Pilbara's peers joining in on the action.

The Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price soared 5.8%, while that of Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) increased 4.8%.

Right now, the Pilbara share price is 187% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 212% since this time last year.

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

Factory worker wearing hardhat and uniform showing new metal products to the manager supervisor.
Materials Shares

Looking for 100% gains? These strategic minerals companies might be worth a look, Bell Potter says

Trade and geopolitical tensions spell good news for companies in the strategic minerals sector.

Read more »

Businessman looks with one eye through magnifying glass
Materials Shares

Why is everyone talking about Fortescue shares today?

This mining giant has announced some big news this morning. Here's what you need to know.

Read more »

Two miners standing together with a smile on their faces.
Resources Shares

ASX 200 mining shares lead the market for a second week

BHP, Fortescue, and Rio Tinto shares reset their 52-week highs while the ASX 200 rose 0.73%.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Materials Shares

Forget Fortescue shares, this ASX iron ore stock is better

Let's see why Bell Potter is bullish on this under the radar miner.

Read more »

a geologist or mine worker looks closely at a rock formation in a darkened cave with water on the ground, wearing a full protective suit and hard hat.
Materials Shares

Lynas shares crash 41% from their peak: Buy, hold or sell?

Demand for rare earths has soared this year.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter names the best ASX critical minerals stocks to buy

Let's see what the broker is saying about these in-demand commodities.

Read more »

Man in mining hat with fists raised and eyes closed looking happy and excited about the Newcrest share price
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX mining stock is rocketing 14% on production plans

This miner is making its shareholders smile on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Materials Shares

Gina Rinehart backed ASX rare earths stock jumps 17% on big news

This rare earths stock is getting investors excited on Thursday with some big news.

Read more »