Why this small-cap ASX mining share rocketed 17% today

What a day for GWR Group…

| 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

Key points

  • The GWR Group share price surged 17.24% today to 17 cents
  • In earlier trading, the GWR share price was up by nearly 21%
  • GWR reveals it has secured multiple iron ore shipments

This ASX mining share had a stellar day on the market today. The GWR Group (ASX: GWR) share price skyrocketed after the company revealed that its flagship high-grade C4 iron ore mine is back in full production.

At the market close, the GWR share price was up 17.24% to 17 cents. However, in earlier trade, the company's shares surged by as much as 20.69% to 17.5 cents.

Let's take a look at what attracted ASX investors to GWR today.

What did GWR announce to make its share price go skyward?

GWR is an iron ore producer exploring the Wiluna West Iron Ore Project and the 100% Wiluna West Gold Project in Western Australia.

The miner revealed today that its flagship iron ore mine is back in full production after it restarted operations in January.

GWR also announced that a shipment of 30,438 tonnes of iron ore left the Port of Geraldton in January. GWR sold the ore at a fixed price of US$100 per tonne, making it worth more than $3 million. The shipment was shared with iron ore and copper miner, CuFe Ltd (ASX: CUF).

In addition, GWR announced that it has secured fixed-price contracts for 1 vessel per month up to July. GWR said these contracts provide certainty for the company.

The shipments include:

  • February shipment of 30,000 tonnes at US$95 per tonne (fines) and US$100 p/t (lump)
  • March lump shipment at US$110 p/t
  • April, May and June lump shipments at US$111 p/t
  • July lump shipment at US$114 p/t.

GWR hopes to secure more fixed-price contracts by tapping into Asian markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.

GWR said that its C4 mine has more than 2 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore available for mining.

Management comment

Commenting on the announcement, GWR chairman Gary Lyons said:

It is great to see the flagship C4 Iron Ore mine back in full production, having worked through the recent volatility in iron ore prices, the GWR team has been able to refine its operations focused on cost reduction and fixed priced contract shipment.

Due to the nature of our high-grade iron ore, we have been able to take advantage of alternative markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia as well as China.

There are many moving parts to our operation, and I am very pleased with our ability to tie these in all together as we continue to build our haulage fleet with long term haulage contractors supplemented by additional haulage companies.

GWR share price recap

The GWR share price has descended 45% in the past 12 months. But the miner has had a good start to the new year, with its shares up 6.25%.

For perspective, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned 3.8% in the past 12 months.

GWR has a market capitalisation of $51 million based on its current share price.

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 Small Cap Shares

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Small Cap Shares

3 top small cap ASX shares that brokers are tipping for big things

Let's see which small caps are being tipped as buys by brokers.

Read more »

A little girl wearing wonky glasses checks out what's happening in the world on a mobile phone.
ETFs

Why ASX ETFs are a threat to small-cap funds

Experts are concerned about investment capital inflows.

Read more »

Kid putting a coin in a piggy bank.
Small Cap Shares

2 ASX small-cap shares to buy with big potential

Experts reckon these small businesses have big potential.

Read more »

A person with a round-mouthed expression clutches a device screen and looks shocked and surprised.
Small Cap Shares

Why this ASX small cap stock just rocketed 145%

Why are investors getting excited about this stock? Let's find out.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Small Cap Shares

Why this Telstra-linked ASX small cap stock just crashed 90%

This small cap is having a very bad session. What's going on?

Read more »

A young boy wearing a hat, sunnies and striped singlet looks fierce and flexes his arm in victory.
Small Cap Shares

The ASX small-cap stock trading at 'half of the earnings multiple of industry leaders'

A leading fund manager sees a lot of untapped value for this soaring ASX small-cap stock.

Read more »

A man has a surprised and relieved expression on his face. as he raises his hands up to his face in response to the high fluctuations in the Galileo share price today
Small Cap Shares

These small cap ASX stocks could rise 15% to 70%

Analysts think big returns could be on the cards for buyers of these stocks.

Read more »

A female ASX investor looks through a magnifying glass that enlarges her eye and holds her hand to her face with her mouth open as if looking at something of great interest or surprise.
Small Cap Shares

2 under-$5 ASX hidden gems worth your attention

These buy-rated shares are flying under the radar. Let's see why analysts are bullish on them.

Read more »