Mineral Resources share price lifts on positive lithium project update

Many analysts are predicting a lithium supply crunch amid fast growing global battery demand.

| More on:

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
  • Mineral Resources share price jumps higher on open
  • The ASX 200 miner has completed an 8,000 metre initial drill campaign at its Norseman Lithium JV
  • The current program is the first to test for lithium potential in the Norseman tenement

The Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) share price is in the green, up 2.3%.

Mineral Resources shares closed on Friday trading for $71.51 and are currently trading for $73.12 apiece.

Here's what the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium and mining services share reported this morning.

A boy looks up and points his fingers to the sky in celebration pose.

Image source: Getty Images

What lithium results were reported?

The Mineral Resources share price is marching higher following a market update on the results from the initial phase one drilling program at the Buldania Lithium Project, located in Western Australia.

The Buldania Lithium Project is the initial focus area of the joint venture between Mineral Resources, Pantoro Ltd (ASX: PNR) and Tulla Resources Group Pty Ltd (ASX: TUL) – known as the Norseman Lithium JV.

Additionally, the drilling was conducted by Mineral Resources as part of its initial earn-in under the JV.

The phase one, 8,000 metre drilling campaign focused on a 1.6 kilometre strike where earlier rock chip sampling undertaken by Pantoro had returned elevated lithium values. The current program is the first to test for lithium potential in the Norseman tenement.

Pantoro reported that Mineral Resource's drill holes confirmed the presence of lithium-bearing pegmatites.

Some significant results included:

  • 9m @ 1.26% Li₂O and 151ppm Ta₂O₅ from 30m
  • 8m @ 1.10% Li₂O and 118 ppm Ta₂O₅ from 53m
  • 6m @ 1.02% Li₂O and 103 ppm Ta₂O₅ from 64m

Commenting on the results that are sending Mineral Resources shares into the green today, Pantoro managing director Paul Cmrlec said:

The first pass drilling results by MinRes are a great start to the Norseman Lithium JV. MinRes's rapid advancement of the Buldania project provides great potential for Pantoro stakeholders.

MinRes is responsible for all costs associated with the Norseman Lithium JV until a saleable concentrate is produced from a purpose built processing plant and mining operation.

Further drilling, soil sampling, aerial surveys and flora and fauna surveys are in progress.

Mineral Resources share price snapshot

The Mineral Resources share price has been a strong performer in 2022, up 25%.

That compares to a year-to-date loss of 9% posted by the ASX 200.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

Robot humanoid using artificial intelligence on a laptop.
Resources Shares

Buying BHP shares? Here's how AI is boosting the mining giant's revenue

BHP is embracing AI technologies to streamline its operations. But how?

Read more »

A woman is very excited about something she's just seen on her computer, clenching her fists and smiling broadly.
Resources Shares

Fortescue shares ease, but this major update could keep momentum building

Fortescue slips despite its Pilbara renewable rollout moving ahead.

Read more »

A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.
Resources Shares

Monadelphous wins $145m of new and renewed resources sector contracts

Monadelphous reported $145 million in new and extended contracts across key resource clients Rio Tinto, BHP, and Queensland Alumina.

Read more »

Two cheerful miners shake hands while wearing hi-vis and hard hats celebrating the commencement of a HAstings Technology Metals mine and the impact on its share price
Resources Shares

Fortescue accelerates world's first large-scale industrial green energy grid

Fortescue is speeding up its renewable-powered green grid rollout, targeting major cost savings and earlier fossil fuel elimination.

Read more »

A group of people gathered around a laptop computer with various expressions of interest, concern and surprise on their faces as they review the payouts from ASX dividend stocks. All are wearing glasses.
Resources Shares

Buy, hold, or sell? South32, Capstone Copper, and BHP shares

Let's see what the experts think.

Read more »

Red buy button on an Apple keyboard with a finger on it.
Broker Notes

3 reasons to buy Capstone Copper shares today

A leading analyst expects more outperformance from Capstone Copper’s surging shares. But why?

Read more »

Overjoyed man celebrating success with yes gesture after getting some good news on mobile.
Resources Shares

Up 188% in a year, why is this ASX All Ords mining stock surging again today?

Investors are piling into this fast-rising ASX mining stock again on Thursday. But why?

Read more »

Cheerful businessman with a mining hat on the table sitting back with his arms behind his head while looking at his laptop's screen.
Resources Shares

Sandfire Resources posts Q3 FY26 operations highlights and maintains guidance

Sandfire Resources has reported steady Q3 FY26 copper equivalent production, maintained guidance, and strengthened its net cash position.

Read more »