Why was this ASX mining share placed on ice after exploding 60% today? 

The mineral explorer's share price has been skyrocketing lately.

| 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
  • The share price of this new mineral explorer soared another 60% today before entering a trading halt
  • The WA1 Resources share price has exploded more than 1000% in a month 
  • The miner is exploring critical metals for a clean energy future including niobium

The WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) share price entered a trading halt today after soaring more than 60% this morning.

Shares in the ASX mineral explorer rocketed up 60.48% to $1.99 a share before being placed on ice. The company's previous closing price was $1.24.

Let's take a look at what's going on at WA1 Resources.

A man in a suit and glasses guffaws at his computer screen in bewilderment.

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on?

WA1 Resources was placed in a voluntary trading halt pending the release of a statement to the market.

The company expects to resume trading on the release of this announcement, or by market open on Thursday.

Commenting on the freeze, WA1 said:

The company requests a trading halt, pending the release of an announcement to the market in relation to a price query from the ASX.

WA1 Resources shares have soared an incredible 1374% from 13.5 cents each at market close on 21 October to the current share price of $1.99.

On Wednesday, the company released maiden drilling results from the West Arunta Project in Western Australia.

They showed significant mineralisation at drill hole PARC003. This included 54m at 0.62% niobium pentoxide, 0.18% total rare oxides, and 3.85% phosphorus pentoxide from 162 metres.

Managing director Paul Savich hailed the discovery as the first of its kind in the region. He said:

Niobium has been identified as a critical mineral by a number of countries and is a key input to future global technology needs, with ferroniobium metal (65% Nb) selling for US$45,000/tonne.

On Thursday, WA1 Resources released a corporate presentation highlighting its focus on "essential metals for a clean energy future". Niobium improves battery performance via improved chargeability and stability.

WA1 Resources listed on the ASX on 8 February.

Share price snapshot

WA1 Resources shares have soared 895% year to date, while they have risen 1,184% in the last month.

For perspective, the ASX 200 has lost 7% in 2022 so far.

This ASX mining share has a market capitalisation of nearly $58 million based on the current share price.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea 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 Materials Shares

Worker in hard hat in front of pile of scrap metal.
Materials Shares

Why this $1.5 billion ASX stock is jumping 6% today

Production progress lifts IperionX shares in its latest quarterly update.

Read more »

Male building supervisor stands and smiles with his arms crossed at a building site with workers behind him.
Materials Shares

IperionX ramps up 24/7 titanium production in March 2026 quarterly update

IperionX ramps up continuous titanium production and lifts its cash balance, with customer programs progressing and strong US Government backing.

Read more »

A construction worker sits pensively at his desk with his arm propping up his chin as he looks at his laptop computer.
Broker Notes

Are these ASX materials stocks a buy, hold or sell according to Morgans?

Morgans is optimistic on these shares.

Read more »

A female miner wearing a high vis vest and hard hard smiles and holds a clipboard while inspecting a mine site with a colleague.
Materials Shares

Up 300%: Should you buy PLS shares after its strong update?

Bell Potter has given its verdict on the lithium miner.

Read more »

A colourfully dressed young skydiver wearing heavy gold gloves smiles and gives a thumbs up as he falls through the sky.
Materials Shares

Bell Potter just upgraded its outlook on this ASX materials stock tipping 30% upside

Here's what's behind the renewed confidence.

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX iron ore stock could rise 85% (hint, not Fortescue shares)

This stock could be dirt cheap at current levels according to Bell Potter.

Read more »

A group of miners in hard hats sitting in a mine chatting on a break as ASX coal shares perform well today
Materials Shares

This ASX lithium stock is bouncing back today. Here's why

Vulcan shares rise after a key construction milestone at its Lionheart project.

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Materials Shares

IGO shares sink 14%. Here's what just spooked investors?

IGO shares fall as lithium operations offset a strong Nova performance.

Read more »