Brokers say these ASX mining shares are strong buys in February

There are a lot of options for investors to choose from in the Australian mining sector.

So much so, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy over others.

To narrow things down, I've picked out two ASX mining shares that are highly rated by brokers right now. Here's what they are saying about them:

Chrysos Corporation Ltd (ASX: C79)

While Chrysos isn't a miner, it works closely with mining giants as a provider of novel assay services.

Bell Potter is very positive about its technology, PhotonAssay, highlighting its competitive advantage over traditional assaying techniques. The broker has a buy rating and $8.50 price target on its shares. It commented:

We believe C79's disruptive PhotonAssay technology will command a significant foothold within the large gold assaying market (BPe 25% market penetration by FY30), with current lease agreements providing good near-term deployment visibility. These lease agreements with some of the largest gold miners and international laboratory businesses provide third-party technical and commercial validation for PhotonAssay technology adoption, which we expect to support further industry take-up.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

This diversified miner could be a top option for investors according to analysts at Morgans.

Its analysts see major upside potential for the ASX mining share over the next 12 months with their add rating and $4.75 price target. The broker commented:

S32 has transformed its portfolio by divesting South African thermal coal and acquiring an interest in Chile copper, substantially boosting group earnings quality, as well as S32's risk and ESG profile. Unlike its peers amongst ASX-listed large-cap miners, S32 is not exposed to iron ore. Instead offering a highly diversified portfolio of base metals and metallurgical coal (with most of these metals enjoying solid price strength). We see attractive long-term value potential in S32 from de-risking of its growth portfolio, the potential for further portfolio changes, and an earnings-linked dividend policy.