Why has this ASX mining stock exploded 128% in 2 days?

Investors are sending this ASX mining stock to the moon. But why?

| More on:
Female miner standing smiling in a mine.

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

A little-known ASX mining stock is setting the bar high these past two days.

Very high.

At market close on Tuesday shares in Waratah Minerals Ltd (ASX: WTM) – previously known as Battery Minerals Limited – closed trading for 12.5 cents apiece. Which would have been an excellent time to buy them!

Yesterday shares in the ASX mining stock rocketed an eye-popping 96%, closing the day at 24.5 cents.

But the rally looks to have some legs.

At the time of writing on Thursday, the Waratah Minerals share price is up another 16.3% in intraday trading at 28.5 cents.

That sees the ASX mining stock up 128% in just two days.

To put that in some perspective, the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining Index (ASX: XMM) is up 3.4% over this same time.

Here's what's been spurring investor interest.

What's boosting the ASX mining stock?

ASX investors are sending the Waratah Minerals share price through the roof after the miner yesterday reported on promising drill results from its on-going exploration program at the Spur gold-copper project, Lachlan Fold Belt, located in New South Wales.

The latest batch of results stem from six reverse circulation (RC) drill holes.

The ASX mining stock is drawing attention after noting that the drilling has identified an open zone of shallow high-grade mineralisation.

Highlights of the results include:

  • 89 metres at 1.73 grams of gold per tonne and 0.08% copper from 115 metres
  • Including 57m at 2.50g/t Au, 0.11% Cu from 115m

The company said these results confirm the potential for significant shallow gold resources with grades increasing with depth.

Waratah's Spur Project is located five kilometres west from the Cadia Valley Project, owned by global gold mining giant Newmont Corp (ASX: NEM). Cadia is reported to hold more than 50 million ounces of gold and 9.5 million tonnes of copper.

And for our geologically minded readers, Waratah notes that Spur is hosted in "equivalent Late Ordovician aged geology of the Molong Belt within the wider Macquarie Arc".

Commenting on the results sending the ASX mining stock rocketing, Waratah managing director Peter Duerden said:

Spur continues to deliver exceptional drilling results, the results from hole 7 are pivotal, demonstrating a dramatic increase in grades downdip and an association with copper as predicted by our epithermal-porphyry exploration model.

The miner said that additional exploratory drill holes are planned to immediately follow up on these results and further expand its RC drilling program.

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 Share Gainers

The silhouettes of ten people holding hands with their arms raised against the sky, as the sun rises or sets in the background.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors enjoyed another strong session this Thursday.

Read more »

Ecstatic woman looking at her phone outside with her fist pumped.
Share Gainers

Why ANZ, CBA, Northern Star, and Origin Energy shares are charging higher today

These shares are catching the eye with strong gains on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Two friends giving each other a high five at the top pf a hill.
Share Gainers

The ASX 200 is back over 9,000 points! It's thanks to just 2 ASX shares

These two stocks have been driving the whole market...

Read more »

A group of happy young people watching sport on a laptop celebrate, indicating a win for sports betting bluebet
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was a happy hump day for investors.

Read more »

Three rockets heading to space
Share Gainers

These 3 ASX 200 shares have had a stellar month. Is there more upside to come?

3 ASX 200 mining shares have surged over the past month. Can the rally continue?

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Share Gainers

Why AGL, CBA, Domino's, and James Hardie shares are jumping today

These shares are catching the eye on hump day. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors just pared back yesterday's explosive rise.

Read more »

A young woman drinking coffee in a cafe smiles as she checks her phone.
Share Gainers

Why Elevra Lithium, Pro Medicus, Sims, and Treasury Wine shares are roaring higher

These shares are having a better day than most on Tuesday.

Read more »