2 ASX 200 mining shares making BIG moves on quarterly updates

One ASX 200 mining share is surging while the other is tumbling today. But why?

| 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

Two S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) mining shares are making some big moves today after releasing their quarterly updates.

One is surging higher while the other is taking a fall.

The ASX 200 mining shares in question are Gold Road Resources Ltd (ASX: GOR) and Nickel Industries Ltd (ASX: NIC).

Here's what's happening.

Two miners standing together.

Image source: Getty Images

Gold Road share price sinks on falling production

The Gold Road share price is down 2.8% at $1.66 a share at the time of writing.

Investors are pressuring the ASX 200 mining share after the company reported Gruyere gold production for the June quarter of 62,535 ounces. That was down from 64,323 ounces of gold produced during the March quarter.

Costs were up, too, with the all-in sustaining cost (AISC) rising to AU$2,441 an ounce, up from AU$2,194 an ounce in the prior quarter.

The lower production and higher costs were driven by heavy rains in the area, which saw Gruyere not operating during the first half of April.

This led to Gold Road revising full-year guidance at Gruyere to the range of 290,000 ounces to 305,000 ounces (145,000 – 152,500 ounces attributable) at an attributable AISC guidance of between AU$2,050 and AU$2,200 per ounce.

Over the quarter, the ASX 200 mining share sold 31,216 ounces of gold at an average price of AU$3,532 per ounce.

The company's attributable operating cash flow from Gruyere came in at $74.2 million, up from $57.9 million the prior quarter. Free cash outflows were $9.7 million, with Gold Road having reported a $5.5 million inflow in the March quarter.

As of 30 June, the miner had cash and equivalents of $86.0 million, down from $146.2 million at the end of March, and no debt had been drawn.

Gold Road also held listed investments with a market value of approximately $478.4 million.

The Gold Road share price is up 4% over 12 months.

Which brings us to…

ASX 200 mining share lifts on 'robust' performance

The Nickel Industries share price is up 4.6% at the time of writing, with shares trading for 84 cents apiece.

That sees that ASX 200 mining share up almost 19% year to date.

Investors are snapping up shares today after Nickel Industries announced solid quarterly performance despite difficult conditions, which also included inclement weather.

Despite what it called a "challenging wet season", Nickel Industries reported US$79.5M earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) over the three months, up from EBITDA of US$74.5 million in the March quarter.

The three months also saw the ASX 200 mining share establish a US$250 million Indonesian bank facility and repay US$245 million of April 2024 notes.

The miner also acquired an additional 30.25% interest in the Excelsior Nickel Cobalt HPAL project, which is under development, increasing its interest in the project to 44.0%.

Commenting on the results helping boost the Nickel Industries share price today, managing director Justin Werner said:

Despite very challenging conditions including persistent above average rainfall during the quarter, our mine and RKEF [rotary kiln electric furnace] operations were able to perform robustly.

August typically marks the beginning of the dry season, and the company is focused on setting itself up to deliver a strong second half of the year, with July mine sales at near record levels.

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

A group of people in suits and hard hats celebrate the rising share price with champagne.
Resources Shares

$7,500 invested in Rio Tinto shares 10 days ago is now worth…

The miner's shares crashed 15% in the first three weeks of March.

Read more »

An executive stands looking out a glass window over the city.
Resources Shares

Why this ASX 200 stock just jumped 5% on Wednesday

Perenti shares are up 5% after naming a new Chief Executive.

Read more »

Smiling miner.
Resources Shares

3 reasons why the Rio Tinto share price could be a buy

Let’s unearth why Rio Tinto could be an opportunity worth digging into.

Read more »

Two workers working with a large copper coil in a factory.
Resources Shares

Up more than 90% over the past year, analysts say this ASX copper stock can keep going

Canaccord Genuity says this is a copper stock to watch.

Read more »

A sad Carnaby Resources miner holds his head in his hands
Resources Shares

ASX 200 mining shares ride a rollercoaster in March quarter

Sharp gains in January and February were unwound in March.

Read more »

Group of thoughtful business people with eyeglasses reading documents in the office.
Resources Shares

BHP shares: 3 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to sell

The mining giant's shares spiked to an all-time high earlier this month but quickly tumbled back down.

Read more »

Miner standing and smiling in a mine field.
Resources Shares

This ASX stock just landed a 10-year US deal and investors are buying in

Metallium shares jump after locking in a 10-year US metals deal.

Read more »

A graphic design of drilling rigs.
Resources Shares

This ASX mining stock is heading south again today. Here's why

Investors are looking ahead to a major June resource catalyst.

Read more »