Why did the Mineral Resources share price rip 15% higher today?

The iron ore and lithium giant was the fastest riser of the ASX 200 on Thursday.

| More on:
Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.

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

The Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) share price soared by 15.3% to an intraday high of $23.29 on Thursday.

The mining stock was the strongest performer within the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) today.

The surge in value came despite no official news from the ASX 200 miner.

However, Mineral Resources was among a group of other ASX mining shares that experienced strong price lifts today.

Let's review.

Mineral Resources share price soars on Thursday

The Mineral Resource share price finished the session on Thursday at $23.19 per share, up 14.8%.

Ongoing corporate governance issues have plagued Mineral Resources for many months.

This along with concerns over its balance sheet and softer commodity prices has led to a decline in its share price, as shown below.

The last price-sensitive news from Mineral Resources came on 27 May when the miner provided an update on its Onslow Iron project.

The miner reduced its volume guidance for Onslow Iron to a range of 7.8 million tonnes to 8 million tonnes.

This was down from the previous guidance of 8.5 million tonnes to 8.7 million tonnes.

In terms of corporate governance matters, the latest news was the appointment of Malcolm Bundey to the board on 19 May.

Bundey is currently Deputy Chair at Brickworks Ltd (ASX: BKW).

Bundey has begun his service as a Non-Executive Director and will become Board Chair at Mineral Resources from 1 July.

Current Chair James McClements is stepping down on 1 July after 10 years with the miner.

Mineral Resources among several miners that lifted strongly on Thursday

The top 10 ASX 200 performers today were dominated by miners.

Among the strongest performers was fellow ASX 200 lithium stock Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS).

The Pilbara Minerals share price closed at $1.35, up 12.5%.

ASX 200 rare earths share Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) lifted 12.52% to $9.26.

Lithium and nickel miner IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) also flew up the charts, rising 9.6% to close at $4.34 per share.

Mineral sands explorer Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX: ILU) surged 7.1% to $3.92.

What do the brokers say about Mineral Resources shares?

Medallion Financial Group's Stuart Bromley has a buy rating on Mineral Resources shares, describing them as "heavily undervalued".

Bromley notes a strong recovery in the Mineral Resource share price since it hit the $14 range in April.

"Identifying value, buyers have since stepped in …," he commented.

Morgans has an add rating on Mineral Resources and upped its 12-month share price target from $23 to $26 last week.

Macquarie has an outperform rating on Mineral Resources with a share price target of $35.

However, some traders are sceptical, as evidenced by Mineral Resources remaining among the top 10 most shorted ASX shares.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Brickworks and Macquarie Group. 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 white EV car and an electric vehicle pump with green highlighted swirls representing ASX lithium shares
Resources Shares

3 reasons to buy this ASX 300 lithium share today

A leading investment analyst forecasts a big turnround for this well-funded ASX 300 lithium share.

Read more »

Image of young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Resources Shares

Bell Potter names two base metals companies which are worth a look

The broker has named two base metals miners it believes will outperform, with a focus on copper and nickel.

Read more »

Pile of copper pipes.
Resources Shares

This ASX 200 copper share is a buy – UBS

Mining analysts say this is a stock worth digging into.

Read more »

A gloved hand holds lumps of silver against a background of dirt as if at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Which Aussie silver company's shares are charging higher on positive news?

This company says the high silver price is changing the game for its South Australian silver project.

Read more »

A boy is about to rocket from a copper-coloured field of hay into the sky.
Resources Shares

Broker tips more than 15% upside for Orica shares after a "strong" start to the year

Orica shares are good buying at current levels, RBC Capital Markets says.

Read more »

Female miner in hard hat and safety vest on laptop with mining drill in background.
Resources Shares

Lynas shares: After a year of outperformance, is it still a buy?

Lynas investors have seen massive volatility. Is it a good time to buy?

Read more »

Iron ore price Vale dam collapse ASX shares iron ore, iron ore australia, iron ore price, commodity price,
Resources Shares

Rio Tinto milestone sends shares in resources tech stock higher

This company has passed a key due diligence milestone triggering a payment from global miner Rio Tinto.

Read more »

Engineer at an underground mine and talking to a miner.
Resources Shares

Up 263% since April are Mineral Resources shares still a good buy today?

A leading investment expert delivers his outlook for Mineral Resources surging shares.

Read more »