ASX 200 materials was the best performer of the 11 market sectors in 2025, mostly because of rising ASX mining shares.
The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.
The sector outperformed the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by more than 4:1.
Wilson Asset Management lead portfolio manager Matthew Haupt expects the new year to remain favourable for ASX mining shares.
China is pivoting its construction focus from property to AI infrastructure, providing support to iron ore and aluminium prices.
China is also implementing measures to support electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, which bodes well for lithium prices.
The measures include a plan to double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027 amid EVs forming the majority of new car sales in China for the first time in October.
Many of the best-performing commodities of 2025 reflect the green energy transition taking hold of the global economy, as well as a preference for safe-haven investing.
The silver price ripped 147%, gold rallied 65%, lithium increased 58%, copper rose 42%, and aluminium increased 17%.
Amid all these tailwinds, here are two ASX mining shares with buy recommendations from the experts.
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Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC)
The Capstone Copper share price has risen by 43.5% over the past 12 months.
The ASX copper mining share closed at $14.54 apiece on Friday.
Capstone Copper has a portfolio of long-life copper mines in Chile, Mexico, and the United States.
Macquarie has a buy rating on Capstone Copper shares with a 12-month price target of $17.
In a recent note, the broker said:
We increase CSC EPS 9%/18% in CY25/26e due to Cu price upgrades, remaining our preference in the Cu space due to its strong organic growth profile and attractive relative value.
Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG)
The Resolute Mining share price has charged 201% higher over 12 months.
The ASX gold mining share closed at $1.24 on Friday.
Resolute Mining is an African-focused gold miner currently developing a third gold project, Doropo, in Cote d'Ivoire to supplement existing production from the Syama mine in Mali and the Mako mine in Senegal.
Resolute Mining shares ascended into the benchmark index in the December rebalance.
Macquarie has an outperform rating on Resolute Mining shares with a 12-month price target of $1.45.
The broker raised its price target after Resolute issued a major update on Doropo last month.
