ASX 200 materials outperformed the other 10 market sectors significantly in 2025.
The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) rose by 31.71% and produced total returns, including dividends, of 36.21%.
This was mainly due to strongly rising commodity prices, which fuelled the growth of ASX 200 mining shares.
The best performing commodities last year included gold, silver, copper, lithium, palladium, platinum, and neodymium.
Rising commodity values and other tailwinds propelled the following three ASX 200 mining shares higher last year.
Brokers say they may go further, while others are less optimistic.
We review the latest ratings and price targets on these ASX shares.
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South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)
ASX 200 diversified mining share South32 hit a near three-year high of $4.44 on Thursday.
The South32 share price has lifted 23.6% over 12 months to a closing value of $4.40 yesterday.
South32 produces nine commodities, including silver at its Cannington mine, aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese.
This week, Morgan Stanley reiterated its buy rating on South32 shares.
The broker raised its price target from $3.45 to $4.70.
RBC Capital also kept its buy rating and raised its target from $3.90 to $4.20.
UBS maintained a hold rating with a price target of $3.50.
The miner released its 1H FY26 report yesterday.
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC)
The Lynas Rare Earths share price is 147% higher over the past year.
The ASX 200 rare earths mining share closed at $16.75 yesterday.
Morgan Stanley upgraded Lynas shares to a buy rating this week. The broker raised its price target from $19.45 to $17.55.
Macquarie reiterated its buy rating and upped its price target from $17 to $17.50.
UBS also kept its buy rating with a target of $17.70.
Ord Minnett is the black sheep though, reiterating a sell rating with a price target of just $11, up from $10.50.
Last week, the company announced that its CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze will retire after 12 years in the job.
Lynas released its 2Q FY26 results on Wednesday.
Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)
The Liontown share price has ripped 207% over the past year to close at $2.18 on Thursday.
This ASX 200 lithium mining share has ripped alongside strongly rebounding lithium commodity prices.
The rebound is a welcome change for long-suffering ASX lithium shares investors.
Lithium prices crashed in 2023 and continued on a slow, painful decline before bottoming out in July last year.
The lithium carbonate price is now at a two-year high.
It's up a staggering 65% over the past month, and 111% over 12 months.
Global supply has finally thinned out after many small players put their operations into care and maintenance.
Meanwhile, demand is ramping up as the green energy transition really gets going.
There is now improved demand for batteries, electric vehicles, and battery storage systems.
Canaccord Genuity has upgraded Liontown shares to a buy rating.
The broker raised its share price target from $1.55 to $2.40.
Bell Potter reiterated its buy rating and raised its target from $1.52 to $2.48.
However, some analysts are not optimistic.
Citi reiterated its sell rating on Liontown shares this week, raising its target from 50 cents to $1.70.
Macquarie also says this ASX 200 lithium mining share is a sell with a price target of just $1.
