Here are a few that it currently rates as buys:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Bell Potter is bullish on this small-cap ASX lithium stock and has a speculative buy rating and 41 cents price target on its shares.

Commenting on the lithium developer, the broker said:

DLI's core assets provide exposure to essential minerals including lithium, tantalum and rubidium; its 41% shareholding in advanced gold explorer Ballard Mining (BM1, Speculative Buy, Valuation $1.05/sh) adds material gold price leverage.

Our DLI valuation is based on conservative EV/Resource multiples at Mt Ida and Yinnetharra and a market value of DLI's BM1 shareholding. If we incorporate our BM1 valuation, our DLI valuation would lift to $0.47/sh. DLI is an asset development company with prospective operations and cash flows. Our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of risk and volatility of returns.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

Another ASX lithium stock that gets the speculative thumbs up is Ioneer. The broker is feeling very upbeat on the US-based Rhyolite Ridge project, especially given the government support it has received.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and 46 cents price target on its shares. It said:

INR's Rhyolite Ridge sell-down process should de-risk the project's equity funding requirements. We expect the USA DoE to remain supportive; Lithium America's (NYSE:LAC, not rated) recent US$2.3b DoE Thacker Pass (also in Nevada) debt support is a positive analogue. INR's Rhyolite Ridge project is strategic because of its US location, large scale, low cost, boric acid co-product and expansion potential. INR is an asset development company with forecast cash flows only; our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of investment risk and share price volatility.

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Lithium miner Liontown has been given a buy rating and $2.48 price target. The broker likes the company due to its Kathleen Valley Lithium Project, which it notes is highly strategic. Commenting on the ASX lithium stock, it said:

LTR's 100% owned Kathleen Valley lithium project is highly strategic in terms of scale, long project life and location in a tier-one mining jurisdiction. LTR has offtake contracts with top-tier EV and battery OEMs. Over FY26, LTR will de-risk the ramp up of Kathleen Valley. LTR has a strong balance sheet with long tenor debt finance.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

A final ASX lithium stock that is rated highly by Bell Potter is Vulcan Energy. It has a speculative buy rating and $6.10 price target on the lithium developer's shares.

Bell Potter believes Vulcan Energy could be highly profitable when its Lionheart Lithium Project is operating at full capacity. It said:

VUL's Lionheart Lithium Project location (Germany), near-term production and novel technology, position VUL to benefit as lithium markets rebalance over the medium term. On our lithium price outlook (long term LH US$20,000/t), average annual EBITDA is €290m (real).

The post Bell Potter names the ASX lithium stocks to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Shares in the market's largest pure-play lithium producer, PLS Group Ltd (ASX: PLS) lifted 1.2% to a new 52-week high of $4.89 today.

The IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) share price rose 2.1% to a 52-week high of $8.95.

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares lifted 3.5% to a 52-week high of $2.10.

The Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) share price rocketed 24% to a two-year high of 36 cents.

Lake Resources NL (ASX: LKE) shares rose 14.3% to a 52-week high of 16 cents.

Elevra Lithium Ltd (ASX: ELV) shares increased 1.9% to a 52-week high of $9.

Galan Lithium Ltd (ASX: GLN) shares rose 5.5% to a 52-week high of 38 cents.

The Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI) share price lifted 8.5% to a 52-week high of 25.5 cents.

Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) shares rose 10.3% to a 52-week high of 43 cents.

Pmet Resources CDI (ASX: PMT) shares rose 11.3% to a 52-week high of 69 cents.

The Winsome Resources Ltd (ASX: WR1) share price lifted 9.8% to a 52-week high of 56 cents.

Midas Minerals Ltd (ASX: MM1) shares rose 10% to a 52-week high of 66 cents.

Lithium prices have been steadily lifting since mid-2025 and leapt higher overnight.

Let's find out why.

Why are lithium prices rising again?

Trading Economics analysts say lithium prices are on the mend due to higher demand and lower supply worldwide.

The lithium carbonate price rose 3.75% overnight to a 19-month high of US$19,793 per tonne.

The Spodumene Concentrate Index (CIF China) Price lifted 1.69% to US$1,800 per tonne.

The Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide price rose 3.6% to US$16,213.76 per tonne.

There is greater demand globally for batteries and power infrastructure amid the green energy transition.

Additionally, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in China are rising, with EVs outselling traditional cars for the first time last October.

Trading Economics reports that 'new energy vehicles' in China rose 20.6% annually to a record of 1.823 million units in November.

China has pledged to double EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027.

Amid higher demand for lithium, China is also seeking to stabilise lithium prices by implementing measures to avoid over-capacity.

Analysts at Trading Economics said:

The Bureau of Natural Resources of Yichun, which includes the lithium mining hub in the Chinese Jiangxi province, stated it would cancel 27 mining permits early next year.

The move was consistent with the earlier suspension of activity in CATL's Jianxiawo lithium mine as the Chinese government aims to reduce capacity in many goods industries to prevent the ongoing race-to-the-bottom that has stirred deflationary pressures.

The post 12 ASX lithium shares rip to 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because analysts at Bell Potter believe one ASX lithium stock with golden opportunities could be severely undervalued by the market.

Which ASX lithium stock?

The undervalued company in question is Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI). It is an exploration and development company focused on bringing high-quality, lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits in Western Australia into production.

However, it is not necessarily the lithium that is getting analysts at Bell Potter excited. It is the gold that lies beneath one of its projects.

Last week, the company released an update on the Baldock gold deposit at the Mt Ida Project near Kalgoorlie. Bell Potter was pleased with the update, highlighting the following:

We estimate the potential value a Baldock Gold Operation, considering two different scenarios (a 4Mt Reserve, and an 8Mt Reserve). Using a 4Mt Reserve, we estimate a Net-Present-Value (NPV, post-tax, real, 8% discount rate) of $250m. The 4Mt Reserve scenario is representative of the existing Resource plus likely incremental discovery.

Using an 8Mt Reserve, contemplating the Resource doubling, we estimate a NPV of $750m. Very significant in the context of the current $77.4m enterprise value (with 4QFY24 closing cash of $86m). Both scenarios assume: (1) $200m initial capex, (2) $200/t underground mining costs, (3) $45/t processing and site admin, a A$3,500 gold price, (4) 700kt of ore processing per annum, producing (5) 81kozpa of gold.

In light of this, the broker has reaffirmed its speculation buy rating and 75 cents price target.

Based on the current Delta Lithium share price of 23 cents, this implies potential upside of approximately 225% for investors over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $1,000 investment would turn into approximately $3,250 if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation.

What else?

It is also worth noting that Bell Potter is also positive on the company's lithium operations and suspects that future improvements in lithium prices will boost its shares. It concludes:

Our valuation and recommendation are unchanged. We see upside in DLIs' valuation from: (1) the ongoing exploration and development of the Yinnetharra and Mt Ida Lithium Projects, (2) future improvements in lithium prices and sector sentiment, and, (3) increasing levels of newsflow from gold exploration and monetisation activities. DLI have stated that it plans to maximise the value of the Mt Ida gold assets. The value maximising pathway is contingent on exploration results over the next twelve months. Continued success could result in DLI's first operation being a gold mine.

The post Meet the ASX lithium stock tipped to rise 200%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because the ASX stock in this article has been tipped to almost triple in value from current levels.

But its speculative rating means that only investors willing to take on great risk should consider it as an option.

What is this speculative ASX stock?

The stock in question is named Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI). Or maybe it should be called Delta Gold after its latest announcement.

That announcement revealed that the company's 100% owned Mt Ida Project, which is a shovel ready lithium and gold project in the Eastern Goldfields Province of Western Australia, is sitting atop a significant gold deposit.

Delta Lithium advised that its updated mineral resource estimate for the Baldock Deposit has contained gold of 4.8Mt @ 4.4g/t gold for 674,000 ounces. In addition, the maiden mineral resource estimate for the Golden Vale Prospect is 27,000 ounces @ 1.7g/t Au.

Bell Potter was pleased with the news and highlights that all deposits remain open. This could mean that drilling uncovers even more gold in the coming months. It said:

DLI announced a significant upgrade to its Mt Ida Gold Resource. Resources were upgraded to 6.6Mt at 3.5g/t Au containing 752koz (prev. 412koz in the October 2023 Resource). The Baldock deposit hosts 4.8Mt at 4.4g/t containing 674koz of the total. Mt Ida has additional gold upside potential, as known deposits remain open, and new targets are yet to be tested beyond initial drill results.

Big returns

In response to the update, the broker has reaffirmed its speculative buy rating and 75 cents price target on the ASX stock. Based on its current share price of 26.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 183% for investors over the next 12 months.

To put that into context, a $5,000 investment would be worth $14,150 if Bell Potter is on the money with its recommendation. It concludes:

On a net basis, our valuation is unchanged. We increase our gold exploration value, which is offset by reductions in our valuation of the lithium assets as we reflect ongoing lithium price weakness. We maintain our BUY (Speculative) recommendation for DLI, in accordance with our ratings structure. DLI's share price continues to be affected by negative lithium sector sentiment. We see upside in DLIs' valuation from: (1) the ongoing exploration and development of the Yinnetharra and Mt Ida Lithium Projects, (2) future improvements in lithium prices and sector sentiment, and, (3) increasing levels of newsflow from gold exploration and monetisation activities.

The post Meet the speculative ASX stock tipped to rise 180% appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are climbing:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

The Delta share price is up 13% to 26 cents. Investors have been buying this lithium explorer's shares after it released an update on its 100% owned Mt Ida Project in Western Australia. That update revealed that the company has discovered a significant gold deposit, not lithium. Management revealed that its mineral resource estimate for gold at Mt Ida (inferred and indicated) is now 6.6Mt @ 3.5 g/t Au for 752,000 ounces. Delta Lithium's managing director, James Croser, said: "This is a wonderful result for Delta shareholders, reaffirming our long-held belief that the gold system at Mt Ida has significant scale and upside."

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)

The Insurance Australia Group share price is up almost 7% to $7.11. This morning, this insurance giant released an update and reaffirmed its guidance for FY 2024. In respect to the latter, its reported insurance profit and margin are on track to be around the upper end of guidance ranges. In addition, IAG announced that it has purchased reinsurance protection to mitigate natural perils volatility for the next five years, alongside securing adverse development protection for its $2.5 billion long-tail reserves. IAG CEO Nick Hawkins said: "Today's announcement is an important milestone in our strategy to create a stronger, more resilient IAG."

Mirvac Group (ASX: MGR)

The Mirvac Group share price is up 4% to $1.88. This follows the release a trading update from the property company this morning. Mirvac reaffirmed its guidance for operating earnings per share of 14 cents to 14.3 cents in FY 2024 and a distribution per share of 10.5 cents. In addition, Mirvac revealed that it has delivered on its ~$1 billion asset sales program. This includes 367 Collins Street, Melbourne (exchanged and deposit received), with settlement expected in July 2024.

Suncorp Group Ltd (ASX: SUN)

The Suncorp share price is up 3.5% to $17.41. This has been driven by news that ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) has received a major boost in its quest to acquire Suncorp Bank for $4.9 billion. The Federal Treasurer has approved the proposed acquisition, paving the way for the deal to complete in July. Suncorp Group's chairman, Christine McLoughlin, said: "The Suncorp Group Board remains committed to returning to shareholders the majority of net proceeds following completion of the sale."

The post Why Delta Lithium, IAG, Mirvac, and Suncorp shares are climbing today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In early trade, the Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI) share price is up a whopping 37% to 31.5 cents.

This is despite the rest of the lithium industry looking like a sea of red at the time of writing.

Why is this ASX lithium stock rocketing?

Investors have been scrambling to buy Delta Lithium's shares today thanks to a golden announcement.

According to the release, the lithium explorer could be sitting atop a very lucrative gold deposit.

This follows Delta Lithium's recent exploration activities at its 100% owned Mt Ida Project, which is a shovel ready lithium and gold project in the Eastern Goldfields Province of Western Australia.

The release reveals that its recent mineral resource estimate has significantly increased the contained gold at Mt Ida, demonstrating the presence of a large gold system.

Pleasingly, all mineral resources at the Mt Ida Project are located on granted mining leases. This would allow the company to start mining immediately if studies support this outcome.

The upgrade represents an 82% increase in contained gold for the Baldock Deposit to 4.8Mt @ 4.4g/t gold for 674,000 ounces. In addition, the maiden mineral resource estimate for the Golden Vale Prospect is 27,000 ounces @ 1.7g/t Au.

Overall, the ASX lithium stock revealed that the mineral resource estimate for gold at Mt Ida (inferred and indicated) is now 6.6Mt @ 3.5 g/t Au for 752,000 ounces.

As a reminder, the current spot gold price is US$2,338.3 an ounce. This means it has potentially discovered a very valuable deposit.

'A wonderful result'

The ASX lithium stock's managing director, James Croser, was very pleased with the news. He said:

This is a wonderful result for Delta shareholders, reaffirming our long-held belief that the gold system at Mt Ida has significant scale and upside. The Baldock is fast becoming one of very few, large high-grade undeveloped gold deposits in WA in excess of 500koz. The commencement of open pit mining has been approved, and the underground approval with the Department is submitted and pending.

We are investigating the best options for Delta shareholders to crystalise value from our gold, which can then be applied to further developing our core lithium business. The efforts of Delta's Geology team have been tireless and driven toward this success. We have already started follow up gold drilling at Mt Ida to target resource growth beyond 1Moz.

The post Guess which ASX lithium stock is rocketing 37% on a golden announcement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that the gains may not be over for the ASX lithium shares listed below.

They have been named as buys by analysts and tipped to rise strongly from current levels.

Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM)

The team at Macquarie thinks that this lithium giant's shares are great value at the current level.

Last week, the broker retained its outperform rating with an $11.00 price target. This implies potential upside of almost 30% for investors over the next 12 months.

Macquarie sees potential for its shares to re-rate to higher multiples over the medium term.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Another ASX lithium share that has been named as a buy with major upside potential is Delta Lithium. It is focused on advancing the Mt Ida Lithium Project towards production and explorating the highly prospective Yinnetharra Lithium Project.

Bell Potter is a fan of the company and has a speculative buy rating and 75 price target on its shares. This suggests that its shares could more than double in value over the next 12 months.

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Bell Potter also believes that lithium developer Liontown could be a buy. Its analysts have a speculative buy rating and $1.60 price target on its shares. This implies that upside of approximately 25% is possible for investors.

The broker believes Albemarle's failed takeover bid demonstrates the quality of its Kathleen Valley operation. It said:

LTR remains our preferred lithium developer. We expect production will ramp-up as lithium prices and market sentiment improve. Albemarle's 2023 bid (subsequently withdrawn) highlighted Kathleen Valley's highly strategic nature in terms of its stage of development, long mine life and location.

The post 3 ASX lithium shares with huge upside to buy in March appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If you missed out on those gains, don't worry. That's because Bell Potter is tipping a small cap ASX lithium stock to more than double in value from current levels.

That lithium stock is Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI), which owns the Mt Ida Lithium and Yinnetharra Lithium Projects in Western Australia.

What is the broker saying about this ASX lithium stock?

Bell Potter was pleased with the recent announcement of the initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Yinnetharra project. It notes that its combined indicated and inferred resources totalled 25.7Mt at 1.0% Li2O across five deposits.

This is a similar scale to the 2018 MRE of Bald Hill (26.5Mt at 1.0% Li2O), which is owned by Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN).

In addition, the broker appears to believe that recent weakness has created a compelling buying opportunity for investors with a high tolerance for risk. Particularly given how there are a number of potentially positive catalysts on the horizon. It said:

We maintain our BUY (Speculative) recommendation for DLI, in accordance with our ratings structure. DLIs' share price declined materially in 2HCY23 as on-market strategic investment ended, and lithium prices and sector sentiment declined. We see upside in DLIs' share price through CY24 with i) expected positive re-valuation catalysts from Yinnetharra exploration and Resource growth, ii) our forecast improvements in lithium prices, and, iii) the possibility of further strategic investment / M&A activity, which could be catalysed by further discovery, or improving sector sentiment.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and 75 cents price target on the ASX lithium stock. Based on its current share price of 34 cents, this implies a potential upside of 120% for investors over the next 12 months.

The post Forget Kali Metals, this small cap ASX lithium stock could double in value appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While this is disappointing, it could have created a buying opportunity according to some analysts.

For example, listed below are four ASX lithium shares that have recently been rated as buys with material upside potential:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

The team at Bell Potter believe that investors should be buying this small-cap ASX lithium share. Its analysts have just retained their speculative buy rating on its shares with a reduced price target of 85 cents. This suggests that its shares could rise approximately 85% over the next 12 months. It notes that Delta has "attracted strategic investment from several notable strategic investors."

Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX: GL1)

Analysts at Shaw and Partners continue to see significant value on offer with this ASX lithium share. A note from last week reveals that its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating and $3.20 price target on its shares. This offers over 150% upside from current levels. Global Lithium is the owner of the Manna Lithium Project.

Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Bell Potter also believes that lithium developer Liontown Resources could be an ASX lithium share to buy. Its analysts recently reaffirmed their speculative buy rating and $2.75 price target on its shares. It highlights that Liontown "is now fully funded to complete the development of Kathleen Valley and is on track to ramp-up spodumene concentrate production from mid-2024." Bell Potter's price target offers a 71% upside.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Macquarie may have finally admitted defeat with its bullish lithium price forecasts, but it still sees value in this lithium giant. Last week, the broker retained its outperform rating on its shares with a $4.40 price target. This represents a potential upside of 12% for investors.

The post 4 buy-rated ASX lithium shares for 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While the declines have been disappointing, one leading broker appears to believe it could have created a compelling buying opportunity for investors with a high tolerance for risk.

For example, Bell Potter thinks that the two ASX lithium stocks listed below could rise massively from where they currently trade.

Here's what the broker is saying:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

According to a note, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on this lithium explorer's shares with a trimmed price target of 85 cents. This implies a potential upside of almost 87% for investors over the next 12 months.

The broker believes that this ASX lithium stock could rally strongly next year thanks to a number of catalysts. It explains:

We reduce our valuation by 37%, primarily due to the recent capital raise, and the inclusion of a BP assumed 4QCY24 capital raising to fund the development of a Mt Ida concentrate project, assuming positive FID in 4QCY24. DLIs' share priced declined materially in 2HCY23 as on-market strategic investment ended, and lithium prices declined. We see upside in DLIs' share price through CY24 with i) expected positive re-valuation catalysts from Yinnetharra exploration, ii) our forecast improvements in lithium prices, and, iii) the possibility of further strategic investment / M&A activity.

Lake Resources N.L. (ASX: LKE)

Another ASX lithium stock that Bell Potter believes has huge upside potential is Lake Resources. It has a speculative buy rating and 25 cents price target on its shares. This suggests a potential upside of 97% for investors.

Although the broker highlights the market's likely (and arguably justified) scepticism over the company's lithium price assumptions in its definitive feasibility study, it remains positive. It said:

The DFS results are relatively consistent with previous market guidance. A US$33,000/t LCE average price will be viewed by the market as aggressive, though is supported by market research (Wood Mackenzie).

It then adds:

Key to LKE's success over 2024 will be maintaining tension with respect to financing and offtake, potentially amid a weak lithium market. In parallel, FEED and permitting will continue. LKE is relatively well funded with 30 September 2023 cash of A$60m. The Kachi project's large scale and DLE technology selection does potentially make LKE a strategically important company over the medium to long term; DLE brings ESG benefits including less land disturbance and water consumption.

The post Bell Potter says these ASX lithium stocks can rise 80%+ in 2024 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

According to a note out of Macquarie, its analysts have retained their outperform rating and $5 price target on this uranium developer's shares. Macquarie was pleased to see the company sign its maiden sales contract this week. And with its first production due very shortly, it won't be long until the company is able to take advantage of strong uranium prices. The Boss Energy share price is trading at $4.26 this afternoon.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

A note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating on this lithium explorer's shares with a reduced price target of 85 cents. The broker notes that its shares have pulled back recently, creating a buying opportunity. It sees an upside in 2024 thanks to potential re-valuation catalysts from Yinnetharra exploration, forecast improvements in lithium prices, and the possibility of further M&A activity. The Delta Lithium share price is trading at 46 cents on Friday.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Another note out of Macquarie reveals that its analysts have retained their outperform rating on this lithium miner's shares but have slashed their price target down to $4.40. After remaining defiant on lithium prices all year, Macquarie has now conceded that prices will be lower than it previously forecast for a number of years due to a surplus of the battery-making ingredient. Nevertheless, Pilbara Minerals remains its top pick in the sector and it still sees meaningful value in its shares at current levels. The Pilbara Minerals share price is fetching $3.79 today.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This represents an almost 80% fall in the carbonate price in 2023 alone.

Unsurprisingly, this has dragged down the value of ASX 200 lithium shares over this period:

• Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO) shares are down 76%
• IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are down 42%
• Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) shares are down 23%
• Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are down 22%
• Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are down 7.5%

What's happening with lithium prices?

We've got a significant supply and demand situation right now, and it seems to be getting worse.

Top broker Goldman Sachs has put out a note lowering its 12-month forecast for lithium prices again.

The broker was tipping US$15,000 p/t for lithium carbonate but is now forecasting US$11,000 p/t.

It was also predicting US$16,500 p/t for lithium hydroxide and has reduced that to US$12,000 p/t.

As my Fool colleague James reports, Goldman reckons lithium prices won't bottom til 2025.

Fresh analysis from Trading Economics points to pessimism about electric vehicle (EV) sales in China — the world's biggest producer of EVs — as the key catalyst for continually falling lithium prices.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

EV sales pessimism in China limited lithium demand for battery manufacturers in their typical restocking season. Instead, firms took advantage of high inventories following the supply glut caused by extensive subsidies from the Chinese government throughout 2021 and 2022.

The developments drove key market players to forecast the next lithium deficit to return only in 2028 …

Elsewhere, the EV sales in the US have missed expectations as higher credit costs hampered consumers' willingness to make large purchases. Meanwhile, output is set to remain robust.

Reuters reports that CITIC Futures forecasts domestic EV sales in China to grow by 25% to 9.44 million units next year, slowing from annual growth of 31% and 89% in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

On top of that, a slower growth rate is also projected for the energy storage sector, which is the second-biggest consumer of lithium, because of softening demand, CITIC says.

Should you care?

The dramatic fall in lithium prices this year, coupled with bearish forecasts for 2024, makes for depressing reading. But the question is, should short-term lithium price issues influence our investment decisions?

The falling commodities values don't seem to be influencing the investment decisions of the biggest brains in Australian mining, not to mention some of the biggest lithium companies in the world.

In 2023, amid crashing lithium prices, they've all been vying for a bigger share of the Australian lithium pie.

Here are some examples.

MinRes boss Chris Ellison recently took a 17.44% stake in Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI) and is now the board's non-executive chair. Hancock Prospecting boss Gina Rinehart is also a major shareholder.

Ellison also bought nearly a fifth of Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8) last month.

Rinehart raided Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR) and built a 19.9% stake in October while US takeover suitor Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) did its due diligence. That deal then fell over.

Rinehart and Ellison have both been buying Azure Minerals Ltd (ASX: AZS) shares after the junior miner accepted a $3.52 per share takeover from Chilean lithium giant Sociedad Quimica y Minr de Chile SA (NYSE: SQM). Ellison now reckons the SQM takeover is "dead in the water".

Meantime, the proposed merger of Allkem and Livent Corp (NYSE: LTHM) is moving full-steam ahead.

Clearly, these giants of the lithium industry are thinking long-term.

It begs the question as to whether we ordinary ASX investors should be doing the same and ignoring the current white noise on lithium prices.

In fact, maybe we should welcome it.

It's driving ASX lithium share prices down, and perhaps that will give us a phenomenal one-off opportunity to buy the dip at some stage in a mining sector with a very bright future.

The decarbonisation investment theme has decades to run, with lithium batteries set to play a monstrous role in the green energy transition.

The post Lithium price drops to lowest level since August 2021 but should you care? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because listed below are five ASX lithium shares that have been rated as buys recently.

Here's what analysts are saying about them:

Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE)

Goldman Sachs is a big fan of lithium giant Allkem. Even though the broker believes that lithium prices have further to fall, it remains bullish on this lithium miner due to its significant production growth plans. It has a buy rating and a $10.90 price target, which implies a 29% upside from current levels.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Delta Lithium is the lithium explorer behind the Mt Ida Lithium Project in Western Australia. It counts Mineral Resources and Gina Rinehart as major shareholders. Bell Potter is extremely bullish on this ASX lithium share. It has a speculative buy rating and a $1.35 price target on its shares. This compares very favourably to its current share price of 48.5 cents.

IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO)

This lithium miner also has Goldman Sachs as a fan. It has a buy rating and a $10.60 price target on its shares. This suggests a potential upside of 21% for investors over the next 12 months. The broker likes IGO partly because of its Greenbushes operation. It highlights that "Greenbushes [is] the lowest cost Australian spodumene producer and one of the lower cost in the broader market."

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN)

Another ASX lithium share that has been given the thumbs up recently is Mineral Resources. Morgans is a fan of the company. So much so, that it has the company on its best ideas list. It sees "MIN as well placed to grow into its valuation, even if we see unexpected metal price volatility, given the magnitude of organic growth in the pipeline." Morgans has an add rating and $83 price target, which suggests a 30% upside for investors.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Analysts at Macquarie continue to see Pilbara Minerals as an ASX lithium share to buy. Particularly given its strong balance sheet, high-quality asset base, and track record of project execution. Speaking of which, the broker was also pleased to see management confirm last week that its P680 and P1000 projects remain on time and on budget. Macquarie has an outperform rating and $7.10 price target on its shares. This is almost double the current Pilbara Minerals share price of $3.64.

The post 5 ASX lithium shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are climbing more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Boss Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

The Boss Energy share price is up 2.5% to $4.43. This has been driven by a bullish broker note out of Bell Potter this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded this uranium developer's shares to a speculative buy rating with a $5.53 price target. Bell Potter notes that "uranium fundamentals continue to support our pricing thesis."

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

The Delta Lithium share price is up 2% to 48.5 cents. After the market close on Thursday, this lithium explorer announced that Gina Rinehart has increased her stake from 7.02% to 12.07%. Yesterday, Rinehart's Hancock Prospecting business picked up 1.1 million shares on market and a further 36.9 million shares via its institutional entitlement offer.

Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)

The Healius share price is up 3% to $1.33. Investors may believe that this healthcare company's shares have been oversold following its recent capital raising. Following its most recent decline, the Healius share price is now down 57% since this time last year.

Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG)

The Origin share price is up 2.5% to $8.55. This is despite the energy giant's largest shareholder AustralianSuper rejecting the latest Brookfield/EIG takeover approach. The super fund commented: "This latest low-ball offer strengthens AustralianSuper's view that the offer remains substantially below our estimate of Origin's long-term value." Some investors may still believe a deal is possible.

The post Why Boss Energy, Delta Lithium, Healius, and Origin shares are rising appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that have failed to follow the market's lead are listed below. Here's why they are falling:

Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL)

The Aristocrat Leisure share price is down 2% to $39.05. Investors have been selling this gaming technology company's shares following the release of its FY 2023 results. Although it delivered strong growth for the 12 months, its guidance for the year ahead may have underwhelmed the market.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

The Delta Lithium share price is down 6% to 49 cents. This morning, this lithium explorer announced the completion of the institutional component of its capital raising. The company has raised $41.8 million at 46 cents per new share. This represents an 11.5% discount to its last close price. Proceeds will be used to accelerate drilling and development at both its Mt Ida and Yinnetharra Lithium Projects.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

The Flight Centre share price is down 3% to $18.83. This has been driven by the release of the travel agent giant's annual general meeting update. Although Flight Centre revealed strong growth during the first quarter of FY 2024, its guidance for the full year appears to have been softer than some were expecting.

Karoon Energy Ltd (ASX: KAR)

The Karoon Energy share price crashed 10% to $2.15 before being placed in a trading halt. The trading halt was requested "pending an announcement in relation to a potential transaction." There is speculation that the potential transaction will require a major capital raising.

The post Why Aristocrat, Delta Lithium, Flight Centre, and Karoon Energy shares are sinking appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Much weaker lithium commodity prices in 2023 have pushed many ASX lithium shares lower, and Mineral Resources is no exception.

The ASX 200 mining giant is down 28.5% over the past 12 months, alongside a 75% fall in the lithium carbonate price.

Mineral Resources hasn't fallen by as much as lithium pure-plays like Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE) — down by 33.4% and 47.4%, respectively — because it is diversified.

MinRes also derives a lot of revenue from iron ore mining and mining services to other companies.

But Mineral Resources boss Chris Ellison clearly wants to change the balance and enhance the company's lithium exposure. That's why he's been on a buying spree alongside industry doyen Gina Rinehart of Hancock Prospecting.

In recent weeks, the billionaires have been snapping up strategic stakes in several junior lithium explorers.

Yesterday, we found out that both Ellison and Rinehart will be taking up their full entitlements in the $70 million capital raising announced by ASX junior miner Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI).

Why is this junior ASX lithium share raising cash?

Mineral Resources is Delta's biggest shareholder and is underwriting the offer.

The holdings of Rinehart and Mineral Resources represent a combined 22% ownership stake. This means their entitlements will account for about $15.4 million of the $70 million raising.

Ellison became Delta's biggest shareholder in August. He bought tens of millions of Delta Lithium shares to increase his stake to 17.44%. This scored him a seat on the board as non-executive chair.

The accelerated non-renounceable entitlement offer allows eligible shareholders to purchase two new shares for every seven that they already own. The offer price is 46 cents. This represents an 11.5% discount to the last traded price of 52 cents last Friday.

The institutional component of the offer will be concluded today. The retail component for Australia and New Zealand shareholders is anticipated to run from 20 November to 4 December.

Delta said the proceeds would be used to fund expanded drilling programs at its Mt Ida Lithium Project in the Goldfields region of Western Australia and the Yinnetharra Lithium Project in the Gascoyne region.

The monies would also cover the scoping study at Yinnetharra as well as a Definitive Feasibility Study and a Final Investment Decision at Mt Ida, which is expected late next year.

Delta Lithium shares remain in a trading halt following the announcement of the capital raise yesterday.

The ASX lithium share fell 5.45% last Friday after the company released an exploration update.

In it, Managing Director James Croser said it was a very exciting time for Delta. He said continued exploration success was steadily building confidence in the Mt Ida and Yinnetharra projects.

Delta Lithium also owns the Eureka gold project and the Earaheedy Basin PB-ZN project in Western Australia.

What else have Ellison and Rinehart been buying?

In recent weeks, Rinehart and Mineral Resources have both been buying Azure Minerals Ltd (ASX: AZS) shares.

The junior miner has accepted a $3.52 per share takeover from Sociedad Quimica y Minr de Chile SA (NYSE: SQM). Rinehart now owns 18.3% of Azure and Mineral Resources owns 12.29%.

Last month, Rinehart raided Liontown Resources Limited (ASX: LTR). She built a 19.9% stake while US giant Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) conducted due diligence for its takeover proposal.

That deal is now off the table.

Also last month, Ellison bought nearly a fifth of Wildcat Resources Ltd (ASX: WC8). The junior miner announced its own $100 million capital raising last Friday.

MinRes also lifted its stake in its own Wodgina hard rock lithium mine in the Pilbara from 40% to 50% after restructuring its joint venture deal with Albemarle.

As part of the JV restructure, Mineral Resources will receive between US$380 million and US$400 million from Albemarle. In exchange, Albemarle is taking full ownership of the Kemerton Lithium Hydroxide Plant.

On top of that, Mineral Resources recently announced US$1.1 billion (A$1.7 billion) in new debt funding via a notes offering, with funds to be used for general purposes "including for capital expenditures".

Emphasis on the CAPEX component, perhaps?

The post Mineral Resources is rocking on with another ASX lithium share investment appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In morning trade, the ASX lithium stock is up almost 8% to 63 cents.

Why is this ASX lithium stock jumping?

Investors have been buying the lithium explorer's shares this morning after it achieved a key milestone at the Mt Ida Lithium Project in Western Australia.

According to the release, the WA Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has approved the mining proposal and mine closure plan for open pit mining operations at the Mt Ida Lithium Project.

Management highlights that this is a key milestone in the company's strategy to achieve 'shovel ready' status on phase 1 of mine development at Mt Ida and further de-risks development of the concentrate project.

In addition, the approval of open pit mining now positions the company to take advantage of the opportunity to exploit shallow gold ore that is overlying lithium ore.

Detailed technical work is now underway based on the recent lithium mineral resources estimate (MRE) update and the maiden gold MRE announced by the company.

'A compelling mining project'

The ASX lithium stock's managing director, James Croser, was pleased with the news. He said:

With all statutory approvals for commencement of mining now received, it is accurate to say that Mt Ida is indeed shovel-ready. The combined lithium and gold resources present a compelling mining project. The Company is now in an enviable position at Mt Ida to simultaneously progress studies on the lithium concentrate project; while also progressing discussion around deriving value from high-grade gold.

The Delta Lithium share price is up approximately 15% over the last 12 months following today's gain.

The post Why is this ASX lithium stock jumping 8% on Friday? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are dropping:

Avita Medical Inc (ASX: AVH)

The Avita Medical share price is down 20% to $3.60. Investors have been selling this medical device company's shares after it was dealt a blow by the US FDA. The regulator has asked for more information regarding its Recell Go product. This request places the application file on hold for approximately 4 to 6 months while it addresses the FDA's questions.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

The Delta Lithium share price is down almost 6% to 73 cents. This morning, this lithium explorer released an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Mt Ida project. It has upgraded its combined inferred and indicated MRE to 14.6Mt at 1.2% Li2O. Delta Lithium's indicate mineral resources are up 136% to 7.8Mt at 1.3% Li2O. The market appears to have been expecting an even greater MRE.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO)

The Santos share price is down almost 4% to $7.56. Investors have been selling Santos and other ASX energy shares today after oil prices pulled back overnight. Traders were taking profit after some strong gains recently and amid concerns over demand due to rising interest rates.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

The West African Resources share price is down 6% to 73 cents. This gold miner's shares are falling despite the announcement of a memorandum of understanding with Orezone Gold Corporation. The two parties will investigate synergies on their respective mining projects that could unlock significant value for all stakeholders. Both miners operate independently in Burkina Faso.

The post Why Avita Medical, Delta Lithium, Santos, and Western Africa Resources are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX broker buy ratings that you might want to know more about are summarised below. Here's why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating on this gold miner's shares with a slightly higher price target of $5.20. Bell Potter highlights that Capricorn Metals is a sector-leading gold miner with a solid balance sheet and a management team with an excellent track record of operational delivery. The Capricorn Metals share price ended the week at $4.41.

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Another note out of Bell Potter reveals that its analysts have retained their speculative buy rating and $1.35 price target on this lithium developer's shares. Bell Potter was pleased with news that the company has appointed Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) founder and CEO Chris Ellison as its new chair. It believes this de-risks project development. In addition, with MinRes boosting its stake to 17.44%, the broker isn't ruling out a full takeover in the future. The Delta Lithium share price was fetching 79.5 cents on Friday.

Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW)

Analysts at Goldman Sachs have retained their conviction buy rating and $42 price target on this supermarket giant's shares. Goldman believes Woolworths can continue to grow its market share in the coming years. This is thanks to its early work on its store network, technology and automation, as well as digital and omni-channel capabilities. The Woolworths share price was trading at $37.92 on Friday.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Both these exciting ASX mining shares have been named as buys by analysts at Bell Potter. Here's what the broker is saying:

Delta Lithium Ltd (ASX: DLI)

Bell Potter is feeling very positive on this ASX lithium share. Particularly following news that Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has increased its stake in the lithium explorer and the mining giant's founder and CEO Chris Ellison has been named as Delta Lithium's new chair.

Its analysts feel this de-risks things significantly. It also isn't ruling out a takeover in the future. It said:

[W]e expect an integrated scenario to exceed our DLI risk-adjusted independent valuation, given MIN's capabilities and existing operations significantly de-risk DLI's development pipeline, and accelerate earnings potential. In our view, given MIN's clear interest in DLI's projects, any weakness in DLI's share price could result in a full takeover offer. We expect a number of potential catalysts for DLI in late CY23 / early CY24, including i) Mt Ida development plans, ii) Yinnetharra initial Mineral Resource estimates, and, iii) Jamesons Prospect exploration commencement.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and a $1.35 price target on Delta Lithium's shares. This implies a potential upside of almost 70%.

Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX: BOE)

Bell Potter believes this Namibia-based ASX uranium share could be a good option for investors with a high-risk tolerance.

The broker is feeling very positive on the uranium price and believes Paladin Energy is well-positioned to benefit thanks to its Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM). It commented:

We reiterate our investment thesis on PDN being 1) LHM is a proven asset in a known uranium mining jurisdiction with a comparatively low restart risk, 2) At full capacity LHM will be a top ten producer supplying 6Mlbs pa by FY26 (BPe), and 3) uranium market fundamentals remain robust, with 118Mlbs in long-term offtake contracted CYTD (124Mlbs CY22), PDN is fully contracted for the first year of operations and substantially contracted for the second year, we anticipate demand for PDN's material will increase over the next 6-12m leading to more long-term offtake contracts.

Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating and a $1.12 price target on its shares. This suggests a potential upside of 20% for investors.

The post Which ASX lithium and uranium shares should I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.