It is an ASX listed exploration and development company. 

The business has seven projects across three countries, however the majority of the value in the business is focused on its Colossus ionic adsorption clay (IAC) project in Minas Gerais Brazil.

In the last 12 months, this ASX mining stock has rocketed 780% higher. 

That includes 100% year to date.

However, today, its share price has dipped more than 5%. 

A new report from Bell Potter indicates it could be an opportunity to buy a quality stock at a value. 

Why has this mining stock been rising?

Veridis has been advancing its Colossus rare earths project in Brazil. The project is situated within the highly prospective Poços de Caldas rare earths complex.

Colossus is viewed as one of the most economically compelling rare earths developments worldwide.

A recent economic assessment indicates a potential 20-year initial mine life, alongside a relatively short two-year payback period for a proposed operation at the project.

In addition, rising geopolitical tensions heightened concerns over global supply, with China accounting for around 60% of global rare earths production and more than 90% of refining capacity.

This makes Viridis an attractive rare earths miner. It is well positioned as a potential Western-aligned alternative source of supply. This is along with a large-scale, relatively low-payback project.

What is Bell Potter's updated view

The broker said the recent 3QFY26 report highlighted the meaningful progress made in derisking the Colossus Rare Earth Project (Colossus) in Minas Gerais, Brazil. 

All equipment for the CPTR/MREC demonstration plant was delivered to site with building works completed and utilities installed, with commissioning targeted for early May 2026.

Bell Potter said VMM had a very busy quarter. Additionally, it is making solid progress across several important parts of its project.

Key workstreams like the feasibility study, engineering contracting, approvals, and commissioning are all approaching important milestones. 

Because multiple steps are advancing at the same time, it lowers the risk that a single problem could cause major delays.

Overall, the message is that the project is tracking well toward its expected final investment decision around Q3 2026.

Speculative buy rating retained

Based on this guidance, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating on this ASX mining stock. 

The broker also has an unchanged price target of $4.30. 

This ASX mining stock has dipped more than 5% this morning, which has created more value moving forward. 

From today's share price of approximately $2.55, this indicates an upside potential of more than 68%. 

The post Why investors should buy the dip on this ASX mining stock appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because it believes this stock could more than double in value over the next 12 months.

Which ASX mining stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is recommending to clients with a high tolerance for risk is Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM).

It is a minerals exploration and development company with seven projects across three countries.

However, Bell Potter notes that the majority of the value in the business is focused on its Colossus ionic adsorption clay (IAC) project in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Bell Potter highlights that the company is closing in on a final investment decision for the project. It said:

VMM are rapidly progressing towards a Final Investment Decision (FID) (BPe 2HCY26) for the Colossus project, which is targeting production commencement in 2028. Ahead of that, the company has been progressing offtake arrangements, facilitated by governments in particular the US and EU. We suspect the ultimate direction of offtake will depend on optimising 1) funding for the US$358m capital cost of Colossus, and 2) maximising shareholder value via contract pricing (i.e. maintain the greatest amount of leverage to underlying prices).

The most critical catalysts over the coming months are 1) Demonstration plant commissioning (BPe April) 2) production offtake (we're expecting a mix of floor and market linked price, with payabilities 70% or greater), 3) submission of construction licence application (BPe April) and 4) Finalisation of financing, predominantly debt (~US$250m) with a smaller portion of strategic equity/ public equity (~US$50-$80m).

The broker also highlights that the ASX stock's valuation is very attractive compared to peers. It adds:

It's the land of opportunity. The relative value of VMM vs peers remains stark in our opinion. Peers such as Meteoric (MEI, Buy Spec $0.25/sh, market cap A$440m), which is developing a similar project adjacent to VMM (Caldeira), and Aclara (ARA.TSX, not covered, market cap C$700m), which has a lower-grade and higher cost project in Brazil (although has further optionality downstream).

Big potential returns

According to the note, the broker has a speculative buy rating and $4.30 price target on the ASX mining stock.

Based on its current share price of $1.95, this implies potential upside of 120% for investors.

Commenting on its recommendation, Bell Potter concludes:

The world is shifting, major global producers Lynas (LYC, Hold $19.00/sh) and MP Materials (MP, not covered) have price floors in place now covering the US and Japan. We are yet to see price floors extended to Europe to guarantee offtake and security of supply.

The examples have been set as to what an acceptable price is now, with shared participation above certain levels, and preference ascribed to those who can provide a Light Rare Earth (NdPr) and Heavy Rare Earth (Dy, Tb, Y, Sm) solution. Our valuation is increased to $4.30/sh after accounting for the recent capital raise and we maintain our Buy (spec) recommendation.

The post Which ASX mining stock could rise 120% according to a leading broker? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining (ASX: XMM) index is up an impressive 7% already in 3 weeks of trading this year. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is up just 1% in that same period. 

Here are 5 metals and mining shares off to hot starts in 2026. 

Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)

Whitehaven Coal is a large Australian independent thermal and metallurgical coal miner with mines in the Gunnedah Basin, New South Wales.

The coal miner has benefited from long-term global coal demand increases and strengthening coal prices this year. 

Already in 2026, its share price has risen from $7.80 to almost $9 per share. 

This is a 14.6% increase. 

NICO Resources Ltd (ASX: NC1)

NICO Resources is a small-cap mineral exploration and development company. 

It is engaged in exploring, developing, evaluating, acquiring, and exploiting mineral resource project opportunities.

It has been one of the hottest materials shares to start 2026, rising from $0.14 to $0.35 in that period. 

That represents a rise of 150%. 

Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM)

Viridis Mining & Minerals engages in mineral exploration primarily on a portfolio of coal assets in Indonesia.

Yesterday, its stock price rose by more than 7%. 

Including this gain, it is now up 46% in 2026 and more than 330% in the last 12 months. 

Investors have been reacting positively this year to the conditional Letter of Support ('LOS') for up to US$50 million from Export Finance Australia ('EFA'). 

Bell Potter believes this growth could continue. 

The broker has a speculative buy rating and set a price target of $2.65 on these ASX mining shares. 

That indicates a further upside of more than 42%. 

Titan Minerals Ltd (ASX: TTM)

Titan Minerals shares jumped 5% yesterday to take its year to date gains to more than 30%. 

There has been plenty of positive news out of the gold miner already this year. 

Titan Minerals shares also jumped 7% on January 14 after a strong exploration update from its Dynasty Gold Project in Ecuador.

Titan Minerals Ltd. is a minerals exploration and production company, which focuses on medium-sized gold projects in South America.

It has enjoyed massive gains over the past year (like many other gold shares). 

This gold mining company is up more than 180% in the last 12 months. 

Benz Mining Corp (ASX: BNZ)

Benz Mining is a Canadian mining development company focused on advancing the Eastmain Gold Mine project in the James Bay Region, Quebec.

After yesterday's 4.4% rise, it has now increased more than 22% this year. 

In the last 12 months it is up more than 400%. 

The post 5 of the hottest ASX metals and mining shares right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This group of 17 elements is critical to a wide range of modern-day industries, including clean energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and robotics.

However, supply remains highly concentrated with China accounting for around 60% of global rare earths production and more than 90% of refining capacity.

This market dominance has prompted some Western nations like the US to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

As a result, several ASX mining stocks with rare earths projects outside of China have surged this year.

For instance, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: LYC) has been a strong performer with its share price soaring by 93% since the start of January.

The company operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is widely regarded as one of the most significant rare earths deposits in the world.

However, Lynas is not the only ASX rare earths stock attracting attention.

According to Australian financial advisory firm Bell Potter, another player could be poised for serious upside.

Bell Potter's view on rare earths

Bell Potter believes the tailwinds driving the rare earths boom in 2025 are likely to persist.

These include ongoing geopolitical tensions, US government investment in mining, and expanding separation and magnet manufacturing capacity.

That said, the broker cautioned that a wave of new supply could potentially enter the rare earths market in upcoming years.

As a result, Bell Potter's preference is for projects in the bottom quartile of the cost curve and relatively low capital and execution risk.

And the broker identified Verdis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM) as one such opportunity.

Economically significant project

Verdis is developing its Colossus rare earths project in Brazil, located within the geologically fertile Poços de Caldas rare earths complex.

Management considers Colossus to be amongst the most economically robust rare earths projects globally.

A recent economic assessment outlined a 20 year initial mine life and a modest two-year payback period for a potential mine at the project.

However, a subsequent reserve estimate hinted that production could possibly extend for up to 40 years.

Bell Potter noted that Colossus is progressing through initial permitting, with a Preliminary Licence (LP) awaiting final approval.

It added that the project has indicative debt support for the project from within Brazil, France, and Canada.

The broker also appears drawn to the project's potential for hosting dysprosium and terbium.

These two elements play a key role in high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence sector technology.

Bell Potter commented:

Once in production, we believe VMM will be one of the lowest operating cost rare earth projects globally, and a meaningful provider of heavy rare earth elements Dysprosium and Terbium (Dy + Tb).

Share price in focus for this ASX mining stock

Verdis shareholders have already enjoyed a standout year.

Overall, shares in this ASX mining stock have rocketed by 184% since the start of January.

This compares with a 5.4% rise for the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) across the same period.

However, Bell Potter believes this powerful rally could have plenty of fuel left in the tank.

The broker has assigned a speculative buy rating and set a price target of $2.65 per share for this ASX mining stock.

This represents potential upside of 165% from Monday's closing price of $1.00 per share.

The post Expert tips 165% upside for this ASX mining stock as rare earths tailwinds persist appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since December 2024, it has increased by an impressive 172.37%. 

The company engages in mineral exploration in Australia, Canada and Brazil. 

The team at Bell Potter released a new report on the company yesterday. 

The broker has a speculative buy recommendation on this ASX materials stock, along with a price target indicating a further rise from current levels. 

Here is the latest from Bell Potter.

Brazil project faces delays 

Viridis Mining & Minerals was scheduled to have a license hearing on 28 November. This hearing is part of the environmental permitting process in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The questioning focused on: 

• proximity of operations to local residents
• hydrogeological and water balance impacts
• environmental and public impacts
• processed clay residue

However, the hearing was postponed because the state environmental agency (FEAM) needs to respond to a list of concerns raised by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF).

This effectively created a delay and a share price fall 27% followed by a trading halt.

The market likely interpreted the MPF's intervention as a sign of elevated permitting risk, or possible delays, or potential for tougher environmental conditions.

Bell Potter said in its report that it spoke with management who was optimistic the situation would soon be resolved.

According to the broker, Management reiterated that the state environmental agency (FEAM) supports the project and has already responded to the federal prosecutors, with a more detailed reply coming soon. 

They believe the MPF's concerns are overstated – only 3 of 98 springs would be affected – and say the MPF also misrepresented issues around clay residue and the project's proximity to residents.

Bell Potter said that the company is targeting the December 19th COPAM meeting for approval of the project. 

Price target indicates big upside

It appears the strong selloff amidst the legal proceedings has created even more upside for this ASX materials stock. 

The broker is optimistic on the outlook of the company's Colossus project getting back on track.

We see projects like Colossus being able to quickly scale into a growing market, offsetting supply shortages over the coming decades. The importance of low operating costs will become apparent in time we believe, with current hard rock projects facing margin pressure despite increasing production capacity.

Bell Potter has reiterated its speculative buy recommendation. 

The broker also has a price target of $2.65. 

This is 154.81% higher than yesterday's closing price of $1.04. 

We maintain our Buy (spec) recommendation and valuation of $2.65/sh (unchanged). Our recommendation and valuation are based on a 40% risked assessment of estimated FCF for the Colossus ionic adsorption clay project in Brazil. Near-term catalysts, along with a strong secular tailwind, are likely to continue to support VMM.

The post Leading broker thinks this ASX materials stock is set to double! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The team at Bell Potter has identified Viridis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM) as one set for increased growth. 

It is a resource exploration and development company with assets in Brazil, Canada, and Australia.

This year, it has already flown 294.29% higher. 

For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 20% in the same span. 

At the time of writing, this ASX-listed materials stock is trading at $1.38 per share. 

The team at Bell Potter has a speculative buy rating on Viridis shares. 

Let's see what is behind the optimism. 

Momentum building

In August of 2023, Viridis acquired 100% Rare Earth Element (REE) rights to the Colossus IAC (Ionic Adsorption Clay) Project.

The Colossus IAC REE Project is located in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and comprises a total of 228.62km2 licenses within and around the prolific Poços De Caldas Alkaline Complex.

In a report from Bell Potter yesterday, the broker highlighted strong near-term catalysts and continued support from secular demand for rare earths, maintaining a positive outlook on Viridis.

Noteably, Bell Potter recently visited Vulcan Minerals' Colossus rare earth project in Brazil, where they reviewed the regional geology, proposed processing design, metallurgical results, permitting progress, ESG considerations, and the development of the demonstration plant.

The broker highlighted that processing risks appear lower than for peers due to favourable mineralogy and local operational experience, and there could be upside to both payability (above 70%) and operating costs (currently estimated at US$11.8 per tonne, compared with Bell Potter's estimate of US$15.2 per tonne).

Press filter risks are likely to be less concerning than peers due to favourable mineralogy, and existing experience from current operators within the Caldeira, whilst opportunities exist beyond our base case for payabilities (BPe 70%) and Opex (BPe US$15.2/t ore processed, VMM US$11.8/t).

Upside for ASX materials stock

Bell Potter maintains its speculative buy rating on this ASX materials stock. 

The broker also increased its price target to $2.65 (previously $1.55). 

The updated price target from Bell Potter indicates an upside of approximately 92%. 

Our recommendation and valuation are based on a 40% risked assessment of estimated FCF for the Colossus ionic adsorption clay project in Brazil. Near-term catalysts, along with a strong secular tailwind, are likely to continue to support VMM.

The post Broker tips 90% upside for this ASX materials stock! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The company operates the Mt Weld mine in Western Australia which is widely regarded as one of the most significant rare earths deposits in the world.

And in Malaysia, it owns one of the biggest rare earths processing facilities on the planet, producing separated rare earth materials for export to international markets.

Rare earths are a group of 17 elements critical for a host of new-age industries, including clean energy, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and robotics.

But here's the thing.

China dominates the market, producing more than 90% of the world's processed rare earths and rare earth magnets. 

This dominance has prompted some Western nations – including the US – to seek alternative supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

And last week, this urgency intensified after China expanded its rare earths export controls by adding five more elements to its restricted list.

All up, the export of 12 out of 17 rare earths is now curbed.

The move sent ripples through global markets and thrust Lynas shares firmly into the spotlight.

Notably, Lynas claims to be the only major producer of separated rare earth materials outside of China.

In other words, it appears to be positioned at the forefront of the Western world's efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains from allied nations.

However, Lynas isn't alone.

Several other ASX mining stocks are advancing high-potential rare earths projects in geopolitically favourable locations.

Below, we highlight four surging ASX rare earths stocks that could help diversify the world's supply of these vital elements.

Meteoric Resources NL (ASX: MEI)

Meteoric is advancing towards production its Caldeira rare earths project in Brazil's infrastructure-rich state of Minas Gerais.

It believes Caldeira to be one of the most important undeveloped rare earths deposits in the world.

Situated in Minas Gerais, an infrastructure-rich region of Brazil, Caldeira could potentially become the largest ionic clay-hosted rare earth resource globally.

When operational, the project could account for about 8% of the world's annual rare earths oxide (REO) market and 7% of global neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) production.

These two elements are used in permanent magnets that power electric vehicles, wind turbines, and consumer electronics.

Meteoric's share price has surged by 122% since the start of the year.

Verdis Mining and Minerals Ltd (ASX: VMM)

Verdis is another ASX rare earths stock operating in Brazil.

Its flagship Colossus project is located within the geologically fertile Poços De Caldas rare earths complex and is considered by management to be among the most economically robust rare earths projects globally.

Here, a recent economic assessment outlined a 20 year initial mine life and a modest two-year payback period to recoup the capital outlay to build a mine.

However, a subsequent reserve estimate suggested that mining at Colossus could extend for up to 40 years, with further exploration upside potential.

Shares in Verdis have soared by a stunning 401% so far in 2025.

Arafura Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: ARU)

Arafura is in the final funding phase for its construction-ready Nolans rare earths project in Australia's Northern Territory.

In other words, the company is ready to build a mine once full financing is secured.

So far, Arafura has locked in more than US$1 billion in conditional debt funding to support development of Nolans.

It has also signed offtake agreements with several major global partners, including Korean automotive giants Kia and Hyundai.

A 38 year mine life has been defined at Nolans.

Shares in Arafura have ballooned by 150% since the start of the year.

Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX: LIN)

Lindian owns the Kangankunde rare earths project in the African nation of Malawi.

So far, the group has defined reserves to support 45 years of mining at Kangankunde.

The project is also fully permitted and funded through to a first phase of mining.

Notably, NdPr elements make up about 20% of Kangankunde's total rare earths content. This could help the project become a significant contributor to the global magnet supply chain.

First rare earths production from Kangankunde is targeted for next year.

The market seems to have responded enthusiastically to Lindian's progress with the company's share price rocketing by 350% since the start of January.

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