Energy prices and supply chain networks impact almost all corners of the global economy.

So it wasn't surprising to see a broad market sell-off over the first three weeks of March as multiple industries assessed the damage.

The sell-off now leaves room for investors to buy the dip.

A two-week ceasefire is underway amid hopes of a long-term deal between the US and Iran soon.

Brokers have reviewed their ratings after many shares fell, and they see good opportunities across a number of industries.

Here are some of the ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy consensus ratings after last month's turmoil.

6 ASX All Ords shares newly upgraded to strong buy ratings

These ASX shares have just been upgraded to strong buy consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating represents the average rating among analysts.

Kingsgate Consolidated Ltd (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate Consolidated share price fell 38% in March alongside a big fall in the gold price.

In April so far, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 19% to $5.22 at yesterday's close.

MA Financial is among the brokers that have upgraded Kingsgate shares.

The broker also lifted its 12-month share price target from $6.85 to $6.95.

Pinnacle Investment Management Group Ltd (ASX: PNI)

The Pinnacle Investment Management share price fell 10% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords financial shares is up 4% to $14.63.

Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on Pinnacle shares with a $24.53 target.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price fell 19% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords financial share is up 19% to $1.84.

Blackwattle holds Zip shares in its Small Cap Quality Fund.

Portfolio managers Robert Hawkesford and Daniel Broeren describe Zip as 'one of the most compelling value opportunities on the ASX'.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price fell 20% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords copper share is up 9% to $15.19.

Canaccord Genuity is buy-rated on WA1 Resources shares with a $32 target.

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ)

The Macquarie Technology share price fell 12% in March.

In April so far, the ASX All Ords tech share is up 12% to $66.60.

Canaccord Genuity is also buy-rated on this stock with a $95 target.

Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI)

The Santana Minerals share price fell 27% in March.

This month, the ASX All Ords gold share is up 2% to 68 cents.

Shaw & Partners has a buy rating and a $2.15 target on Santana Minerals shares.

Further reading

Check out 7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings, too.

The post 6 ASX All Ords shares elevated to strong buy status after March sell-off appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the WA1 share price is down 8.33% to $14.31. The stock has also had a difficult start to the year and is now down roughly 27% since January.

Despite the pullback, the company still commands a market capitalisation of around $1.07 billion. It also remains one of the more closely watched exploration stocks on the ASX.

Here's what the company announced to the market today.

Half-year loss grows as spending ramps up

WA1 released its interim financial report for the 6 months to 31 December 2025.

The company reported a loss after income tax of $2.35 million for the period. This compares with a loss of $1.41 million in the prior corresponding period.

The increase in losses reflects ongoing spending across exploration, project development, and corporate costs as WA1 continues advancing its flagship niobium discovery.

Exploration spending remains a major focus for the business as it works to better define the scale and economics of its Luni project.

Although the company remains loss-making, this is normal for exploration companies at this stage of development.

Cash position strengthens significantly

One big positive in the report is the company's strengthened balance sheet.

WA1 ended the half-year with $138.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. This is a substantial increase from $72.8 million at 30 June 2025.

The improved cash position was largely supported by a capital raise during the period. In August last year, the company completed a placement that raised approximately $100 million from investors.

This funding gives WA1 a sizeable financial runway to continue drilling, resource definition, and development studies across its key projects.

Progress continues at the Luni niobium project

WA1 is continuing to focus most of its efforts on the Luni niobium project in Western Australia.

The discovery has attracted attention and is widely seen as one of the most significant niobium finds in recent years.

During the half-year, WA1 continued drilling across the project to better understand the deposit's size, grade, and overall potential. Much of the drilling targeted areas are believed to contain higher-grade material.

WA1 also released an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the project, confirming the scale of the discovery.

The deposit currently contains 220 million tonnes of ore grading 1% niobium oxide, including a higher-grade portion of 53 million tonnes grading 2.2%.

The company has also been carrying out metallurgical test work. This process helps determine how the metal can be extracted from the ore and processed into products.

Early test results suggest the project could produce high purity niobium oxide and ferro niobium. These materials are commonly used to strengthen steel and produce special alloys.

What next for WA1?

WA1's strong cash position means it is well funded to continue drilling and advancing studies at the Luni project.

However, after the stock surged in recent years, investors may now be reassessing expectations around development timelines and the project's long-term economics.

That could help explain why the WA1 share price has pulled back in 2026.

The post This $1 billion ASX explorer just dropped 8%. Here's what happened appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, the WA1 share price is down 1.26% to $17.27. The stock opened in the green but has since seesawed and slipped modestly into the red.

Let's take a closer look at what the company announced to the ASX.

Infill program lifts confidence in indicated resource

According to the release, WA1 said infill drilling at Luni continues to deliver strong niobium grades. The latest holes include new intersections located immediately next to the existing western indicated mineral resource estimate.

Some of the standout results were:

• 13.7 metres at 2.8% Nb2O5 from 54 metres
• 6.5 metres at 6.6% Nb2O5 from 56.5 metres
• 8.2 metres at 3.2% Nb2O5 from 152 metres
• 13.1 metres at 2.8% Nb2O5 from 143.9 metres
• 22 metres at 2.4% Nb2O5 from 67 metres
• 93.1 metres at 2.1% Nb2O5 from 67.8 metres

Drilling in the eastern indicated area also returned strong results, including 25.3 metres at 3% Nb2O5 and 12.4 metres at 6.1% Nb2O5.

Management said these results could allow more high-grade material to be upgraded into higher confidence categories. A revised mineral resource estimate is expected in the June quarter.

Resource update in focus

WA1 carried out a large drilling program at Luni in 2025 using both diamond and air core rigs. Since the project was discovered, about 85,000 metres have now been drilled, with more assay results still to come.

The diamond drilling has been aimed at better defining the existing mineral resource and increasing confidence in it. Infill holes were mostly drilled on a 50 metre by 50 metre grid in the eastern indicated area and a 100 metre by 100 metre grid in the western inferred area.

WA1 said the latest results show the high-grade mineralisation is consistent and help define its shape, thickness, and grade. More drilling and metallurgical test work is still underway as the company continues its development studies.

About WA1 Resources

WA1 Resources is an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) company that explores and develops mineral projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Its main project is the Luni Niobium Project, which forms part of the wider West Arunta region.

WA1 has a market capitalisation of about $1.3 billion and roughly 74.3 million shares on issue. Over the past 12 months, the share price has risen around 30%, showing strong investor interest in niobium discoveries in the West Arunta area.

Despite today's volatility, attention is expected to remain on the next resource update and upcoming drilling results.

The post WA1 shares wobble as new high-grade Luni results hit the market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

So far this year, ASX mining shares have continued to outperform after an exceptionally strong run in 2025.

The Metal & Mining Index is up 13.9% in the year to date (YTD) while the broader S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) is up 2.7%.

Here are three ASX mining shares that the experts think will rise strongly over the next 12 months.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

This ASX copper mining share is $16.73 apiece, up 2.3% today.

WA1 Resources shares are down 12.9% in the YTD and up 25% over the past 12 months.

Copper is in high demand for all the new infrastructure required for the green energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

It's also attractive to investors seeking hard assets in today's growing debasement trade.

The copper price hit a new record above US$6 per pound earlier this year, and is currently up 24.5% over the past 12 months.

Canaccord Genuity has a buy rating on WA1 Resources shares.

The broker lifted its 12-month share price target from $28 to $32 apiece this month.

This implies a 91% potential upside over the next 12 months on the ASX copper mining share.

Check out Goldman Sachs' 2026 forecast for the copper price here.

Santana Minerals Ltd (ASX: SMI)

The Santana Minerals share price is 90 cents, down 4.3% today and up 58% over the past 12 months.

Santana Minerals is developing the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP) on the South Island of New Zealand.

Shaw & Partners has a buy rating and a 12-month share price target of $2.15 on this ASX gold mining share.

This suggests a possible near-140% capital gain over the next year.

In a recent note, the broker said:

Santana Minerals Limited (ASX:SMI) has announced that the Fast-Track Approval (FTA) Panel Convener has confirmed a 140 working-day statutory timeframe for determination of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project (BOGP), with a decision due by 29 October 2026.

The timeline is longer than expected (60-100 days) but now provides certainty in the process.

Development consent is now expected to be granted in H2 CY26. 

Santana Minerals announced the completion of a $113 million institutional capital raise today.

The funds will be used to accelerate the mine's development in preparation for a Final Investment Decision (FID).

The miner will seek to raise up to another $30 million from ordinary investors via a Share Purchase Plan.

Check out some 2026 gold price forecasts here.

Catalyst Metals Ltd (ASX: CYL)

This ASX gold mining share is $8.13 apiece, down 1.8% today.

Catalyst Metals shares are up 10.2% in the YTD and up 108% over the past 12 months.

Catalyst Metals owns the Plutonic gold mine in Western Australia and the Bendigo exploration project in Victoria.

In its 2Q FY26 update, Catalyst Metals announced record quarterly gold production of 28,176 ounces at Plutonic.

The average realised price was A$2,776 per ounce, and the average all-in sustaining cost (AISC) was A$2,565 per ounce.

Bell Potter has a buy rating on the ASX gold mining share and a price target of $14.60.

This implies an 80% potential upside over the next 12 months.

The post 3 ASX mining shares tipped to rise 80% to 140% this year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Meantime, brokers have identified some stocks that they think are good buys for the year ahead.

Let's check them out.

8 ASX All Ords shares with strong buy consensus ratings

The following stocks have been recently upgraded to 'strong buy' consensus ratings among analysts on the CommSec platform.

A consensus rating is the average rating based on a number of analysts' opinions.

Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP)

The Zip share price is $2.50, down 0.4% on Tuesday.

This ASX All Ords financial share is up 2% over the past 12 months.

UBS is among the brokers recommending investors buy Zip shares.

The broker has a 12-month share price target of $5.20 on the buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider.

Citi also has a buy rating with a much lower target of $4.30.

Zip will report its earnings on Thursday.

Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO)

The Xero share price is at a three-year low of $77, down 2.7% today as the global tech downturn continues.

The ASX All Ords tech share has halved in value over the past six months.

In February, several brokers have reiterated their buy ratings but with vastly different 12-month price targets.

Jefferies has a target of $82.70 and Citi is tipping $144.80 per share.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

The Wisetech share price is also at a three-year low of $45.49, down 5.6% on Tuesday.

Wisetech shares have lost 63% of their value over the past year.

This month, Jefferies reiterated its buy rating with a 12-month price target of $65.

Citi is far more ambitious with a target of $109.15.

Wisetech will release its 1H FY26 results next Wednesday.

Westgold Resources Ltd (ASX: WGX)

The Westgold Resources share price is currently $7.20, down 0.8%.

The ASX All Ords gold share is up 193% over the past 12 months.

Macquarie is among the brokers with a buy rating on Westgold shares. Its 12-month target is $9.90.

Ord Minnett also has a buy recommendation with a target of $8.65.

Some experts believe the gold price could rise above US$7,000 per ounce this year.

Capricorn Metals Ltd (ASX: CMM)

This ASX All Ords gold share is $13.32 apiece on Tuesday, down 0.9%.

Capricorn Metals shares have soared 68% over the past 12 months.

This month, Macquarie upgraded its rating to buy and lifted its price target from $15.20 to $16.20.

AGL Energy Ltd (ASX: AGL)

The AGL share price is $10.43, down 0.6% today and down 2.7% over the past 12 months.

Last week, AGL reported an underlying profit of $353 million for 1H FY26, down 6% on 1H FY25.

The energy retailer announced a fully franked interim dividend of 24 cents per share.

Citi has a buy rating on the ASX All Ords utilities share with a price target of $11.80. 

RBC Capital also has a buy recommendation with a target of $11.50.

Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX)

The Telix Pharmaceuticals share price is $8.33, down 3.5% on Tuesday.

The ASX All Ords healthcare share is down 70% over the past 12 months.

Citi just reiterated its buy rating on Telix with a price target of $34.

TD Cowen also has a buy rating but lowered its price target from $25 to $20.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

This ASX All Ords copper share is $15.62 apiece, down 2% today and up 18% over the past 12 months.

Copper is in high demand due to the green energy transition and rising debasement trade amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties.

The red metal is essential for electrification and a key input in new infrastructure like wind turbines and data centres.

This month, Canaccord Genuity reiterated its buy rating and lifted its 12-month price target from $28 to $32.

The post 8 ASX All Ords shares just upgraded to strong buy status appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Copper is benefiting from rising demand for real assets amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties and a rapidly falling US dollar.

Today, the Australian dollar is trading at 71 US cents, a three-year high.

Trading Economics analysts explained why copper rose so strongly today:

In recent developments, US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with military strikes far more severe than the attack he ordered in June unless the country agrees to a trade deal with Washington.

Trump's tariff threats against other nations, coupled with his apparent indifference to the dollar's weakness, further fueled the flight to metals.

Copper is also being supported by recurring supply tightness and robust industrial demand, particularly driven by the global transition to renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, copper inventories in Shanghai, London, and New York have risen in recent weeks, pushing combined holdings above 900,000 tons.

Copper is in high demand as the green energy transition begins showing its impact in strongly rising commodity prices.

The red metal is essential for electrification.

It is a key input in much of the new infrastructure required for the energy transition and artificial intelligence systems.

It offers high ductility, malleability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The US added the red metal to its Critical Minerals List in November.

What happened with ASX copper shares today?

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), now the world's largest copper producer, rose 2.1% to a two-year high of $51.66 per share.

The Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) share price ascended 1.6% to a record $157.24.

The ASX 200's largest pure-play copper share Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) reached a record $21.30, up 5.2%.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares soared 5.1% to a record $17.64 per share.

Aeris Resources Ltd (ASX: AIS) shares lifted 2.9% to a 52-week high of 70 cents.

The Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) share price rose 2.2% to $5.65.

ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE) lifted 7.8% to a record $28.95.

However, not all ASX copper shares were buoyed by the commodity's surge today.

The Greatland Resources Ltd (ASX: GGP) share price fell 0.86% to $13.77.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares fell 2.5% to $17.89.

Amid volatile geopolitics, investors are seeking safety in base metals like copper and precious metals like gold and silver.

The weaker US dollar is supporting these commodities.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

A softer dollar makes commodities priced in greenbacks, including copper, gold, and silver, more affordable for buyers using other currencies.

The gold price also surged to above US$5,600 per ounce today.

The analysts said:

Momentum picked up after President Trump dismissed the dollar's slide to four-year lows, signaling tolerance for currency weakness despite ongoing tariff threats and renewed criticism of the Federal Reserve's independence.

Meantime, the silver price ripped to above US$117 per ounce on the same tailwinds.

Gold is up 29% and silver is up 66% in the year to date.

The post ASX copper shares surge as commodity hits record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

WA1 shares are up 1.51% to $18.14 at the time of writing. Zooming out, the stock is still nearly 10% lower than this time last year, even as activity ramps up at the Luni niobium project.

Here is what the company reported.

Drilling delivers standout niobium grades

The key highlight from the quarter was another strong set of drilling results from the Luni Niobium Project in Western Australia.

WA1 reported further infill and extensional drilling across high grade zones, with results continuing to exceed expectations.

Some of the standout intercepts included 67.3 metres at 5.4% Nb2O5, including a higher grade core of 30 metres at 9.8% Nb2O5. Additional holes returned 28.1 metres at 4.6% Nb2O5 and 36.5 metres at 2.9% Nb2O5.

Importantly, drilling to the east of Luni extended mineralisation beyond the current mineral resource envelope. That included wide intercepts of 73 metres at 1.8% Nb2O5 and 35 metres at 3.2% Nb2O5, pointing to potential future resource growth.

In total, around 35,000 metres of drilling was completed during 2025, with the results expected to feed into an updated mineral resource estimate later this year.

Major Project Status adds momentum

WA1 also confirmed that the Luni Niobium Project has been granted Major Project Status (MPS) by the Australian Federal Government for an initial 3-year period.

This designation recognises Luni as a project of national significance and provides WA1 with coordinated access to federal agencies through the Major Projects Facilitation Agency.

At the same time, pre development works continued on site, including construction of a temporary airstrip and completion of bore installation and pump testing to support hydrogeological studies.

A very strong balance sheet

The company finished the December quarter with roughly $138.5 million in cash and no debt. Based on current spending levels, WA1 estimates it has close to 10 quarters of funding available, giving it significant flexibility to progress studies without near term capital raising risk.

Quarterly exploration and evaluation spend came in at $13.4 million, with most of that directed toward drilling and on-site programs.

What to watch next

While WA1 shares remain below last year's levels, operational momentum at Luni continues to build.

The market will now be watching for an updated resource estimate and further drilling success. Progress on development studies could be key to unlocking the project's longer-term value.

WA1 remains a stock worth watching this year.

The post This ASX stock just delivered more standout niobium results. Why is the market still on the fence? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

WIRE ETF is soaring due to rising demand for copper as the green energy transition starts showing itself in rising commodity prices.

But WIRE's performance since inception in November 2022 is also impressive at an average 34.23% per annum.

Last year was particularly strong amid the copper price soaring 42%.

The red metal traded above US$6 per pound for the first time earlier this month.

Copper is essential for electrification and is a key ingredient in much of the new infrastructure being built for the energy transition.

It offers high ductility, malleability, and thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to corrosion.

Copper is used in wiring, electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, solar energy systems, telecommunications, and electronic products.

The red metal was added to the US Critical Minerals List in November 2025.

The weaker US dollar is also supporting the copper price as investors seek safety in base metals like copper and precious metals like gold.

Trading Economics analysts explain:

A softer dollar makes commodities priced in greenbacks, including copper, gold, and silver, more affordable for buyers using other currencies.

Investment demand has also picked up, with Chinese merchants offering 1-kilogram investment-grade copper bars despite challenges in the secondary resale market.

Additionally, physical buyers are front-loading copper deliveries ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in China and potential US tariffs on refined metal, further tightening global supply.

Elsewhere, robust consumption driven by the global shift toward renewable energy and artificial intelligence applications continues to support copper demand.

Nitty-gritty on WIRE ETF

WIRE seeks to mirror the performance of the Solactive Global Copper Miners Total Return Index before fees.

WIRE holds 39 stocks and offers good geographical diversification.

This mix is 37% Canada, 11% US, 10% Australia, 10% Hong Kong, 7% Japan, 6% Poland, 5% Sweden, and the list goes on.

The ASX copper shares among WIRE's investments include the market's biggest copper pure-play, Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR), at 3.2%.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), now the world's largest copper producer, makes up 4% of WIRE's investments.

Capstone Copper Corp CDI (ASX: CSC) shares provide another 3%, and Develop Global Ltd (ASX: DVP) makes up 0.36%.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares are in there, too, at 0.2%.

Last month, James Gerrish from Shaw and Partners said WIRE was his team's preferred copper exposure among ASX ETFs.

Gerrish said:

The ASX-listed Global X Miners ETF (WIRE) remains one of our preferred vehicles for broad exposure to global copper producers.

From a regional perspective, it only has 11% exposure to Australia, with Canada providing the main holdings.

It has a decent $400mn market cap, while its fees are okay at 0.65%.

The post This ASX ETF has returned 34% annually since inception appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that there are many ways for Aussie investors to gain exposure to critical metals on the local stock exchange.

But which ones could be buys? Let's take a look at three of the best to buy now according to analysts at Bell Potter.

Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR)

This lithium-boron producer has caught the eye of Bell Potter. It has a speculative buy rating and 36 cents price target on its shares.

The broker was pleased with the funding support it received from the US Department of Energy for the Rhyolite Ridge project and believes this is the first step in de-risking its development. It said:

In January 2025, Rhyolite Ridge received funding support from the US Department of Energy through a US$996m, 20-year loan. The company is currently running a project selldown process, which we expect to materially de-risk the development's remaining funding requirements. Project development should commence in 2026 to enable first production in 2029. The US Department of Interior, in consultation with the US Geological Survey, recently added boron to the final 2025 List of Critical Minerals; this list also includes lithium. Buy (Speculative), Valuation $0.36

Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR)

Bell Potter rates lithium miner Liontown highly and has a buy rating and $1.52 price target on its shares. It believes that 2026 will see the company de-risk its Kathleen Valley operation. The broker said:

Over 2026, LTR will further de-risk the ramp-up of production at Kathleen Valley as ore stockpiles support the operation's transition to all underground mining. LTR has a strong balance sheet and is highly leveraged to lithium markets, which we expect to further improve.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

A third ASX critical minerals stock that Bell Potter is recommending to clients is niobium developer WA1 Resources. It has a speculative buy rating and $24.80 price target on its shares.

The broker highlights that the company owns the Luni deposit, which is the highest grade niobium deposit outside Brazil. It said:

WA1's Luni deposit in the West Arunta, Western Australia, is the highest grade niobium deposit outside of Brazil and bears similarities to the global significance of LYC's Mt Weld deposit in the rare earth sector. Brazil accounts for ~90% of global supply of Niobium, a key micro alloy in steel. We anticipate a Resource update during CY26 and a potential initial study, which builds on process flowsheet work conducted over the last ~1.5 years, and recent infill drilling.

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

That's because it has just put a speculative buy rating on an ASX mining stock and is predicting very big returns for investors.

Which ASX mining stock?

The stock that Bell Potter is tipping as a buy is WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1).

It is the mineral exploration company that owns the Niobium focused West Arunta project, located on the border of Western Australia and the Northern Territory in the Arunta region.

Bell Potter notes that since listing, WA1 Resources has focused on an aggressive drill-out program at West Arunta, targeting the Luni carbonatite structure.

Niobium is a niche commodity, primarily micro-alloyed into structural steel to improve strength and reduce weight in applications. The broker notes that supply is largely (~80%) controlled by Brazilian producer CBMM through the Araxa deposit in Brazil. It is considered a critical mineral by both the United States and European Union due to supply concentration and economic importance.

What is the broker saying?

Bell Potter highlights that the ASX mining stock has released a series of drill results for the Luni deposit.

It was pleased with the results and believes it demonstrates that West Arunta is top-tier asset and likely to be home to the highest-grade niobium project outside Brazil.

In light of this, the broker thinks that recent share price weakness has created an attractive buying opportunity for investors. It said:

WA1 has traded 26% lower MoM in-line with a critical minerals sell-off. In our view, this presents an attractive opportunity to gain exposure to a top-tier asset (likely the highest-grade Niobium project ex-Brazil), and management team, focused on rapidly de-risking Luni towards development. We believe there is upside risk to our valuation and estimates which should be highlighted in an upcoming initial study (BPe CY26).

Opportunities include: 1) Niobium pentoxide optionality (a higher margin product than ferro-niobium, first produced in Aug-25 at bench scale), and 2) optimised capital and operating costs driven by mine plan optimisation and sequencing (e.g. sizing and expanding the plant capacity in-line with grade as Lynas (LYC, Sell $9.60/sh) did with Mt Weld in 2010).

According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating with a $24.80 price target. Based on its current share price of $15.16, this implies potential upside of 64% for investors over the next 12 months.

It concludes:

We retain our Speculative Buy recommendation on WA1 and a $24.80/sh valuation (previously $25.70). We see the potential for Luni to be a globally significant niobium project, capable of generating on average A$485m in annual EBITDA.

The post Why this speculative ASX mining stock could rise 60%+ appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Amcor (ASX: AMC)

The Amcor share price is down 10% to $13.57. Investors have been selling the packaging company's shares following the release of its fourth quarter update. Amcor posted a 43% jump in net sales to US$5,082 million. This was thanks to the completion of the Berry Global acquisition at the end of April. And while its EBITDA was also up 43% to US$789 million, this fell comfortably short of the consensus estimate of US$836 million.

Centuria Office REIT (ASX: COF)

The Centuria Office share price is down 3% to $1.26. This office property company's shares are falling after it released its full year results for FY 2025 and reported a 14.5% decline in funds from operations to $70.4 million. This led to the company cutting its dividend by a similar margin from 12 cents per share to 10.1 cents per share. Management is guiding to another decline in funds from operations for FY 2026.

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (ASX: PMT)

The Patriot Battery Metals share price is down 1% to 46.5 cents. This morning, this lithium explorer released its quarterly update. While it has made plenty of progress with its exploration, it continues to burn through its cash and reported a loss of $1.7 million for the period even after recording $4.2 million of flow-through premium income.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is down almost 14% to $16.69. The catalyst for this has been the completion of an institutional placement by the niobium company. WA1 Resources revealed that it has received firm commitments to raise $100 million at an issue price of $17 per new share. This follows strong support from new and existing institutional investors across the Americas and Australia. Funds raised will be applied toward pre-development and permitting activities for the Luni Niobium Project, as well as planned capital expenditure relating to supporting infrastructure. Managing Director, Paul Savich, commented: "The Luni Niobium Project is clearly an exceptional asset and this was again reflected in the strong demand recevied for the Placement from existing shareholders and new institutional investors across the world."

The post Why Amcor, Centuria Office, Patriot Battery Metals, and WA1 Resources shares are falling today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials (ASX:XMJ) sector has lifted roughly 3% in 2025 and has been largely outperformed by other sectors. 

However, broker Bell Potter has identified two mid-cap materials companies with big upside. 

Lets see what the broker had to say. 

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

WA1 Resources Ltd is a mineral development in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Its projects include West Arunta, Madura, Hidden Valley, and Niobium.

It has had a strong year thus far, already rising 28.74% since January. 

Bell Potter believes there's more room for growth for this ASX materials share. 

The broker has placed a "buy" recommendation and $26.00 price target on WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) shares.

This indicates an upside of 51.96%. 

The broker believes the Luni deposit (niobium resource) has the potential to become a major global source of niobium and could eventually generate about A$485 million in annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

Niobium is a critical mineral utilised in the strengthening of steel. Global supply for niobium is concentrated (~90% produced from Brazil between two companies). 

Bell Potter expects Luni to be a high-grade, large-scale niobium discovery in a stable jurisdiction (Western Australia), offering an alternate supply source to current routes.

Our recommendation for WA1 is based on a discounted cash flow valuation from our NDS for the Luni prospect, risked by 30% to take into account the stage of the project.

West African Resources Ltd (ASX: WAF)

West African Resources Ltd is engaged in mineral exploration in Burkina Faso. It focuses on the development of the Sanbrado Gold Project. 

The Group's mineral portfolio also includes gold and copper-gold exploration permits in Burkina Faso.

This stock has risen 68.03% already in 2025. 

Bell Potter still sees further room for growth. 

The broker has a "buy" recommendation and $4.08 price target, which indicates an impressive 65.18% upside. 

The optimism centres around the company's Kiaka Gold Project that is progressing towards first gold production (expected in Q3 2025), with the company aiming to produce over 420,000 ounces of gold annually.

The post Broker tips 50-60% upside for two ASX materials shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) is one company that has seen its share price soar into orbit after unearthing a new mineral deposit.

In July 2022, you could have bought its shares for as little as 13 cents each.

By November of that year, its shares were trading at $3 a pop – that's already a 2,200% return.

But that was just the beginning.

Fast forward to today, and WA1's share price is trading at $16.10 each, marking a spectacular 12,285% increase in just three years.

In contrast, the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up by about 30% during this period.

Hence, if you'd put $1,000 into this ASX mining stock 3 years ago, you'd now have more than a $120,000 return.

What's the deal?

In late 2022, the company discovered the Luni niobium deposit in remote Western Australia with exploration drilling intercepting unusually rich niobium mineralisation.

And the share price took off.

Since then, WA1 has continued to advance the project, undertaking extensive drilling to define a mineral resource estimate.

Management believes the results confirm Luni as the world's most significant niobium discovery in more than 70 years.

What on earth is Niobium?

Niobium is a specialty metal with key traits including heat and corrosion resistance, superior electronic characteristics, as well as strength and weight advantages.

Its primary use is in steel production, where small amounts of the metal substantially increases the strength and decreases the weight of steel products.

However, niobium is also considered a vital metal for the modern world, with growing applications in battery technologies, superconductors, and the aerospace and defence sectors.

Supply is heavily concentrated, with about 80% of global output attributed to the Brazilian mining company CBMM.

This supply risk has led to the European Union, the US, Japan, India, the UK, and Australia classifying niobium as a 'critical metal'.

Hold your horses!

Here's the thing.

Even though the Luni project appears attractive, mining operations and cash flow remain a distant prospect. And forget juicy dividends any time soon.

WA1 must first complete a host of technical studies, economic assessments, environmental evaluations, and navigate a complex permitting process to obtain a mining license.

Even if these hurdles are cleared, the company will still need to raise significant capital to build a mine.

In a nutshell, production is still years away – and that's assuming the studies confirm Luni's financial viability and the relevant mining approval is granted.

Neither outcome is guaranteed, and significant risks remain before any cash comes pouring in.

The post If I'd put $1k in this ASX mining stock 3 years ago, I'd now have $120,000 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 jumping:

Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)

The Appen share price is up 9% to $2.79. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Ord Minnett this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the artificial intelligence data services company's shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $3.30. This follows the release of a quarterly update which the broker felt was unfairly punished by the market. Ord Minnett was pleased with the solid update and is positive on the company's growth prospects.

Nufarm Ltd (ASX: NUF)

The Nufarm share price is up 4% to $3.70. Investors have been buying this agricultural chemicals company's shares following the release of a trading update this morning. Nufarm revealed that it has "made a pleasing start to FY25." It notes that "[d}emand for crop protection products has been strong and, although active ingredient prices have not moved materially, we are seeing the benefits of stability in cost of goods on crop protection margins." In addition, the company revealed that it expects to achieve $100 million in omega-3 revenue in FY 2025, subject to market pricing. It has also identified $50 million of annualised cost savings. The full impact of these savings is expected to be realised in FY 2026.

Pro Medicus Limited (ASX: PME)

The Pro Medicus share price is up 4.5% to $282.06. This morning, this health imaging technology company announced yet another major contract win. Pro Medicus has signed a $53 million, seven-year deal with BayCare. It is the leading health care system in the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions of the United States. The contract will see its cloud-based Visage 7 Enterprise Imaging Platform, including Visage 7 Viewer and Visage 7 Workflow modules, implemented throughout BayCare. This will provide the health care system with a unified diagnostic imaging platform.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 13% to $14.71. This follows the announcement of results from continued metallurgical testwork that is being undertaken on niobium concentrate from the Luni deposit at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. Management revealed that it achieved excellent results from the first conversion testwork completed on refined concentrate from Luni. It highlights that this demonstrates the final stage in a conventional process flowsheet and completes proof-of-concept testwork to produce ferroniobium.

The post Why Appen, Nufarm, Pro Medicus, and WA1 shares are rising today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three ASX All Ords mining shares that are standouts with particularly strong gains are listed below. Here's why they are surging today:

Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI)

The Predictive Discovery share price is up 7.5% to 28.5 cents. Investors have been buying this gold miner's shares after it announced a strategic placement.

According to the release, the Lundin Family will invest approximately $45.1 million to acquire a 6.5% shareholding and Zijin Mining Group will invest approximately $24.1 million to acquire a 3.5% shareholding.

The ASX All Ords mining share advised that funds are being raised at 26.5 cents per new share, which is in line with its last close price. Proceeds from the strategic placement will be used to advance the Bankan Gold Project's Definitive Feasibility Study, progress environmental and social programs, continue regional exploration programs, and conduct selected early development activities.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price was up over 3% to $4.31 until pulling back.

This morning, this lithium developer announced the start of execution works on its integrated Phase One integrated renewable energy and lithium project. This includes the mobilisation of its V20 drilling rig (V20) to the Phase One Schleidberg well site near Landau, Germany.

Vulcan Energy's Phase One Lionheart Project is targeting production of around 24,000 tonnes per annum lithium hydroxide monohydrate. This is for electric vehicle batteries, as well as renewable heating and power production, from hot, lithium-rich brines in the Upper Rhine Valley Brine Field.

Management notes that increasing brine production from deep wells to augment Vulcan's existing brine production is a key part of Phase One.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 12% to $14.60. This has been driven by the niobium explorer announcing results from continued metallurgical testwork that is being undertaken on niobium concentrate from the Luni deposit at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia.

It reported excellent results from the first conversion testwork completed on refined concentrate from Luni. Management highlights that this demonstrates the final stage in a conventional process flowsheet and completes proof-of-concept testwork to produce ferroniobium.

The ASX All Ords mining share's managing director, Paul Savich, commented:

To have progressed from our first process testwork to the production of a small amount of ferroniobium in just over one year is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the amenability of Luni's mineralisation to a conventional ferroniobium flowsheet.

The post 3 ASX All Ords mining shares surging on big news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

Silex Systems Ltd (ASX: SLX)

The Silex Systems share price is up 10% to $6.15. This morning, the company announced that GLE, its exclusive licensee of the third-generation laser-based SILEX uranium enrichment technology, has been selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as an awardee under the its LEU Enrichment Acquisition request for proposals. The award provides a minimum contract value of US$2 million and a maximum aggregate value for all awardees totalling US$3.4 billion. The final award value will depend on agreed task orders to be subsequently issued by the DOE.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineer Ltd (ASX: SXE)

The SCEE share price is up 13% to $1.57. This morning, this engineering company announced that it has been awarded a range of projects in the data centre, commercial, manufacturing, resources and water sectors. Management advised that the contracts total $125 million. Commenting on the news, SCEE Group Managing Director Graeme Dunn said: "This announcement, with works on a new desalination plant in WA, and major transport projects in Victoria and NSW, clearly demonstrates SCEE's broad exposure to Australian infrastructure expenditure."

Titomic Ltd (ASX: TTT)

The Titomic share price is up 8% to 19.5 cents. This morning, this cold spray solutions provider announced that it has successfully co-developed and sponsored a new cold spray standard for aerospace with SAE International. Titomic USA president, Jim Simpson, said: "SAE AMS7057 compliance validates Titomic's cold spray technology and strategically positions the Company to capitalise on a range of U.S. Government opportunities and initiatives aimed at fostering domestic innovation and manufacturing, such as Department of Defense contracts for military asset repairs, NASA programs for lightweight aerospace components, and Office of Strategic Capital efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains through advanced manufacturing technologies."

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 11% to $16.18. This is despite there being no news out of the niobium explorer today. However, it is worth noting that the company did recently report excellent beneficiation results from initial variability testing on a composite sample comprising three drillholes covering over 400m east-west extent in the northeast zone of the Luni deposit.

The post Why Silex Systems, SCEE, Titomic, and WA1 shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Four ASX shares that are not letting that hold them back today are listed below. Here's why they are rising:

GQG Partners Inc (ASX: GQG)

The GQG Partners share price is up 6% to $2.20. This has been driven by the release of the fund manager's latest funds under management (FUM) update. Investors appear relieved to see that GQG Partners delivered modest FUM growth in November despite concerns over its large investments in the troubled Adani Group. GQG Partners revealed that its total FUM was US$159.5 billion at the end of the month, up from US$159.4 billion at the end of October.

Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

The Tuas share price is up a further 6% to $6.10. Investors have been buying this Singapore-based telco's shares since the release of a first quarter update at its annual general meeting last week. Tuas revealed that revenue and EBITDA were $35.5 million and $16.1 million, respectively, for the three months. This is run-rating significantly higher than FY 2024's revenue and EBITDA. This went down well with analysts at Citi. In response, the broker has retained its buy rating with an improved price target of $7.10.

Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL)

The Vulcan Energy share price is up 3% to $6.14. The catalyst for this was news that Export Finance Australia (EFA) has conditionally approved a 120 million euros (~A$196 million) commitment as part of its debt financing process for its Phase One Lionheart integrated lithium and renewable energy project. The project is targeting production of 24,000 tonnes per annum of Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM). This is enough LHM for roughly 500,000 electric vehicles per annum. Vulcan will supply key auto and battery makers in the European supply chain, including its fourth largest shareholder, Stellantis.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 3% to $13.90. This follows the release of results of continued metallurgical testwork undertaken on niobium mineralisation from the Luni deposit at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. Managing Director, Paul Savich, commented: "This locked cycle testwork was based on samples from over 400m of strike extent across the key northeast zone of Luni. The results largely conform with the previously released single-hole beneficiation testwork and have produced further high-grade niobium concentrate with low impurities, at industry-comparable recovery rates."

The post Why GQG, Tuas, Vulcan, and WA1 shares are racing higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The WA1 share price soared by 18% to reach an intraday high of $14.42 in earlier trading.

The ASX mining share is now changing hands for $14.22, up 16.27%.

Let's take a look at the report.

ASX mining share rockets 18% on positive quarter

WA1 Resources reported a cash balance of approximately $94.5 million as of 30 September.

During the quarter, the company incurred expenses of $7,905,381.

Highlights of the quarter centred around the company's 100%-owned West Arunta Project.

The project is located in Western Australia, approximately 590km west of Alice Springs.

During the quarter, WA1 Resources released an Initial Inferred Mineral Resource estimate (MRE) for the Luni niobium deposit at West Arunta.

The MRE is 200 Mt at 1.0% Nb2O5 and contains a significant high-grade subset of 53 Mt at 2.1% Nb2O5.

The company said the MRE confirmed Luni as one of the world's major critical mineral deposits.

Extensive field activities continued during the quarter.

Three drill rigs collected more samples for ongoing metallurgical testing. The company also installed monitoring bores to support hydrogeological investigations.

Metallurgical, engineering, and environmental-related studies and surveys were ongoing at the site.

WA1 also signed a negotiation protocol with Tjamu Tjamu (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC, on behalf of the Kiwirrkurra common law holders, to negotiate in good faith.

They did so with the view to entering into an agreement for an access road and other project infrastructure components to be located within the Kiwirrkurra native title determination area.

WA1 said the protocols would "provide a pathway for consultation with the two key native title holders …".

What else happened in the September quarter?

WA1 Resources completed a $60 million capital raise at $17 per share.

The ASX mining share retreated 9.39% on the day of the news.

A total of approximately 3.5 million new shares were issued to institutional, sophisticated and professional investors.

WA1 Resources said the money would primarily support ongoing drilling, metallurgical testing, permitting, and development activities at West Arunta.

On 23 September, the ASX mining share ascended into the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO).

What else is happening with WA1 Resources shares?

On Wednesday, the ASX mining share received a 0.53% boost when the company released drilling results from West Arunta.

WA1 reported high-grade mineralisation and some of the best niobium intersections to date.

Managing Director, Paul Savich, said:

We are very pleased with the initial results of this drilling, with a number of eastern and south-eastern holes providing additional high-grade mineralisation.

ASX mining share snapshot

The WA1 Resources share price has lifted 10.92% in the year to date.

This compares to a 12.6% decline in the S&P/ASX 300 Metal & Mining Index (ASX: XMM).

The post ASX mining share surges 18% as land negotiations get underway 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:

Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT)

The Beach Energy share price is up 2% to $1.30. This follows a solid rise in oil prices overnight and a positive reaction to its recent quarterly update from brokers. For example, Bell Potter responded by retaining its buy rating and lifting its price target to $1.50 (from $1.40). It said: "BPT reported Q1 FY25 total production of 5.2MMboe (BP est. 4.5MMboe), group sales of 5.5MMboe (BP est. 4.5MMboe) and revenue of $427m (BP est. $350m). Production and sales benefited from a first full quarter of contribution from Enterprise which underpinned a 24% Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) production increase in the Otway Basin."

Brazilian Rare Earths Ltd (ASX: BRE)

The Brazilian Rare Earths share price is up 6% to $2.56. Investors have been buying this rare earths explorer's shares after it released a drilling update. The company revealed that an outstanding heavy rare earth discovery near Monte Alto was uncovered. Management notes that the new discovery of outcropping rare earth mineralisation had grades of up to 14.6% TREO, and heavy rare earth grades of up to 5,691ppm dysprosium oxide, 737ppm terbium oxide, and 74,543ppm yttrium oxide. It notes highlights that these were located just 2.5 km from the ultra-high grade Monte Alto deposit.

Treasury Wine Estates Ltd (ASX: TWE)

The Treasury Wine share price is up 2% to $11.82. This appears to have been driven by a broker note out of Citi this morning. According to the note, the broker has upgraded the wine giant's shares to a buy rating with a $12.97 price target. This follows the release of wine export data which showed a significant jump in volumes going into Asia. It notes that China has been the main driver of this growth, which is good news for Treasury Wine. In light of this and recent share price weakness, the broker thinks now is a good time to snap up shares.

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 6.5% to $13.94. This has been driven by the release of drilling results from the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. Once again, the company has revealed high-grade mineralisation and some of the best niobium intersections received to date. Managing Director, Paul Savich, commented: "We are very pleased with the initial results of this drilling, with a number of eastern and south-eastern holes providing additional high-grade mineralisation."

The post Why Beach Energy, Brazilian Rare Earths, Treasury Wine, and WA1 shares are charging higher 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:

Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM)

The Arcadium Lithium share price is up 44% to $6.01. This morning, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) confirmed reports that it was looking to make an offer for Arcadium Lithium. It has been tight-lipped on how much it is willing to pay, but sources claim a deal in the region of US$4 billion to US$6 billion could be on the cards. A successful deal would catapult Rio Tinto into becoming the world's third-largest supplier of lithium. It commented: "Rio Tinto today confirmed that it has made an approach to Arcadium Lithium regarding a potential acquisition of Arcadium Lithium by Rio Tinto. The approach is non-binding and there is no certainty that any transaction will be agreed to or will proceed."

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

The Magellan share price is up 5.5% to $10.14. This morning, Goldman Sachs retained its neutral rating on the fund manager's shares with an improved price target of $10.10. It commented: "Retain Neutral: Stabilising flows but persistent outflows in retail, performance track record chequered, upside risk through Barrenjoey & capital management; valuation fair."

Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU)

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price is up 3% to $14.46. Investors have been buying this pharmaceuticals company's shares following the release of an update on its meeting with the US FDA. Neuren reported positive outcomes from its End of Phase 2 Meeting with the US FDA to discuss proposals for the first ever pivotal clinical trial program in Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). Neuren CEO, Jon Pilcher, said: "We are pleased with the outcomes of a very collaborative meeting with the FDA and are eager to move forward in our mission to develop NNZ-2591 as a first approved treatment for Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which has an overwhelming unmet need."

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1)

The WA1 Resources share price is up 4% to $15.06. This follows the release of an update on the initial results from further process testwork at the 100% owned West Arunta Project in Western Australia. Managing director, Paul Savich, commented: "This refining testwork demonstrates the ability to produce a clean concentrate that will be utilised in upcoming conversion testwork, which will aim to produce a small quantity of ferroniobium end-product. We consider this another excellent outcome as we continue to progress our testwork programs."

The post Why Arcadium Lithium, Magellan, Neuren, and WA1 shares are storming higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.