Sydney, Feb 24, 2026, 17:50 (AEDT) — Market closed.
- Mineral Resources ended up 6.5% at A$57.29 after touching A$57.68
- China lithium carbonate futures jumped 7.2%, lifting Australian lithium names
- Investors are looking to inflation data midweek and MinRes’ next quarterly update on April 30
Mineral Resources Ltd (MIN.AX) rose 6.5% to A$57.29 on Tuesday, after trading between A$53.98 and A$57.68, outperforming a flat broader market. (Investing)
Chinese lithium carbonate futures climbed 7.2% to 159,300 yuan a tonne after markets reopened from the Lunar New Year break, and local lithium names — including MinRes — were up 5% to 7% around midday, Market Index reported. (Market Index)
The move lands with investors still chewing on MinRes’ first-half numbers and what comes next for its balance sheet. The miner swung to an underlying net profit after tax of A$343 million on record underlying EBITDA — a measure of operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation — of A$1.2 billion, Reuters reported on Feb. 20. It skipped an interim dividend to focus on deleveraging, and chair Malcolm Bundey called Onslow Iron “a proven, cash-generative operation”. (Kitco)
In its half-year announcement, MinRes said it generated free cash flow of A$293 million after A$587 million of capital spending and reduced net debt to A$4.9 billion, with liquidity at A$1.4 billion. It also flagged a binding deal signed in November for POSCO Holdings to buy 30% of its existing 50% stake in Wodgina and Mt Marion for US$765 million, with proceeds expected in the second half of FY26. MinRes said it remained on track to meet FY26 volume and cost guidance. (Company Announcements)
The strength wasn’t just MIN. Core Lithium jumped 9.5% and Liontown Resources rose 9.3% in afternoon trade, while Pilbara Minerals gained 7.3%, according to an IG market update. The same note flagged Australia’s monthly CPI data due on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. AEDT as the next key macro release for local traders. (Ig)
Mineral Resources is a diversified resources company with operations across lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services in Western Australia. That mix can cut both ways: lithium sentiment can lift the stock fast, but cost and volume execution still matters just as much. (MarketScreener)
For now, traders are treating the China futures jump as a simple signal that the lithium rebound still has a pulse. The next test is whether futures strength translates into higher spot prices and tighter contract terms, not just a one-day squeeze.
But lithium has whipsawed miners before. If demand fades after the holiday restart, or supply returns faster than expected, the sector can turn quickly — and MIN tends to move with it.
MinRes also has to keep proving the big spend at Onslow is behind it and that debt keeps moving lower. Any stumble on costs, shipment rates or guidance would likely change the mood fast.
On the calendar, investors will watch MinRes’ next quarterly report, due on April 30, for updates on lithium output, Onslow shipments and progress on the balance sheet plan. (Mineral Resources)
