Sydney, Jan 15, 2026, 17:11 AEDT — After-hours
- South32 shares climbed to a new 52-week peak by the close on Thursday.
- Miners led the charge once more, keeping the ASX materials sector steady.
- Attention now shifts to South32’s upcoming operating update and its February results.
South32 Ltd shares closed Thursday up 4.55% at A$4.14, hitting an intraday peak of A$4.165 — marking a fresh 52-week high. The stock fluctuated between A$4.02 and A$4.165, with roughly 33.17 million shares traded. 1
The rally followed another solid session for miners. Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG, pointed to materials as the key driver behind the market’s strength this week, fueled by “irrepressible demand for industrial and precious metals.” 2
Why it matters now: South32 is gearing up for a packed reporting schedule, and its shares are already reacting. The company’s financial calendar shows a December-quarter update set for Jan. 22, followed by half-year results on Feb. 12. 3
Traders tracking South32 will focus on any changes in production volumes and costs across its assets — and on whether management offers fresh insights on pricing or demand for its metals.
The rally coincides with investors zeroing in on segments of South32’s portfolio often missed amid wider “bulk commodities” shifts. A MarketIndex column on Thursday highlighted South32’s silver stakes via Cannington and the Hermosa project in Arizona as a key angle some traders are betting on. 4
But risks remain. Commodity-linked stocks can lose their gains fast if metal prices slip. South32 faces a specific challenge at its Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique. The company plans to put Mozal into care and maintenance—a temporary shutdown—by March after talks for a long-term power deal fell through. CEO Graham Kerr pointed to a deadlock over price as the reason. 5
As Friday rolls in, the key question is if miners can sustain their momentum after hitting new highs or if we’ll see profit-taking, especially with the market closed for the day.
South32’s quarterly report on Jan. 22 is the next key event. Then comes the half-year results on Feb. 12, with investors keen to gauge production trends, costs, and any shifts in the company’s outlook.
