Sydney, Jan 18, 2026, 17:48 AEDT — Market closed.
- Mineral Resources ended Friday at A$59.78, slipping 2.4%.
- The miner highlighted quicker, safer ship mooring at its Port of Ashburton site tied to Onslow Iron.
- Upcoming milestones are the quarterly report on Jan. 29 and the half-year results set for Feb. 20.
Shares in Mineral Resources Ltd are set to draw attention when the ASX opens Monday, following the company’s announcement of new efficiencies at its Port of Ashburton marine facility—an essential part of its Onslow Iron export route. The stock closed Friday at A$59.78, down 2.4%. 1
Timing is key as investors brace for a busy earnings period for Australian miners, with costs, shipping rates, and commodity prices all in flux. For MinRes, the immediate challenge is proving that its updated iron ore logistics will deliver steadier volumes and improved operating results.
MinRes operates across iron ore, lithium, and mining services, yet recent trading has revolved around a few key issues: just how hard Onslow Iron can push production, what the unit costs will be, and if lithium prices hold steady or slip.
On Friday, the company announced it had rolled out an automatic mooring system, dubbed “automoor,” at the Port of Ashburton, roughly 15 km south of Onslow. The move aims to speed up turnaround times and boost safety. According to the firm, automoor slashes tie-up and let-go times compared to traditional mooring lines, freeing up the berth for more loading. It also lowers the risk of “snapback” injuries, which happen when a tensioned line suddenly recoils. “The most important part is that it keeps our crew hands off,” said transhipper master Sam Felstead in the update. 2
MinRes reported its shallow-draft transhippers carry iron ore offshore, transferring around 6,000 tonnes per hour to larger vessels. The company also confirmed Onslow Iron hit its nameplate capacity—35 million tonnes per year—in August 2025. The mooring system plays a key role in its “pit-to-ship” operation. 2
Friday saw the stock retreat from recent peaks, cooling enthusiasm among traders chasing exposure to iron ore and lithium on the ASX. MIN swung sharply, hitting a high of A$61.50 before slipping to a low of A$58.80 during the session. 1
MinRes operates in a heavily contested area of the market. When it comes to iron ore, BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue dominate pricing and volumes. Smaller players, meanwhile, depend heavily on dependable shipping. On the lithium front, investors watch Pilbara Minerals and Liontown closely for clues on market sentiment and pricing trends.
There’s a clear risk here. Should weather, equipment failures, or port congestion disrupt exports, the expected efficiency improvements won’t translate into higher shipments. On top of that, a drop in lithium prices could squeeze the stock’s multiple, even if iron ore performs without hiccups.
The next major event is fast approaching. MinRes’ investor calendar lists the Q2 FY2026 quarterly report for Jan. 29, the same day as an investor briefing. Then, on Feb. 20, the company will release its half-year financial results. 3
