Sydney, Jan 27, 2026, 17:14 AEDT — Market closed
- Sandfire Resources climbed 3.4% to A$19.71, nearing its recent peak
- Materials stocks drove a broad ASX rally in the market’s first session back from the holiday
- Upcoming triggers include the Kalkaroo vote on Feb. 6 and Sandfire’s half-year results due Feb. 19
Sandfire Resources Ltd shares climbed 3.4% to A$19.71 on Tuesday, beating the broader Australian market as miners attracted renewed investor interest after the long weekend. The stock fluctuated between A$19.25 and A$19.72, hovering just under its 52-week peak of A$19.89, per Investing.com data. 1
The S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.9%, led by strong performances in the materials sector, ABC market coverage reported. Monday’s Australia Day public holiday kept the local market closed, so investors had a single session to absorb overseas developments. 2
Sandfire’s stock has turned into a popular pick for those looking to gain exposure to copper and base metals without venturing overseas. It’s been hovering near the upper end of its recent trading range. The company’s investor page lists the December 2025 quarterly report as its latest ASX announcement, released just last week, leaving traders focused more on sector momentum and upcoming calendar events. 3
Sandfire stuck to its FY26 copper equivalent output forecast, keeping the range at 149-165 kilotonnes and a midpoint of 157 kt. The company noted in its January update that production would tilt heavier toward the second half of the year, splitting roughly 46:54 between H1 and H2. It also said it expected to report an unaudited net cash position of $13 million as of December 31, following recent debt repayments. 4
In its December quarterly update, CEO Brendan Harris confirmed the company is sticking to its annual production forecast, despite pulling forward maintenance at its Motheo site and facing tighter mobile fleet availability. “We have retained annual production guidance and now expect a H1:H2 weighting of 46:54,” Harris noted. The report also flagged a Feb. 6 Havilah Resources shareholder vote on Sandfire’s plan to acquire an 80% stake in the Kalkaroo copper-gold project. The deal involves an upfront A$31.5 million cash payment plus an additional A$15 million aimed at early exploration funding. 5
That said, the straightforward narrative could unravel fast. If Motheo’s ramp-up stumbles or downtime stretches, earnings momentum could take a hit. A weaker copper tape would also weigh. Plus, the Kalkaroo deal isn’t sealed until conditions are satisfied and shareholders give the green light.
Copper wasn’t helping Tuesday. Benchmark prices slipped roughly 2.5%, highlighting the kind of volatile moves that can quickly shake investor sentiment around individual mining stocks. 6
Sandfire’s next big update is just around the corner, with half-year results set for Feb. 19. Investors will focus on shifts in cost and capex guidance, along with a clear signal on whether second-half production is on track. Management’s outlook on projects beyond Motheo and MATSA will also be under the microscope. 7
Looking ahead to the next session and week, watch three key signals: copper’s movement, new ASX filings, and if the Feb. 6 vote preserves the Kalkaroo timeline before the Feb. 19 results.
