NEW YORK, Jan 25, 2026, 09:02 EST — Market closed
- IperionX shares closed Friday roughly 7.9% higher, settling at $60.11.
- The move came after a revealed $0.3 mln prototype order linked to U.S. Army ground vehicles.
- Investors will be looking for follow-on orders and evidence that the work can scale past the prototype stage.
IperionX Limited shares surged 7.9% to close at $60.11 on Friday, after fluctuating between $56.50 and $60.33 during the day. Trading volume reached 260,726 shares.
U.S. markets are closed for the weekend, leaving Monday’s session to reveal if the recent jump will stick after the initial buzz dies down. For a company focused on shifting from development to securing repeat orders, landing a defence-linked customer often carries more weight than the size of the deal.
IperionX announced Thursday it secured a $0.3 million prototype order from American Rheinmetall for 700 lightweight titanium parts destined for U.S. Army heavy ground combat systems. The components will be produced in the U.S. from 100% recycled titanium feedstock using the company’s HAMR and HSPT technologies. IperionX claims each part cuts weight by 40%–45% compared to steel. CEO Taso Arima said the deal demonstrates “the practical application” of its recycled titanium tech. (Nasdaq)
A separate filing revealed the purchase order included 700 titanium track pins valued at roughly $300,000, with delivery slated for 8 to 9 months after the order date, varying by product type.
American Rheinmetall operates under Germany’s Rheinmetall group, which has been steadily growing its presence in the U.S. defence and commercial vehicle and component sectors. (Rheinmetall)
“Prototype order” is the phrase to note. It typically refers to early-stage efforts aimed at qualifying parts and processes, rather than a full-rate production contract. The company has hinted at upside potential—a larger deal if the deliveries meet expectations—but that’s far from guaranteed.
Certain phrases in the release hit investors differently at the moment. IperionX claimed it’s the sole domestic U.S. producer of commercial-scale primary titanium metal, pointing out that the U.S. has relied heavily on foreign titanium sponge — a raw material key to making titanium products — which, they argue, leaves defense and aerospace supply chains vulnerable.
The catch is straightforward: $300,000 isn’t much, and the timeline stretches out. If qualification drags or if American Rheinmetall and the Army stall at the prototype stage, Friday’s jump could quickly reverse—especially in a stock that’s thinly traded.
Trading picks up Monday, and investors will be watching for updates on contract details, delivery timelines, or new defence orders. The key date to watch is the first delivery of the 700 track pins, expected 8–9 months after the Jan. 22 order.
