Sydney, Jan 13, 2026, 17:35 AEDT — After-hours
Shares of Mineral Resources Limited (ASX:MIN) ended Tuesday up 3.3%, closing at A$60.50. The lift came amid a fresh surge in demand for lithium-related miners on the ASX. Trading ranged from A$58.99 to A$61.00, with about 1.2 million shares exchanging hands.
Lithium prices in China surged after a sudden spike in battery exports was expected ahead of a tax shift. The most-active lithium carbonate futures contract on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange hit its daily limit, jumping 9% to 156,060 yuan a metric ton — a peak not seen since November 2023. This followed China’s finance ministry announcement that VAT export rebates on battery products will fall from 9% to 6% starting April and vanish entirely after Jan. 1, 2027. Analysts at Chinese broker Orient Securities noted the move might boost short-term battery output, despite the rebate targeting battery exports rather than lithium carbonate directly.
Australia’s broader market edged up, with the S&P/ASX 200 climbing 0.56% to 8,808.5, led by gains in materials and financials, according to an AAP report. “We’re in a period of pretty significant resource competition and scarcity,” said Kyle Rodda, market analyst at Capital.com. Iron ore futures steadied around $US108 a tonne, while copper prices hovered near record highs. Kyabram Free Press
Other lithium stocks closed higher. Pilbara Minerals gained 1.9%, settling at A$4.86.
Liontown Resources climbed 2.8%, closing at A$2.21.
Mineral Resources operates across lithium, iron ore, energy, and mining services in Western Australia, making its earnings highly sensitive to fluctuations in bulk commodities and battery materials.
The trade isn’t straightforward. Futures might surge on policy moves but could quickly retreat if the market sees demand just shifted earlier, or if supply bounces back sooner than anticipated and spot purchases stall.
MinRes faces a crucial checkpoint with its upcoming earnings schedule. The firm is set to release its Q2 FY2026 report on Jan. 29, followed by half-year results on Feb. 20. These dates will shine a spotlight on shipments, costs, and any updates to guidance for its lithium and iron ore segments.
