Sydney, Jan 13, 2026, 17:39 AEDT — Market closed
- South32 climbed 1.5%, boosted by a stronger session for miners and metals-related shares
- Gold and silver hovered close to record highs, sustaining the “safe-haven” appeal.
- Investors are eyeing South32’s half-year results and interim dividend announcement scheduled for Feb. 12
Shares of South32 Ltd ended Tuesday 1.5% higher, closing at A$3.96. The rally reflected a broader strength in metals and mining stocks, driven by investor interest in gold, silver, and copper-related firms. 1
This shift is significant since South32’s profits fluctuate alongside commodity prices, and markets have been reacting to macroeconomic news almost instantly. On Tuesday, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 climbed 0.56%, buoyed by gains in gold, metals & mining, and materials sectors, according to Investing.com. 2
No new South32-specific exchange updates emerged. The latest ASX announcements for the company on Intelligent Investor go back to Jan. 9, so traders are mostly watching the metals market to gauge the stock. 3
Gold hovered just shy of Monday’s record level, with silver staying close to its recent high, Reuters reported. Kyle Rodda, senior market analyst at Capital.com, told Reuters some traders are likely cashing in short-term gains, but any pullbacks “could be bought pretty quickly.” 4
Copper remains a key player in the metals market after hitting record highs earlier this month amid supply concerns. “Copper prices need to rise further to persuade miners to generate significant new production,” said SP Angel analyst John Meyer in a Jan. 5 Reuters report. Duncan Hobbs of Concord Resources highlighted “security of supply chains” as another crucial factor. 5
More supply news rolled in. Chile’s state miner Codelco plans to pump out 1.344 million metric tons of copper in 2026, a modest increase of around 10,000 tons from last year, chairman Maximo Pacheco told Reuters on Monday. He also noted a $150 million budget for exploration. 6
South32’s performance hinges on the commodity environment, given its stakes in both base and precious metals. That includes its Sierra Gorda copper mine and the Cannington silver-lead-zinc project, plus aluminium and manganese operations. 7
South32 has set Feb. 12 for its half-year results ending Dec. 31, 2025, along with its interim dividend decision, the company announced on Jan. 9. The interim dividend payment is expected around April 2. (The interim dividend determination refers to the board’s choice on whether to issue a dividend and the amount.) 8
South32 revealed in December that it plans to put its Mozal aluminium smelter in Mozambique into care and maintenance by March, after talks to secure a power deal broke down. The temporary shutdown will preserve the asset but comes with a $60 million one-off charge. CEO Graham Kerr described the negotiations as “deadlocked on an appropriate electricity price.” 9
Heading into Wednesday, all eyes are on whether gold and silver can stay close to their record highs and if copper maintains its strength—these metals are still driving the materials sector. After that, traders will focus on South32’s earnings report and interim dividend announcement set for Feb. 12.
