Latest Materials News

The week was split between big earnings reactions and small-cap rocks-and-rigs rallies. Pro Medicus sank despite record numbers, while a handful of explorers jumped on fresh discoveries and policy wins.

Explorers led the Materials tape as fresh drill stories and new ground deals pulled buyers into small caps. Big miners still delivered, but the loudest moves came from companies offering investors a near-term catalyst.

Advance ZincTek Limited has confirmed a shareholder-approved capital return of 2 cents per share, distributing approximately A$1.252 million back to investors. Payment instructions have been issued ahead of the scheduled February payout.

International Graphite Limited has reported pilot-scale testwork results exceeding purity targets for expandable graphite, underpinning plans for a European production facility.

Orora Limited reported a robust 32.2% rise in underlying net profit after tax for the half-year ended December 2025, underpinned by strong volume growth in its Cans segment and operational efficiencies across its glass businesses. The company also completed a $227.4 million share buyback in 2025 and announced a fresh $270 million on-market buyback program.

EcoGraf Limited has secured a cooperation agreement with the European Investment Bank to advance its vertically integrated battery anode materials projects, reinforcing its role in sustainable critical raw materials supply for the EU.

NAM has acquired Tri-Coastal for US$66.5 million, consolidating its Houston operations to enhance market share, operational efficiency, and margins in the ferrous scrap sector.

Talga Group has lodged a detailed prospectus for issuing attaching and piggyback options to recent Placement and Share Purchase Plan participants, potentially raising up to A$32.7 million upon exercise. The move supports its battery anode production scale-up and international expansion plans.

Sims Limited is consolidating its Houston footprint by acquiring Tri Coastal Trading assets and selling its Mayo Shell property, aiming to boost EBITDA and cut costs significantly.

A single exploration name blew the doors off the leaderboard, while two well-known uranium plays and a Nevada explorer sank hard. Behind the noise: deals got closer to completion, big raisings reset prices, and several “good news” gaps didn’t survive the week.

A single drill program in WA delivered a once-a-year spike, while several small caps fell hard after reopening with price gaps. This week also saw big money raised for gold and uranium builds, and a run of resource upgrades across critical minerals.

Livium Ltd announces a further A$335,000 distribution from its 50% stake in the LieNA joint venture, following receipt of a substantial R&D tax incentive rebate for FY25. The joint venture remains well-funded through FY27, supporting ongoing lithium extraction technology development.