Australian Mining Giants Demonstrate Strength Amid Commodity Rally

Strong performance across the Australian materials sector has highlighted the strategic positioning of mining giants Mineral Resources Ltd and BHP Group Ltd. With global demand for future-facing minerals remaining robust, both organisations are demonstrating significant operational resilience and share price growth, supported by a constructive commodity market environment. This positive momentum comes at a time of broader market gains, reflecting investor confidence in critical industrial commodities.

On May 22, 2026, the S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.41% higher, while the ASX materials sector (XMJ) climbed by 1.3%. This upward movement in the materials sector was driven by a solid performance from its leading constituents, as well as positive developments in international commodity trading markets.

Mineral Resources Capitalises on Lithium and Iron Ore

Mineral Resources Ltd has recorded a substantial rise in its market valuation, with its share price jumping 25.6% since early 2025. The company's diversified business model, which concentrates heavily on the production of lithium and iron ore, has allowed it to navigate changing market dynamics effectively. The recent performance is further supported by a recovery in the lithium market, where GFEX lithium carbonate futures rebounded by 3.5% on May 22, 2026.

Financial forecasts for the company indicate an expanding revenue profile despite some near-term earnings adjustments. For the FY25 period, the revenue forecast has been increased to AU$4.52b from the previous estimate of AU$4.46b. However, the FY25 EPS forecast was adjusted downward to -AU$0.332 per share from -AU$0.28. Looking forward to FY26, expectations are significantly higher, with the revenue forecast upgraded to AU$6.11b from AU$5.99b, and the FY26 EPS estimate increased substantially to AU$4.26 per share from the earlier forecast of AU$3.79. This projected growth highlights the anticipated ramp-up of key operations.

BHP Group Approaches All-Time Highs

BHP Group Ltd has also demonstrated remarkable strength on the share market. BHP shares are currently trading just 4.7% below their 52-week high, having reached an all-time high of $62.30 on May 13, 2026. This peak followed another strong session on May 12, 2026, when the share price surged to a fresh all-time high. On May 22, 2026, BHP shares advanced by 1.1%, contributing to a major 34.25% year-to-date increase in 2026 and a gain over the past 12 months.