Why is ASX lithium share Magnis in a trading halt?

This lithium share could be about to make a big announcement.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is having a bit of a bouncy start to the trading week today. At the time of writing, the All Ords has spent time in both positive and negative territory this Monday but is presently down by around 0.05%. But one ASX All Ords lithium share isn't even at the table today. 

The Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd (ASX: MNS) share price closed at 40 cents last Friday. And that's where the company will be staying, at least for a while.

That's because, just before market open this morning, Magnis put out an ASX notice. This told investors its shares would be placed in a trading halt, effective from today.

Here's some of what the notice said:

The Company requests the trading halt pending an announcement to the market in relation to a material transaction, the signed agreement for which was received from the counterparty over the weekend…

The Company requests that the trading halt applied to its securities continue until the earlier of the making of an announcement in relation to the proposed material transaction and the commencement of trading on 21 February 2023.

That's all we know for now.

A man sits in a chair hunched over a laptop and covered head to toe in frozen icicles to represent Envirosuite's trading halt

Image source: Getty Images

ASX lithium share Magnis on ice

Magnis did give investors another update last Friday. But this was related to its Imperium3 lithium-ion battery plant in the US state of New York, in which Magnis owns a 61% interest.

This informed investors that there will be a delay in gaining United Nations certification for the safe transportation of the lithium-ion batteries manufactured at Imperium3:

In one of the last tests performed, a cell reported an irregular result which has resulted in the process starting again with a new batch of cells.

In order to compress the timeline to achieve certification, additional accredited independent certifiers have been appointed. While disappointed with the delay, Magnis is pleased that cells produced by iM3NY are continuing to be sampled by a range of existing and potentially new customers, which reinforces the Company's view on positive market demand for these new cells.

The Magnis share price reacted poorly to this news, with the company losing a nasty 7.96% last Friday. That put the company at the 40 cent share price Magnis is frozen at today:

It appears that these two consecutive announcements are not related, but we shall have to wait and see what Magnis comes out with later this week.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Materials Shares

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Which ASX rare earths company's shares are trading higher on new funding news?

Two major government finance agencies have signed on.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the share price.
Materials Shares

ASX lithium shares 'compelling' as top broker adjusts ratings

UBS predicts the global oil shock caused by the war in Iran will drive higher demand for electric vehicles.

Read more »

Three workers jump in the air at a steel factory.
Materials Shares

This ASX steel stock is unlocking hidden value. So why is it falling today?

BlueScope shares fall after an update on surplus land developments.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Materials Shares

Guess which ASX mining stock is crashing 24% today

The miner is raising capital for the fourth time in as many years.

Read more »

A man wearing a suit and holding an EV charger gives the thumbs up.
Materials Shares

3 reasons to buy this high flying ASX lithium stock for the long term

World-class assets, strong balance sheet, and smart growth support long-term outlook.

Read more »

Young successful engineer, with blueprints, notepad, and digital tablet, observing the project implementation on construction site and in mine.
Materials Shares

Is this ASX iron ore stock a better buy than Fortescue?

Bell Potter thinks this stock could rise 90%.

Read more »

Lion holding and screaming into a yellow loudspeaker on a blue background, symbolising an announcement from Liontown.
Materials Shares

Are Liontown shares a buy, hold, or sell?

Ord Minnett has given its verdict on this lithium miner.

Read more »

two business people shake hands through the glass wall of a business office with a board table and laptop computer in view between them.
Materials Shares

A major long-term deal is lifting this ASX stock today

Nufarm shares are edging higher after locking in a long-term biofuels deal.

Read more »