Why are ASX mining shares going gangbusters today?

It's an exciting day for ASX mining sector investors on Tuesday.

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

ASX mining shares are higher across the board today following news that the world's top metals consumer, China, will implement "more proactive" fiscal policy to support its flagging economy.

The S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is the leading market sector today, up 3.34%. Meanwhile, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 0.42%.

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Morgan Stanley economist Robin Xing said yesterday's Politburo meeting in China "sent the most aggressive stimulus tone in a decade".

The Politburo, which meets once per month, said it would introduce measures to boost domestic consumption and stabilise the property market and Chinese share market.

This comes ahead of the important Central Economic Work Conference, which begins on Wednesday. At the conference, new year priorities will be set, including China's 2025 target for economic growth.

a man in a hard hat and high visibility vest smiles as he stands in the foreground of heavy mining equipment on a mine site.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX mining shares in the green on Tuesday

ASX iron ore shares are well into the green today, with BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares up 3.92% to $42.18 and Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) shares up 6.68% to $20.54.

Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) shares are up 4.97% to $125.43, while iron ore and lithium miner Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) has lifted 6.23% to $36.32.

In overnight trading, there was a 2.15% lift in the CNY iron ore price to US$111.35 per tonne. The 62% iron ore price fell 2.05% to US$104.11 per tonne.

ASX gold shares are also rising today. The gold price is currently trading at US$2,659.16, up 0.99%. Yesterday, gold hit new record levels at around US$2,675 per tonne.

In today's trading:

  • The Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is up 2.12% to $16.86
  • The Newmont Corporation CDI (ASX: NEM) share price is up 1.62% to $65.09
  • The Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) share price is up 3.37% to $5.21

Analysts at Trading Economics explained that the gold price was rising due to its safe-haven appeal amid renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, as well as China resuming gold purchases.

ASX copper shares are in the green following a 1.56% bump in the copper price to US$4.20 per pound.

  • Sandfire Resources Ltd (ASX: SFR) shares are up 3.66% to $10.49
  • Red Metal Ltd (ASX: RDM) shares are up 4.55% to 12 cents
  • Firefly Metals Ltd (ASX: FFM) shares are up 12.03% to $1.13

What about ASX lithium shares?

ASX lithium shares are also responding to the news from China, given it is the world's top producer of electric vehicles.

  • Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) shares are up 7.67% to $2.32
  • IGO Ltd (ASX: IGO) shares are up 4.64% to $5.19
  • Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) shares are up 3.28% to 63 cents
  • Latin Resources Ltd (ASX: LRS) shares are up 10.34% to 16 cents
  • Sayona Mining Ltd (ASX: SYA) shares are up 3.45% to 3 cents
  • Syrah Resources Ltd (ASX: SYR) shares are up 4.17% to 25 cents
  • Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd (ASX: VUL) shares are up 4.88% to $6.45
  • Patriot Battery Metals Inc (ASX: PMT) shares are up 6.35% to 34 cents

Overnight, there was a 0.42% lift in the lithium hydroxide price to US$9,489.70 per tonne and a 0.52% decline in the lithium carbonate price to US$10,536.46 per tonne.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group. 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 Resources Shares

Business people standing at a mine site smiling.
Resources Shares

How much could the Fortescue share price rise in the next year?

Let’s dig into the potential of Fortescue shares…

Read more »

Two CEOs shaking hands on a deal.
Resources Shares

Own BHP shares? Here's an expert's view on the new CEO

One of the world’s biggest miners has a new boss.

Read more »

Man in yellow hard hat looks through binoculars as man in white hard hat stands behind him and points.
Resources Shares

Are Fortescue shares a top buy in March?

Fortescue shares have delivered strong returns, but are they still a buy?

Read more »

A female athlete in green spandex leaps from one cliff edge to another representing 3 ASX shares that are destined to rise and be great
Share Gainers

Guess which ASX lithium share is leaping 14% in Friday's sinking market

Investors are piling into this small-cap ASX lithium miner today. But why?

Read more »

Engineer looking at mining trucks at a mine site.
Resources Shares

4 cheap Aussie rare earths companies which are worth a look, according to Wilsons Advisory

Despite a sell-off, the fundamentals of the sector remain strong.

Read more »

View of a mining or construction worker through giant metal pipes.
Resources Shares

Woodside vs Santos: Which ASX energy stock is the best fit for your portfolio?

Rising oil prices may lift all energy stocks, but investment profiles differ.

Read more »

An athlete runs fast with a trail of yellow smoke billowing out behind him.
Broker Notes

Up 139% in a year, why this buy rated ASX All Ords rare earths stock could keep racing higher

A leading broker forecasts more outperformance to come from this surging ASX rare earths stock.

Read more »

Two miners talking to each other.
Resources Shares

Buy, hold, sell: 3 ASX mining shares

ASX mining shares have been the worst hit by the war in Iran.

Read more »