Is this what's boosting the Pilbara Minerals share price today?

Investors are bidding up the Pilbara Minerals share price on Wednesday. But why?

| More on:
Smiling mine worker at mining site with colleagues.

Image source: Getty Images

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

sdf

The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price is enjoying a welcome lift today.

Shares in the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) lithium stock closed yesterday trading for $2.20. In late morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $2.30 apiece, up 4.5%.

For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.35% at this same time.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Pilbara Minerals PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

This outperformance of the Pilbara Minerals share price comes on the heels of a major funding announcement on Tuesday from the Western Australian government.

Here's what happening.

Pilbara Minerals share price leaps amid new government funding

The Pilbara Minerals share price looks to be catching some extra tailwinds after the Cook Labor government announced it will tip in $34 million via its Investment Attraction Fund to three clean energy projects to help drive new job opportunities across the state.

Among the recipients, the government allocated Pilbara Minerals $15 million for its mid-stream demonstration plant at the miner's Pilgangoora lithium operation. The plant incorporates an industrial-scale electric spodumene calciner, which converts critical mineral concentrates into high-value battery precursors.

The demonstration plant project is a joint venture between Pilbara Minerals and Calix Limited.

"WA is on track to become a global clean energy powerhouse, to keep our economy for the long term and create the jobs of the future in our state," Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said.

"These projects are at the cutting edge of the global energy transition, whether it's reducing emissions from steel or producing the batteries the world needs for a clean energy future."

The Pilbara Minerals share price took a tumble in October, with shares under additional pressure after the miner and Calix announced that construction works at the demonstration plan would be paused until lithium market conditions were more supportive "or further government support for project continuation could be secured".

What did management say?

Commenting on the $15 million in government funding now secured, Pilbara Minerals CEO Dale Henderson said:

This is a great demonstration of the WA government's commitment to supporting downstream onshore processing and innovation through supporting two Australian companies in a project which could meaningfully reduce carbon emissions of the global lithium industry.

As for the future of the project, Henderson noted, "This funding boost goes a long way to supporting the delivery of the mid-stream demonstration plant project and will enable the JV to consider recommencement of the project."

Henderson concluded:

We remain fully supportive of the mid-stream strategy and our joint venture, recognising the project's potential to transform the lithium supply chain through lower emissions and value-adding processing.

The Pilbara Minerals share price is down 36% over 12 months, with shares up 4.5% so far in 2025.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Resources Shares

A man wearing a hard hat and high visibility vest looks out over a vast plain where heavy mining equipment can be seen in the background.
Resources Shares

Is the Fortescue share price a buy for passive income?

Let’s dig into the potential of this mining giant.

Read more »

Female miner standing next to a haul truck in a large mining operation.
Resources Shares

Major miners fall as iron ore prices continue to sink

Waning Chinese demand and oversupply concerns push iron ore prices lower.   

Read more »

A mining worker clenches his fists celebrating success at sunset in the mine.
Resources Shares

Would I buy Pilbara Minerals shares?

Are investors missing an opportunity with this lithium stock?

Read more »

Three miners looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Here's the earnings forecast out to 2029 for BHP shares

Let’s dig into the predictions.

Read more »

A smiling miner wearing a high vis vest and yellow hardhat does the thumbs up in front of an open pit copper mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie expects this ASX All Ords copper stock to soar 48% in a year

Macquarie forecasts another big year of gains ahead for this ASX All Ords copper stock. But why?

Read more »

Female miner standing smiling in a mine.
Broker Notes

Why Macquarie predicts Pilbara Minerals shares could surge 71%

Macquarie forecasts a big rebound ahead for Pilbara Minerals shares. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

Two mining workers in orange high vis vests walk and talk at a mining site.
Resources Shares

ASX All Ords mining stock sinks on US silver acquisitions

Investors are bidding down the ASX All Ords miner on US acquisition news. But why?

Read more »

Image from either construction, mining or the oil industry of a friendly worker.
Resources Shares

How these 2 tailwinds could boost the BHP share price into 2026

A leading expert forecasts that BHP shares are set to recover. But why?

Read more »