The S&P/ASX 200 has lifted strongly today, with the Materials sector spearheading the gains. Five of the largest mining companies listed on the ASX—Newmont Corporation (NEM), Gold Corporation (PMGOLD), Alcoa Corporation (AAI), BHP Group Ltd (BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (RIO)—are in the spotlight as investors react to positive sentiment across the commodities space. Here’s how each of these heavyweights is performing today and what their recent trends reveal.
1. Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) — Leading the Charge with Strong Gains
- Current Price: $77.94
- Day Change: +$3.21 (+4.30%)
- Market Cap: $8.64 billion
- 2025 YTD Performance: +30.90%
Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM)
Newmont Corporation is today’s top-performing major miner on the ASX 200. Up 4.3% by midday, the gold and multi-metal miner is rebounding after a recent dip. While it has fallen 7.1% over the past week and 9.66% in the past month, its year-to-date performance remains stellar, surging nearly 31%.
Operating across five continents, Newmont has been buoyed by the rising gold price and strong copper demand. Despite lighter-than-average trading volumes today (150,857 vs a 4-week average of 666,520), investor interest is clearly returning. Newmont also outperforms the ASX 200 on a one-year basis, gaining 20.56% compared to the index’s more modest rise.
Also Read: ASX 200 Midday Report – 16 May 2025
2. Gold Corporation (ASX: PMGOLD) — Riding the Bullish Gold Wave
- Current Price: $50.02
- Day Change: +$1.63 (+3.37%)
- Market Cap: $16.08 billion
- 2025 YTD Performance: +19.72%
- 1-Year Return: +40.27%
ASX: PMGOLD or The Perth Mint (Gold Corporation) Australia
Gold Corporation—trading under the PMGOLD ticker and backed by the Perth Mint—is another standout in today’s session. Up 3.37%, the bullion-backed entity has continued to benefit from investor flight to safety and the increasing popularity of physical and backed gold investments.
With its market cap now exceeding $16 billion, PMGOLD is the largest of the group in terms of shareholder value. It also has the most impressive one-year performance, rising over 40%. This positions it well ahead of the broader sector and ASX 200 index. Although its average trading volume is slightly down today, confidence in gold as a long-term hedge is clearly supporting PMGOLD’s rally.
3. Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) — The Lone Decliner
- Current Price: $44.54
- Day Change: -$0.90 (-1.98%)
- Market Cap: $2.67 billion
- 2025 YTD Performance: -24.92%
- 1-Year Return: -13.85%
Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI)
In contrast to its peers, Alcoa Corporation is the only major miner trading in the red today. Down nearly 2% by midday, the aluminium producer is facing pressure despite strong short-term momentum. Over the past week, Alcoa’s share price surged 15.72%, and it remains up 14.21% over the past month.
However, broader structural challenges have weighed on its 2025 year-to-date performance, with shares still down nearly 25%. Lower-than-usual trading volume today (12,387 vs an average of 204,152) suggests cautious investor sentiment. Alcoa’s longer-term decline may reflect concerns around aluminium demand and pricing volatility.
4. BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) — Steady Recovery Continues
- Current Price: $39.86
- Day Change: +$0.67 (+1.71%)
- Market Cap: $202.33 billion
- 2025 YTD Performance: +0.78%
- 1-Year Return: -10.51%
BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)
BHP, Australia’s largest listed company and a cornerstone of the ASX 200, has lifted 1.71% today, continuing a slow and steady recovery. Although up modestly in 2025, its one-year performance remains negative—down over 10%.
Despite this, investor activity remains high, with over 5.25 million shares changing hands by midday. BHP’s broad exposure to iron ore, copper, coal, and other industrial metals helps buffer it from commodity-specific volatility. The miner’s strong dividend yield (4.77%) and global scale continue to appeal to long-term investors seeking stability in the sector.
5. Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) — Gaining Ground on Iron Ore and Copper Optimism
- Current Price: $121.50
- Day Change: +$1.48 (+1.23%)
- Market Cap: $45.10 billion
- 2025 YTD Performance: +3.44%
- 1-Year Return: -6.82%
Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO)
Rounding out the top five, Rio Tinto is enjoying a 1.23% rise today as global sentiment around iron ore and copper demand improves. The company’s broad product mix—including aluminium, minerals, and critical metals—gives it a degree of resilience amid cyclical headwinds.
Rio’s shares have gained 4.67% over the past week and over 9% in the last month, signalling renewed investor confidence. Its one-year loss of 6.82% is significantly less severe than BHP’s, and its 5.21% dividend yield remains attractive. Trading volumes are healthy today, with nearly 900,000 shares traded by midday.
Sector Outlook: Materials Lead ASX 200 Gains
The broader S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index is up 1.86% today, firmly supporting the ASX 200’s overall rise of 0.73%. Miners are clearly in the driver’s seat, with gold and copper sentiment turning bullish on global market signals. Four out of five top mining stocks are trading higher today, helping lift sector confidence and bringing renewed optimism to the Australian share market.
As global commodity markets react to economic forecasts, inflation data, and central bank guidance, the performance of these mining giants will continue to play a defining role in the ASX 200’s direction.
In Summary:
- Top gainer: Newmont (+4.30%)
- Top long-term performer: PMGOLD (+40.27% 1Y)
- Only decliner today: Alcoa (-1.98%)
- Biggest miner by market cap: BHP ($202.3B)
- Sector support: Materials +1.86%
Miners remain one of the most watched and influential segments on the ASX 200—and today’s action confirms why.
