Top ASX Lithium and Copper Stocks to Watch in 2026

Lithium and copper shares continued to attract attention in 2026 following better production results, better sales, strong cash flow, and project developments. Many Australian-listed mining companies have also maintained their guidance amid expansion and exploration plans. 

Liontown Limited (ASX: LTR)

Liontown Limited (ASX: LTR), on 29 July 2026, reported June quarter net cash flow of $137 million, lifting cash at bank to $561 million. Cash receipts from customers reached $302 million, with 21,384 dmt of saleable inventory remaining. Average realised SC6e price was US$1,880/dmt.

The company produced 103,111 dmt of spodumene concentrate and sold 108,489 dmt across five shipments at an average 5.0% Li2O grade. Underground development reached a record 3,316 metres, while 356 kt of underground ore was mined.

Expansion study work continued, with the final investment decision scheduled for the end of Q1 FY27. Buldania scoping finished, and exploration planning advanced for H1 FY27 alongside nearby target reviews.

FY26 guidance was achieved within range. FY27 guidance includes production, unit costs and total capex, excluding additional expansion capital linked to the expected September 2026 investment decision.

PLS Group Limited (ASX: PLS)

PLS Group Limited (ASX: PLS), 30 July 2026, achieved record FY26 production and sales have hit records and were both 17% higher than in the previous year. The June production was 214.3kt while sales were at a record high of 249.9kt, improving revenue 31% to $743m. Average realised price increased to US$2,107/t.

Cash increased 57% during the quarter to $2,290 million, including proceeds from the US$600 million bond. Net cash stood at $1,344 million. FY26 production exceeded guidance, while unit operating costs and capital expenditure met targets.

Mining and processing remained steady, with higher ore mining, 76.8% lithium recovery and the Ngungaju plant restart beginning on 1 July 2026.

Growth studies for P2000 and Colina continued, while FY27 guidance was issued.

Capstone Copper Corp. (ASX: CSC)

Capstone Copper Corp. (ASX: CSC), on 21 June 2026, the company announced new three year labour agreements at the Mantos Blancos mine in Chile. Both unions approved the agreements within the legal process and allowing normal operations to continue. There are 1,106 employees as well as 1,822 contractors at the mine.

The firm posted Q1 2026 copper output of 47,960 tonnes. The net income stood at $102.5 million, EBITDA was achieved at $329.1 million and net debt was reduced to $737.5 million. Production guidance remained at 200,000-230,000 tonnes.

CSC kept its spending and exploration plans unchanged. The MV Optimized Project continued as planned, while higher diesel and sulphuric acid prices remained a cost challenge.

Sandfire Resources Limited (ASX: SFR)

Sandfire Resources Limited (ASX: SFR), on July 23, 2026, reported June quarter results. Group copper equivalent production rose 38% in the quarter to 47.6kt, taking FY26 production to 154.2kt, within guidance. The Total Recordable Injury Frequency improved to 1.6, although three high potential incidents were recorded during the quarter.

On July 23, 2026, Motheo lifted quarterly copper equivalent production by 65% to 21.1kt as the A4 open pit reached commercial production. MATSA increased output 22% to 26.5kt with record processing rates. Exploration activities were ongoing at Motheo even as drilling and infrastructural activities progressed at the Kalkaroo Copper Gold project.

The quarterly sales income stood at $574 million, Underlying EBITDA stood at $343 million and net cash amounted to $353 million. Production guidance for FY27 was set at 150kt-166. FY27 production guidance was set at 150kt-166kt.

(Source: Company report)