Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Solstice, and South32 shares

If you are looking for some exposure to the booming mining sector, then it could be worth hearing what analysts are saying about the stocks in this article, courtesy of The Bull.

Are these mining shares buys, holds, or sells? Let’s find out:

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG)

This iron ore giant is a popular option in the mining sector. However, the team at Shaw and Partners only rates it as a hold at present.

Although the broker is comfortable maintaining its current exposure, it isn’t recommending investors buy Fortecue shares at current levels. It explains:

The miner continues to benefit from iron ore prices, which are holding up better than many expected. The company’s low cost position and large scale operations support strong profitability. But similar to my commentary on S32, the commodities and iron ore markets are cyclical.

Movements in iron ore prices are influenced by global demand and particularly China’s steel production. For that reason, I’m comfortable maintaining current exposure without leaning in further just yet.

Solstice Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLS)

Analysts at MPC Markets are positive on this copper and gold explorer. They were pleased with recent drilling results from the Nanadie project in Western Australia.

In light of this and the recent pullback in its share price, MPC Markets thinks an appealing entry point has opened up for investors and is recommending the mining stock as a buy. It said:

The miner recently delivered encouraging copper-gold drilling results at its Nanadie project in Western Australia, including an impressive assay of 62 metres at 1.55 per cent copper and 0.66 grams a tonne of gold. Management believes this is a large scale system, with meaningful high grade zones beyond the existing inferred mineral resource estimate of 162,000 tonnes of copper and 130,000 ounces of gold.

The share price doubled in response to the latest assay results, but has since retreated to more appealing entry levels on February 19, 2026. More assay results are due in coming weeks, which may be positive. Investors, with an appetite for risk, may want to consider buying SLS in anticipation of good results.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

MPC Markets is also recommending South32 shares as a buy this week. After a solid half-year result, it believes South32 is a good long-term buy, especially on any pullbacks. It said:

Mining operations include aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, manganese and silver. The company delivered a solid first half year result in fiscal year 2026, with earnings largely in line with expectations, a better-than-expected dividend and an expanded share buy-back, which is usually a good sign. Extending the Cannington mine life adds value amid upside potential at Sierra Gorda and Hermosa. S32 has a quality portfolio with improving margins. We believe the company is a solid long term buy, particularly on any temporary dips.

The post Buy, hold, sell: Fortescue, Solstice, and South32 shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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.