Ioneer Ltd (ASX: INR) shares have been strong performers over the past 12 months.

During this time, the ASX lithium share has risen a sizeable 45%.

But if you thought the gains were over, think again! 

Why this ASX lithium share could keep rising

Bell Potter was pleased to see the lithium developer announce agreements with the Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation (KIND) and Hyundai Engineering. The broker believes it is a testament to the quality of the company’s Rhyolite Ridge project. It said:

While the engagement remains non-binding, the calibre of and the commentary from these counterparties provides a strong endorsement of INR’s Rhyolite Ridge project development pathway. The MOUs are clearly part of INR’s Strategic Partnering Process to introduce new project-level equity funding in support of a Final Investment Decision. 

Rhyolite Ridge is fully permitted; an October 2025 project economic update outlined potential production of 27.8ktpa lithium hydroxide and 135.5ktpa boric acid at a capital cost of US$1.7b and with a lithium AISC of US$4,628/t LCE (net of boron coproduct credits). The project is also backed by a US$996m US Department of Energy concessional loan. With cash of US$62m (31 March 2026), INR is fully funded to FID.

Big potential returns

In response to the news, Bell Potter has retained its speculative buy rating and 40 cents price target on the ASX lithium share.

Based on its current share price of 14.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 175% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its investment thesis, Bell Potter said:

Rhyolite Ridge is strategically important as a fully permitted, near-term and USlocated source of lithium and boron supply. Both lithium and boron are USGS-designated critical minerals. Rhyolite Ridge received development approval in October 2024 and engineering design is 70% complete. Lithium markets have recently strengthened, and we expect that continued growth in underlying demand and limited new sources of supply will support lithium chemicals prices over the medium to long term. Our INR valuation is $0.40/sh. 

Key INR value catalysts are the outcomes of the Strategic Partnering Process in the lead-up to a Final Investment Decision and commencement of development, all expected in 2H 2026. INR is an asset development company with forecast cash flows only; our Speculative risk rating recognises this higher level of investment risk and share price volatility.

The post Why this red hot ASX lithium share could rise 175% 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.

Building a portfolio for retirement income isn’t just about finding the highest dividend yields. The goal is to create a reliable stream of income that can continue growing over time, while also preserving capital through different market cycles.

That’s why I prefer a mix of high-quality companies and diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Together, they can provide exposure to different sectors, geographies and income sources, reducing the reliance on any single investment.

If I were building a portfolio for retirement income today, these five ASX investments would be at the top of my list.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP)

When it comes to retirement income, BHP offers something few companies can match: ownership of some of the world’s lowest-cost mining assets.

The mining giant generates enormous cash flows from iron ore, copper and metallurgical coal, allowing it to return significant amounts of capital to shareholders through dividends over the long term.

While earnings and dividends will naturally fluctuate with commodity prices, BHP’s strong balance sheet, operational scale and diversified resource base make it one of the most dependable dividend payers on the ASX.

The growing importance of copper in electrification and renewable energy also provides an attractive long-term growth opportunity alongside its income appeal.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA)

No retirement income portfolio feels complete without exposure to Australia’s biggest bank.

Commonwealth Bank has built an enviable record of generating consistent profits through economic cycles, supported by its dominant position in home lending, deposits and business banking.

Although the shares rarely look cheap, investors aren’t simply paying for today’s earnings. They’re buying a business with outstanding profitability, a powerful brand and a history of delivering fully franked dividends.

For retirees seeking dependable income, CBA continues to earn its place.

Transurban Group Ltd (ASX: TCL)

Infrastructure can add another layer of stability to retirement income, and that’s exactly where Transurban shines.

The company owns and operates many of Australia’s busiest toll roads, generating recurring cash flows from assets that are extremely difficult to replicate. As cities continue growing and traffic volumes increase over time, Transurban benefits from both rising usage and inflation-linked toll increases across many of its concessions.

That combination has supported a long history of attractive distributions.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

No single company should determine the success of a retirement income portfolio. That’s why I’d include the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF.

VHY provides exposure to dozens of Australia’s highest-yielding dividend-paying companies across sectors including banking, resources, healthcare, telecommunications and consumer staples. Instead of relying on one dividend stream, investors receive income from a broad collection of established Australian businesses.

That diversification helps smooth income over time while reducing stock-specific risk.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

While VGS isn’t known for delivering a high dividend yield, I still believe it plays an important role in generating retirement income.

The ETF invests in hundreds of leading companies across developed markets, including many of the world’s largest technology, healthcare and consumer businesses. Those companies may pay lower dividends today, but they also offer significant earnings and capital growth potential.

Over a long retirement, that growth can help offset inflation, increase portfolio value and support rising future income through capital appreciation or selective withdrawals.

The post I’d buy these 5 ASX dividend investments for retirement income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares are arguably one of the best options in the mining sector.

However, the potential upside from current levels could be somewhat limited.

So, if you are looking for big potential returns and have a high tolerance for risk, then it could be worth checking out the ASX mining share in this article.

That’s because Bell Potter believes it could more than double in value over the next 12 months.

Which ASX mining share?

The mining share that Bell Potter is recommending to investors is Minerals 260 Ltd (ASX: MI6).

It highlights that the company has released an updated mineral resource estimate (MRE), a pre-feasibility study (PFS) and a maiden ore reserve estimate (ORE) for its 100% owned, 6.2Moz Bullabulling Gold Project (BGP) in Western Australia.

While the market didn’t react positively to these releases, with its shares crashing following their release, Bell Potter remains positive and notes that they mark the delivery of key catalysts in line with guidance and major milestones in the advancement of the BGP towards development.

Bell Potter believes BGP will be a significant, high margin, long-life project. It said:

The PFS presents a compelling case for project development. It outlines a long-life, high margin gold project that positions MI6 to become a stand-alone, mid-tier gold producer. It is based on a 2.5Moz Maiden ORE that is the largest undeveloped gold Reserve in Australia not owned by an existing producer. 

Key parameters include a maiden ORE of 90Mt @ 0.86g/t Au for 2.5Moz Au supporting a 5.0Mtpa process plant producing an average of 150kozpa (years 1-10) at average All-In-Sustaining-Costs (AISC): A$2,520/oz (years 1-10) over a 19 year mine life for CAPEX of $180m preFID plus $675m (post-FID, pre-production). MI6 estimate a project NPV5 of US$2.3b and IRR of 43% using a US$3,800/oz (A$5,500/oz) gold price. The PFS does not yet incorporate upside from today’s updated MRE.

Shares tipped to more than double

According to the note, the broker has retained its speculative buy rating on the ASX mining share with an improved price target of $1.40 (from $1.35). 

Based on its current share price of 63.5 cents, this implies potential upside of 120% for investors over the next 12 months.

Commenting on its buy recommendation, Bell Potter said:

MI6 offers gold exposure via the 6.2Moz Bullabulling MRE, valuation uplift through discovery success, project advancement and de-risking as the BGP progresses towards production. MI6 holds ~$250m cash, sufficient to fund to Final Investment Decision (FID) in early CY27, long-lead items and early site works. We lift our valuation to $1.40/sh and retain our Speculative Buy recommendation.

The post BHP shares may not double in 12 months but this ASX mining share could appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• I’d buy these 5 ASX dividend investments for retirement income
• These ASX shares could generate $10,000 per year in passive income
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Thursday
• BHP shares tumble as strike threat hits iron ore giant
• BHP shares slump 13% from their peak: Are the ASX mining shares a buy, sell or hold?

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 recommended BHP Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.