The South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) share price is in focus today after the company reported a substantial 61% jump in Sierra Gorda’s ore reserve estimate, extending the mine’s reserve life to 2045.

What did South32 report?

• Ore reserve at Sierra Gorda increased by 61% to 1,100 million tonnes at 0.39% total copper, 0.016% molybdenum, and 0.06 g/t gold (as at 31 July 2026).
• Mineral resource estimate rose 8% to 1,870 million tonnes at 0.37% total copper, 0.016% molybdenum, and 0.06 g/t gold.
• Reserve life extended by about five years, now expected until 2045.
• Expansion follows successful infill drilling—around 85,000 metres drilled between 2023 and 2025.
• Fourth grinding line project approved, projected to boost copper production by around 30% from 2031.

What else do investors need to know?

The Sierra Gorda copper mine, in which South32 holds a 45% stake, is a large, open pit operation in northern Chile. This major jump in ore reserves and resources comes after significant drilling to better define the orebody, providing more certainty over future production.

July’s approval for a fourth grinding line is expected to increase annual processing capacity from 135,000 to 165,000 tonnes per day by 2031. The mine is already well-equipped with modern processing infrastructure, renewable energy, and seawater supply, helping support these plans.

Exploration is underway at the Catabela Northeast zone, where early drilling results suggest more copper resources could be uncovered—potentially providing further mine life extensions in the future.

What did South32 management say?

South32 Chief Executive Officer, Matt Daley said:

This update highlights the scale, quality and long-life orebody at Sierra Gorda, which we expect will be a significant source of copper for decades to come. It follows the approval in July to proceed with execution of the fourth grinding line project at Sierra Gorda, which is expected to increase copper production by approximately 30 per cent from 2031.

With the current orebody remaining open at depth, the mine offers potential for further growth beyond today’s increase to ore reserve and reserve life. We continue to work with our joint venture partner to drive further growth and value at Sierra Gorda. This includes the Catabela Northeast exploration project, where exploration holes have intersected significant copper mineralisation, highlighting the potential for future mine life extension.

What’s next for South32?

South32 is focused on ramping up development at Sierra Gorda, progressing the fourth grinding line project and ongoing infill and exploration drilling. With the orebody remaining open at depth and encouraging early drilling outside current reserves, investors can expect continued efforts to grow resources and sustain the mine’s future.

The company is also progressing environmental permit approvals to cover operations beyond 2035, aiming for a seamless transition to an extended mine life. Management highlights Sierra Gorda’s role as a cornerstone copper asset as global demand for key energy transition minerals rises.

South32 share price snapshot

The South32 share price has smashed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: S32) over the past 12 months with a gain of over 70%.

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The post South32 share price in focus as Sierra Gorda mine life jumps with 61% reserve boost 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Aurelia Metals Ltd (ASX: AMI) share price is in focus today after the company announced the appointment of Mr Steve Badenhorst as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, set to begin on 6 October 2026.

What did Aurelia Metals report?

• Appointment of Steve Badenhorst as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
• Badenhorst brings 35+ years of global mining and operational leadership experience
• Recent leadership roles include Group Head of Asset Management at Rio Tinto and COO at Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations
• TFR (Total Fixed Remuneration) of $732,500 per annum, plus short- and long-term incentives
• Badenhorst commences on 6 October 2026

What else do investors need to know?

Aurelia Metals operates three underground base metal mines across its Peak and Federation sites in the Cobar Basin, NSW, and is developing its Great Cobar copper project. The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process to secure a leader with strong operational credentials and long-term strategic vision.

Outgoing interim CEO Martin Cummings will step down when Badenhorst begins his role. Aurelia’s board expressed gratitude for Cummings’ leadership during the transition period.

What did Aurelia Metals management say?

Commenting on his appointment, Steve Badenhorst said:

I am honoured to be appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aurelia, to lead the Company through its next phase of growth. Aurelia has a high quality asset base, a strong team and significant opportunities to create value through safe, predictable operational performance, resource development and continued exploration success.

I am excited to return to underground hard rock mining and look forward to working closely with the Board and the Executive Leadership Team to execute the Company’s strategy to realise the potential of the Company’s operations and highly prospective exploration portfolio to create long-term value for shareholders.

What’s next for Aurelia Metals?

With Mr Badenhorst set to start in early October, Aurelia Metals will soon be under experienced new leadership expected to drive its growth strategy forward. The company aims to deliver on its plans for resource development and to progress major projects like Great Cobar, focusing on creating sustainable long-term value for shareholders.

Investors can watch for updates on strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and exploration results as the new CEO settles in.

Aurelia Metals share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Aurelia Metals shares have risen 116%, significantly outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

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The post Aurelia Metals appoints Steve Badenhorst as new CEO to lead next growth phase appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: NEU) share price is in focus after its global partner, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, secured European approval for DAYBU (trofinetide) – the first treatment for Rett syndrome in the EU. Neuren stands to receive US$35 million upon the drug’s first commercial sale in Europe, plus potential milestone payments.

What did Neuren report?

• The European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for DAYBU (trofinetide) for Rett syndrome.
• DAYBU is the first and only approved treatment for Rett syndrome in the European Union.
• Neuren to receive US$35 million from the first European commercial sale, with milestone payments up to US$170 million.
• Tiered royalties from mid-teens to low 20s percent of net sales are also expected under the partnership.
• Commercial launch in Germany is targeted for early Q4 2026.

What else do investors need to know?

The European approval means DAYBU can be marketed across all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. This milestone further extends the reach of trofinetide, which is already approved in the United States, Canada, and Israel.

Neuren’s other clinical program, NNZ-2591, is progressing with a Phase 3 clinical trial for Phelan-McDermid syndrome and open-label extension studies. Each of Neuren’s drug development programs has been granted “orphan drug” status in both the US and EU.

What did Neuren management say?

Neuren CEO Jon Pilcher said:

We are delighted for the Rett syndrome community in Europe, who, until now, have had no approved treatment for this devastating condition. The European Commission’s approval of DAYBU is particularly rewarding for Neuren given our long-standing commitment to developing therapies for serious neurological disorders with profound unmet need. We look forward to seeing our partner Acadia make DAYBU available for Rett patients and families in Europe.

What’s next for Neuren?

With European marketing authorisation, Acadia plans to launch DAYBU in Germany in early Q4 2026, which will trigger Neuren’s first commercial milestone payment. Ongoing development of NNZ-2591, now in late-stage trials for several neurodevelopmental disorders, remains a key priority for future growth.

Neuren continues to target serious neurological conditions where few approved treatments exist, aiming to advance both its existing partnerships and its internal drug pipeline.

Neuren share price snapshot

The Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price has outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months with a gain of approximately 27%.

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The post Neuren share price in focus after DAYBU wins EU approval for Rett syndrome 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. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.