LTR, ELV and WR1: ASX Lithium Stocks Reach New 52-Week Highs Today

Highlights

• Liontown Resources completes underground transition at Kathleen Valley.
• Elevra Lithium posts record North American production following merger with Piedmont.
• Winsome Resources nears 52-week highs after Li-FT acquisition agreement.

Lithium carbonate futures in China surpassed CNY 110,000 per tonne for the first time in 19 months, reflecting lower supply and steady demand. The Bureau of Natural Resources of Yichun, which covers the Jiangxi lithium hub, announced the cancellation of 27 mining permits early next year. This follows the earlier suspension of activity at CATL’s Jianxiawo lithium mine, consistent with government efforts to manage industrial capacity.

China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector recorded 1.823 million units sold in November, a 20.6% increase compared with the same period last year. The government also announced plans to expand EV charging capacity to 180 gigawatts by 2027, supporting lithium-based energy storage systems.

These developments correspond with recent movements in ASX-listed lithium stocks, including Liontown Resources (LTR), Elevra Lithium (ELV), and Winsome Resources (WR1).

Data source: Refinitiv

Liontown Resources — Kathleen Valley Moves Fully Underground
Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) is an Australian battery minerals producer focused on hard rock lithium, operating the Kathleen Valley and Buldania projects in Western Australia. The company is progressing plans to upgrade spodumene into higher-value lithium products.

On 22 December 2025, Liontown completed open-pit mining at Kathleen Valley and transitioned fully to underground operations. The open-pit phase supported construction of the run-of-mine pad and tailings storage facility, as well as initial ore supply for plant commissioning. Stockpiles from the open pit will continue to feed the mill through early FY27. Underground mining is proceeding according to schedule.

Shares closed at AUD 2.05 on 08 January 2026, up 0.99% intraday. Over the past month, the stock increased 38.51%, with a six-month gain of 156.25% and a year-to-date rise of 30.15%.

Elevra Lithium — North American Production Reaches Record
Elevra Lithium (ASX:ELV) formerly Sayona Mining, operates lithium projects in Canada and Western Australia, including hubs in Quebec such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Eeyou Istchee James Bay.

Following its merger with Piedmont Lithium, Elevra became a larger North American hard-rock lithium producer with a diversified asset base. In FY2025, North American Lithium produced 31% more tonnes than the prior year while reducing unit operating costs by 9%. Production, sales, costs, and capital expenditure met guidance. Governance updates included a refreshed Board, revised performance-based remuneration, and plans to strengthen ESG and sustainability reporting in 2026.

ELV shares closed at AUD 8.89 on 08 January 2026, up 0.68% intraday. The stock rose 46.94% over the past month, with a six-month increase of 229.25% and a year-to-date gain of 10.57%.

Winsome Resources — Acquisition Expands Adina-Galinée Resource
Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) is a Canada-focused lithium exploration and development company. Its flagship Adina Lithium Project in Quebec is a near-surface hard rock spodumene deposit with a 20+ year life and a 78 Mt Mineral Resource, 79% classified as Indicated.

Winsome announced a binding agreement for Li-FT to acquire 100% of the company via a scheme of arrangement. Li-FT also entered a non-binding agreement to acquire a 75% interest in the adjacent Galinée property, potentially expanding the combined Adina-Galinée resource. The transaction values Winsome at AUD 0.501 per share, a 62–68% premium to recent trading prices. Li-FT plans a CAD 40 million capital raise to fund exploration and development across Adina-Galinée and other projects. Winsome also sold its Case Lake offtake rights for CAD1.8 million while retaining a 15.6% interest in Power Metals Corp.

WR1 shares closed at AUD 0.525 on 08 January 2026, up 2.94% intraday. Over the past month, the stock rose 40.00%, with a six-month gain of 176.31% and a year-to-date rise of 14.13%.

Sector Summary
The ASX lithium sector has seen share price movements corresponding with changes in China’s lithium supply, NEV sales growth, and planned infrastructure expansion. Company-specific updates, including operational transitions, mergers, and acquisitions, are reflected in the recent share price activity of LTR, ELV, and WR1.