ASX 200 Gains as Tech Stocks Climb and Andromeda Advances Ultra-Pure Alumina Process

Highlights

• ASX 200 advances as tech sector rallies and large-cap miners ease

• Andromeda achieves breakthrough in ultra-high purity alumina production

• Tesla leadership speculation rises amid US economic shifts and trade talks

Technology and mining stocks were at the forefront of ASX 200 movement during the latest trading session, with the broader index maintaining an upward trajectory. Notable movements among tech companies were influenced by positive sentiment from the United States, while the mining sector responded to weakening factory data from China, impacting key commodities.

The ASX 200 moved higher during the session, supported by domestic enthusiasm in technology shares such as WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) and NextDC (ASX:NXT). Both companies showed strength following a rebound in US markets, which had earlier dipped due to mixed economic indicators, including a contraction in GDP offset by stable inflation data.

Meanwhile, heavyweight miners experienced pullbacks as iron ore prices softened. China’s industrial data underperformed, dragging down shares of BHP Group (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO). These movements echoed concerns around slowing demand from China, a critical destination for Australian resources.

Breakthrough for Andromeda in High Purity Alumina

Andromeda Metals (ASX:ADN) posted substantial gains after unveiling laboratory results for its ultra-pure alumina production method. The process, utilising kaolin sourced from its Great White Project in South Australia, delivers high-grade alumina with minimal environmental impact.

Andromeda stated that the process does not involve high-pressure acid or intense heat and avoids the use of aluminium metal, positioning it as a cleaner and lower-emission alternative. Independent confirmation of the results by laboratories in the United States and Australia further reinforced the findings. The company has moved into the next phase, initiating a scoping study and planning product refinement discussions with end users across semiconductor and battery industries.

Dimerix Secures Licensing Agreement for Kidney Treatment

Biopharmaceutical firm Dimerix (ASX:DXB) confirmed an exclusive agreement for the US rights to its kidney drug. The arrangement includes upfront payments and milestone-linked compensation, with further earnings possible through future royalties. The therapy is undergoing a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting a severe renal condition with no approved treatment options to date.

The drug has received regulatory alignment on its approval pathway, with trial metrics centred on protein markers. The agreement supports broader development goals and extends Dimerix’s strategic partnerships beyond domestic markets.

Worley Extends Longstanding Energy Services Contract

Worley (ASX:WOR) announced a two-year extension to its engineering services agreement with Woodside Energy (ASX:WDS), covering operations at the Karratha and Pluto gas facilities. Having collaborated with Woodside for several decades, Worley will continue overseeing brownfield works to maintain existing infrastructure. Despite the contract extension, Worley’s share price edged lower.

Pantoro Outlines Debt Repayment Timeline

Gold-focused Pantoro (ASX:PNR) disclosed its intention to complete repayment of a loan facility ahead of schedule. The move is expected to reduce financial costs linked to interest obligations. The company’s share price declined during the session.

Movements Among ASX Small Cap Leaders

Among the top performing small caps, Andromeda Metals (ASX:ADN) stood out for its alumina-related announcement. Other companies seeing strong upward moves included Eden Inv (ASX:EDE), Enrg Elements (ASX:EEL), and Patrys (ASX:PAB), each showing positive momentum.

Biotech firm Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) also posted gains, while resource-focused entities such as Greenwing Resources (ASX:GW1) and South Harz Potash (ASX:SHP) recorded advances across smaller volumes.

Weakness in Select Small Caps

Declines in the session were led by Thrive Tribe Tech (ASX:1TT) and Dy6Metals (ASX:DY6). Other notable laggards included Seafarms Group (ASX:SFG) and Bluglass (ASX:BLG), reflecting broad-based softness in early-stage ventures.

A range of other companies such as Wide Open Agriculture (ASX:WOA), Sparc Tech (ASX:SPN), and Avecho Biotech (ASX:AVE) also trended downward, contributing to a mixed outlook across the speculative end of the market.