South32 shares hit 10-year high: What's next?

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares have started the week with another surge, climbing 2.6% to a fresh 10-year high of $5.09. The ASX mining stock has now jumped around 30% in a month.

For South32 shares, 2026 has been a stellar year. They're up 43% year to date and a whopping 72% over the past 12 months.

So, after such a monster run, can South32 shares keep climbing?

Why is the mining stock surging?

South32 shares have received a major boost from the miner's latest operational update and a transformational reshaping of its portfolio.

In July, South32 reported FY26 production results that beat several guidance targets, including stronger output across key operations.

But the real headline for South32 was the proposed sale of its aluminium value chain business, excluding Mozal Aluminium, to Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) for up to US$5.6 billion.

The deal also transfers around US$1.2 billion of rehabilitation provisions and is expected to transform South32 into a more focused base and precious metals producer.

For South32, that's a significant strategic shift.

Copper and manganese boost

Operationally, South32 shares also benefited from some encouraging production numbers.

Copper production at Sierra Gorda beat FY26 guidance by 2%, while the operation generated record annual distributions of US$401 million. Manganese production also came in ahead of expectations, finishing 1% above guidance in Australia and 4% ahead in South Africa.

With the aluminium transaction pending, South32 expects around 85% of pro-forma earnings to come from base and precious metals.

That's an important development for South32 shares, given the company is targeting 55% production growth from approved projects, including expanded copper capacity at Sierra Gorda and further development of the Hermosa project.

Investors clearly liked what they saw, sending South32 shares sharply higher.

Are the shares still a buy?

After the huge rally, the big question is whether South32 shares still have enough upside to justify buying today.

Analyst sentiment remains broadly positive. TradingView data shows eight of 14 analysts have a buy or strong buy rating, while another five rate South32 shares as a hold.

However, there's an interesting catch. The average analyst price target of $4.84 is now below the current share price, implying potential downside of around 5%.

That doesn't mean South32 shares can't go higher. The most bullish analyst target sits at $5.94, suggesting another 17% upside over the next 12 months.

Morgans has reaffirmed its accumulate rating and $4.70 price target, while Morgan Stanley maintains a buy rating with a $4.75 target.

What's next for the miner?

The outlook for South32 shares increasingly depends on whether the company can execute its transformation into a more focused base and precious metals producer.

The Alcoa transaction, copper growth, and Hermosa development could provide significant long-term opportunities.

But after a 43% gain in 2026, investors may need to balance that attractive growth story against a share price that has already priced in plenty of optimism.

The post South32 shares hit 10-year high: What's next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in South32. 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.

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