
Zinc prices have surged over the past year due to supply shortages, mine disruptions, and strong demand from infrastructure and renewable energy projects. ASX investors can gain exposure through South32, Develop Global, and Sandfire Resources, each offering different risk and growth profiles.

Terra Metals (ASX: TM1) rebounded over 5% as buyers defended key support, while ongoing drilling success, expanding discoveries at the Dante Project, and a fully funded growth strategy continue to strengthen its position as a promising ASX critical minerals explorer.

BlueScope Steel shares have strengthened on improving earnings and investor confidence. The company is expanding production, upgrading facilities, and investing in low-emission steelmaking projects, positioning itself for long-term growth while maintaining exposure to global construction and infrastructure markets.

BPH Energy shares surged 12.5% as investors focused on the upcoming PEP-11 court decision. The diversified micro-cap has exposure to gas exploration, hydrogen technology, and medical devices, with recent funding and project progress supporting renewed market interest.

Aristocrat Leisure (ASX: ALL) delivers strong HY26 growth, expanding margins and cash generation across Gaming, Social Casino and iLottery, positioning the company for sustained earnings momentum and a multi year re rating. With NPATA up 8% (16% in constant currency), EBITDA up 6%, and segment profit expanding in constant currency, ALL has shown an expanding competitive advantage, strong cash generation, and a clear path to sustained NPATA growth.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX: PAR) is an Australian late-stage biotech developing injectable PPS, mainly for osteoarthritis. Its shares have fallen more than 95% since 2020 amid trial delays, dilution and losses, with August 2026 Phase 3 interim data now the key catalyst.