Kalgoorlie explorer Zuleika Gold (ZAG) was the clear standout, more than doubling to as high as A4.7c per share after legendary prospector Mark Creasy made a $3 million investment at 3c per share.

Zuleika shares closed 75% higher at 3.5c.

Lithium explorer Charger Metals charged forward for a second day, peaking at a record high of $1.03.

Battery metals continue to be all the rage, with Cobalt Blue (COB), American Rare Earths (ARR), Winsome Resources (WR1), Australian Vanadium (AVL), Lithium Power International (LPI), Essential Metals (ESS), Hannans (HNR), Quantum Graphite (QGL), Zenith Minerals (ZNC), Renascor Resources (RNU) and EV Resources (EVR) all reaching one-year or record highs.

Outside battery minerals, newcomers Larvotto Resources (LRV) and Pacgold (PGO) also hit new highs.

Critical Resources (CRR) was by 18% to a 52-week high after making a graphite acquisition in Canada, while junior gold producer Kaiser Reef was up 16.7% after reporting production and revenue results.

Queensland-focused explorers Aeon Metals (AML) and Cannindah Resources (CAE) each gained 20% or more.

The ASX 200 closed 0.1% lower in the absence of US leads due to a public holiday.

The broader Metals & Mining sector rose 0.6%.

Lithium producers led the way again, with Pilbara Minerals and IGO reaching fresh all-time highs and developer Liontown Resources jumping by more than 6%.

Updated: 18-01-2022