While the headlines in the resources sector have been dominated by surging profits for the big iron ore miners, share prices for battery mineral companies have soared amid a push towards a cleaner future that fund managers say will be one of the dominant themes of the next decade.

BHP Group, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group declared record dividends last month, together returning more than $10 billion to shareholders. But although the strength of the iron ore sector has been at the forefront for many investors, the rally in battery materials has been less prominent.