The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (XSO) dipped 0.67% on Thursday, closing at 3,316. Despite the pullback in the broader small-cap sector, companies continue to report significant progress in their exploration and project development, with several juniors making strides in their respective fields as quarterly reporting wrapped up.
Antipa Minerals expands Minyari Dome discovery
Antipa Minerals Ltd (ASX:AZY) has reported positive drilling results at its Minyari Gold-Copper Project in Western Australia. Highlights include significant intersections such as 41m at 1.8 g/t gold and 0.18% copper. The company plans to begin Phase 2 drilling in mid-August, aiming for further resource expansion.
Imugene reports strong clinical results
Imugene Ltd (ASX:IMU, OTC:IUGNF) released a quarterly report noting it has achieved a 75% overall response rate in its Phase 1b trial for azer-cel, a CAR T therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The company also cleared the first dose level in its onCARlytics trial and continues to expand its clinical programs, including a PD1-Vaxx trial in colorectal cancer.
Astral Resources updates Mandilla PFS
Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has completed a pre-feasibility study (PFS) for its Mandilla Gold Project, projecting 1.4 million ounces of gold production over 19 years. The project is expected to generate over $2.8 billion in free cashflow, with further exploration underway at both Mandilla and Feysville.
Asian Battery Metals extends mineralisation at Oval
Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9) has completed its Phase 3 drilling program at the Oval Cu-Ni-PGE discovery in Mongolia, confirming high-grade mineralisation. Ongoing surveys and metallurgical tests will help guide the next phase of exploration.
American Rare Earths progresses Halleck Creek project
American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) has announced promising results from its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, with grades up to 1.37% TREO. The company is advancing its pre-feasibility study and has secured a $15 million equity raise to fund ongoing development and permitting.
Evion Group’s Maniry Graphite Project designated strategic
Evion Group NL (ASX:EVG, OTC:EVIGF) has received strategic project designation from the European Union for its Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar. The company is also advancing its US supply chain agreement, with an order expected to generate A$400,000 in revenue.
XTC Lithium progresses Carachi Lithium Project
XTC Lithium Ltd (ASX:XTC, OTC:XTCPF) is advancing its Carachi Lithium Brine Project in Argentina, with ongoing discussions with partners and progress on environmental approvals. The company also completed the sale of its non-core Southern Cross assets to focus on Carachi.
Surefire Resources continues drilling at Yidby Gold Project
Surefire Resources NL (ASX:SRN) is progressing with drilling at its Yidby Gold Project in WA, testing high-priority targets across the Fender, Marshall, and Yidby prospects. Additional drilling is planned to expand these zones and explore new targets.
St George Mining accelerates Araxá exploration
St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ) has commenced a 10,000m drill campaign at its Araxá Niobium and Rare Earth Project in Brazil, aiming to expand and upgrade the resource. High-resolution geophysical surveys are also underway to identify further targets.
Resolution Minerals strengthens portfolio with Horse Heaven acquisition
Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF) has acquired the Horse Heaven Gold Antimony Project in Idaho, USA, adding to its portfolio of antimony and gold projects. The company is advancing exploration with a focus on the Golden Gate Fault Zone and Antimony Ridge Fault Zone.