While the S&P/ASX 200 notched a strong performance on Tuesday, rising 36 points or 0.41%, the Small Ordinaries index dipped 0.05% to 3,456.3, with mixed performances across small-cap sectors. Lithium stocks eased after Monday’s sharp rally, despite Chinese lithium carbonate futures closing higher for a second day, albeit well off intraday highs.
News flow is light on Wednesday morning, but several small-cap companies have released notable updates, with progress on US market expansion, a board appointment and key project milestones making early news.
Orthocell builds US momentum for Remplir™
Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC, OTC:ORHHF) reports continued progress commercialising its nerve repair device, Remplir™, in the US$1.6 billion American market. Ten surgeries have now been performed in the US using the product, with experience from Australia and Singapore indicating these early procedures are key to driving wider adoption.
The company has lodged 36 hospital Value Assessment Committee applications, securing three approvals so far — a critical step for uptake in US hospitals. Orthocell has shipped 4,000 Remplir units from its WA facility to US logistics partner Uniphar, expanded its US sales team, and maintains distributor coverage across 25 states.
Antipa appoints Neil Warburton to board
Antipa Minerals Ltd (ASX:AZY) has appointed experienced mining executive Neil Warburton as a non-executive director. With more than 45 years in the industry, Warburton has held senior operational and leadership roles including CEO of Barminco, where he oversaw the company’s growth into Australia’s largest underground hard rock mining contractor.
His appointment comes as Antipa advances its 100%-owned Minyari Dome Gold-Copper Development Project towards production while continuing exploration to expand resources. Warburton currently chairs Nimy Resources and Belararox, and he has served on the IGO board following its $1.8 billion acquisition of Sirius Resources.
European Lithium advances Tanbreez DFS
European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR, OTCQB:EULIF) says Tanbreez Mining Greenland A/S has appointed engineering and environmental consultancy NIRAS A/S to complete the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Tanbreez Rare Earth Project in southern Greenland — one of the world’s largest deposits of its kind.
The DFS will cover mine design, processing plant engineering, logistics, environmental and social impact integration, and updated financial modelling, with completion expected in Q4 2025. The study will underpin the project’s updated exploitation licence application and move it closer to commercial mining approval. European Lithium holds 7.5% of Tanbreez through its majority stake in NASDAQ-listed Critical Metals Corp