The ASX extended its pullback on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 down 1.82% to 8,738.8 as risk-off trade hit tech (-2.47%) and energy (-2.39%), although small caps held up a touch better (Small Ords -1.15%).
On Thursday, several junior names have posted material updates spanning recycling tech, exploration and clean-energy infrastructure.
Lithium Universe validates silver recovery technology
Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) has reported successful laboratory validation of its Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) process, developed with Macquarie University. The trials achieved more than 95% silver recovery from end-of-life solar cells, including 90.2% in just seven minutes under low voltage conditions. The company said the process uses less energy and acid than conventional recycling, with significantly reduced waste. The next step will be to test the purity of the recovered silver.
Sunstone expands surface footprint at Bramaderos
Sunstone Metals Ltd (ASX:STM) has expanded the mineralised footprint at its Bramaderos project in southern Ecuador. Channel sampling at the Copete porphyry system outlined broad zones of porphyry-style mineralisation, while at Brama, surface assays included a rock chip grading 38.3 grams per tonne gold in an epithermal corridor. Sunstone said the results confirm the potential for further resource growth and will help guide future drilling.
Provaris teams up with Baker Hughes on hydrogen transport
Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF) has formalised a strategic collaboration agreement with global energy technology group Baker Hughes to develop compressed hydrogen transport and storage solutions. The deal builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding and centres on Provaris’ H2Leo barge and H2Neo carrier designs, alongside Baker Hughes’ compression expertise. The partners will target hydrogen import and export opportunities in Europe, aiming to build scalable supply chains.
Ora Banda delivers strong Waihi drilling results
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF) has reported more high-grade gold from early drilling at the Waihi deposit, three kilometres from its Davyhurst processing plant in Western Australia. Results included 3.9 metres at 29.5 g/t gold and 7 metres at 14.5 g/t, extending the Waihi West lode to more than 350 metres below surface. Drilling also uncovered a new lode in the hanging wall of the historic Golden Pole mine. Waihi is being considered as a potential third underground mine for the company.
Novo commences drilling at Sherlock Crossing
Novo Resources Corp (TSX:NVO, OTCQX:NSRPF, ASX:NVO) has begun a maiden reverse circulation drilling program at the Sherlock Crossing prospect in the West Pilbara. The program will test high-grade gold–antimony veins identified near the historic Clarke Mine, with eight holes planned for about 1,000 metres. Drilling is expected to finish in September, with results due in mid-October. Novo is also advancing work at its Wyloo project in the Pilbara and at Tibooburra in New South Wales.
Krakatoa expands rare earth footprint at Mt Clere
Krakatoa Resources Ltd (ASX:KTA) has applied for an exploration licence over the Dingo Pass prospect, which adjoins its 101-million-tonne Tower clay-hosted rare earth resource, grading 801 parts per million total rare earth oxides (TREO). Previous drilling at Dingo Pass returned up to 4,512 parts per million TREO. The company has also completed a two-hole, 1,000-metre diamond drilling program at the Stone Tank niobium–rare earth prospect, with assays expected next quarter.
Kairos adds width to Main Hill at Mt York
Kairos Minerals Ltd (ASX:KAI, OTCQB:KAIFF) has released further diamond drilling results from its Mt York gold project in the Pilbara. At Main Hill, intercepts included 84 metres at 1.10 g/t gold from 38 metres, including 20 metres at 2.08 g/t, and 1.65 metres at 14.98 g/t from just over 100 metres’ depth. The results point to a mineralised zone up to 100 metres wide and more than a kilometre long. Stage 1 of the 80-hole, 18,000-metre program is more than two-thirds complete, with results to underpin an updated resource estimate.