After a week where record gold prices stole the headlines and global markets were rattled by soft US jobs data, small caps are keeping the momentum alive with a run of fresh updates. Lightning Minerals has locked in its Lotus acquisition, Astral Resources has struck broad gold zones at Spargoville, and Janus Electric is taking its battery-swap trucks into the US market.
Elsewhere, Critical Resources is advancing its New Zealand gold-antimony push, Orthocell has new data backing its Remplir nerve repair device, D3 Energy is stepping closer to helium and methane production in South Africa, and Buru Energy has opened the door for shareholders to take part in its latest capital raise.
Lightning Minerals completes Lotus acquisition
Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) has finalised its acquisition of Lotus Minerals, securing 100% ownership of the Mt Turner gold project in Queensland and the Lachlan Fold copper porphyry project in New South Wales.
The deal, settled with 30 million consideration shares and up to 60 million deferred shares tied to milestones, gives Lightning exposure to near-term, drill-ready targets in two of Australia’s most prospective regions. Drilling is scheduled to begin at Mt Turner’s Drummer Fault in mid-September.
Astral Resources uncovers broad gold zones at Spargoville
Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has reported encouraging first assays from a 76-hole, 11,744-metre drill program at the Spargoville Gold Project near Kalgoorlie. Highlights include 26 metres at 2 g/t, 20 metres at 1.37 g/t and 10 metres at 1.43 g/t, defining a 300-metre strike length of bedrock mineralisation beneath the 8500N deposit.
The results point to strong potential to grow Spargoville’s resource base alongside Astral’s flagship Mandilla Project, where in-fill and diamond drilling programs are under way.
Janus Electric secures first US orders
Janus Electric Holdings Ltd (ASX:JNS) has booked its first US commercial orders with Ability Trimodal in Southern California, marking a major step in its North American expansion.
The US$1.25 million deal includes two Class 8 prime movers converted with Janus’ battery-swapping technology, along with a solar-powered Charge & Change Station at Ability’s Carson facility. Pilot operations will service the busy Los Angeles–Long Beach port corridor, providing real-world validation of Janus’ Battery-as-a-Service model in the US drayage sector.
Critical Resources advances NZ gold–antimony deal
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR) has completed due diligence on the Cap Burn Gold-Antimony Project in New Zealand’s Otago region, paving the way for project transfer approvals.
Cap Burn sits on the same structural corridor as OceanaGold’s 10-million-ounce Macraes camp and nearby discoveries, offering significant exploration potential. Drill sites are already mapped and a contractor secured, with first drilling planned for October or November once permits and land access are finalised.
Orthocell reports strong Remplir data
Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC, OTC:ORHHF) has released interim real-world data from its Remplir nerve repair study, showing an 81% overall treatment success rate across multiple procedure types. The device, already in use by more than 200 surgeons across 165 hospitals, demonstrated no post-treatment complications and strong consistency with previous clinical trials.
The results will support Orthocell’s US sales rollout and regulatory submissions in the UK and EU later this year, as the company targets a multi-billion-dollar global market.
D3 Energy lodges production right application
D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQB:DNRGF) has lodged its first production right application over part of the ER315 permit in South Africa’s Free State Province, formally accepted by the regulator. The application covers certified 2P reserves of 10.9 billion cubic feet (bcf) methane and 0.7 bcf helium, representing only a fraction of D3’s broader acreage.
The submission was made 12 months ahead of schedule and under budget, marking a key step toward commercialising what could become South Africa’s second onshore production licence.
Buru Energy opens SPP
Buru Energy Ltd (ASX:BRU, OTC:BRNGF) has launched its share purchase plan following last week’s $2 million placement. Eligible shareholders can apply for up to $30,000 in new shares at 2 cents each, with the SPP aiming to raise up to $3 million. The offer closes on 30 September, with funds to support Buru’s ongoing Rafael gas project and other growth initiatives.