It’s been a relatively subdued start to the day on the local exchange, but several small caps are pushing ahead with notable operational updates — from defence-tech progress and project acquisitions to renewed funding momentum.
archTIS secures additional US DoD contract
archTIS Ltd (ASX:AR9, OTCQB:ARHLF) has landed another foothold within the US defence ecosystem, signing a A$250,000 contract with Copper River Technologies to deliver new functionality for the US Department of Defense’s Microsoft DoD365 environment.
The work builds on an earlier DoD engagement and represents a key bridge toward a larger enterprise-wide licensing rollout for the company’s NC Protect software, which enables secure collaboration in highly classified settings.
AuKing advances gold and base metals portfolio
AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) used its latest September quarterly report to highlight progress across its gold, copper and rare earth assets in Australia, Canada and Tanzania.
During the quarter, the company completed a A$5 million loan facility with RiverFort Global Capital, finalised a Cobalt Blue joint venture uplift at the Koongie Park copper-zinc project, and advanced the Cloncurry Gold Project acquisition in Queensland. AuKing ended the period with A$56,000 cash on hand, supported by upcoming capital-raising plans and existing funding arrangements.
Askari completes Burracoppin Gold Project sale
In the gold space, Askari Metals Ltd (ASX:AS2) and Forrestania Resources Ltd (ASX:FRS) have finalised the transfer of First Western Gold Pty Ltd, completing Forrestania’s acquisition of the Burracoppin Gold Project in Western Australia.
The deal covers seven exploration licences and one licence application across a prospective gold corridor in the Wheatbelt region. Under the terms, Forrestania will issue 15 million listed and 30 million unlisted options to Askari, pending shareholder approval.
Orthocell raises $30 million to fast-track global growth
Orthocell Ltd (ASX:OCC, OTC:ORHHF) has secured firm commitments for a $30 million institutional placement, with strong demand from both domestic and international investors — including several new US funds.
The funds will be used to accelerate the US rollout of its flagship nerve repair product, Remplir, following FDA clearance earlier this year, and to support new clinical studies targeting applications in prostate cancer surgery. Orthocell will also expand manufacturing capacity and advance tendon and ligament repair programs.