S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) closed at 3,823.50, up 33.80 points (+0.89%) yesterday, trimming its five-day decline to -1.27% (-49.30 points). Against this backdrop, a slate of small-cap companies continue to release material updates. You can read about the following and more throughout the day.
AuKing: survey confirms carbonatite and flags extensions at Myoff Creek
AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has received and assessed final data from a helicopter-borne high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric survey (70 line-km) over the Myoff Creek Niobium/Rare Earths Project in British Columbia. Results are consistent with previously interpreted and drilled near-surface carbonatite mineralisation in the northern project area (see 22 Jul 2024 ASX release) and highlight untested anomalous zones in central and southern areas, creating fresh follow-up targets. The company also reiterated progress on acquiring 100% of Orion Resources to gain full ownership of the Cloncurry Gold Project, simplifying prior joint-venture arrangements (18 Sep 2025 ASX).
Ora Banda: record quarter strengthens balance sheet
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF) reported a record September 2025 quarter, driven by higher gold prices, increased contribution from Sand King and improved processing performance. Cash rose by $38.5 million to $122.7 million after $49.5 million of investment across projects and exploration, including $25.0 million on Riverina & Sand King underground development, $10.9 million on growth and sustaining infrastructure, and $13.6 million on resource development and exploration.
American Uranium: Lo Herma Phase 1 drilling under way
American Uranium Ltd (ASX:AMU, OTC:GTRIF) has commenced Phase 1 of a two-phase resource development drilling campaign at the Lo Herma ISR Uranium Project in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. The Phase 1 resource expansion program, starting this week, targets growth beyond the current 8.57 Mlb resource ahead of an interim MRE update in early 2026. Phase 2 infill drilling is planned for Q1 2026 to upgrade categories ahead of a Scoping Study update in Q2 2026. Permits allow up to 121 holes (~37,500 m) across proposed Mine Units 1 and 2.
Lumos Diagnostics: BARDA-backed paediatric study begins
Lumos Diagnostics Holdings Ltd (ASX:LDX, OTC:LDXHF) and BARDA (HHS/ASPR) have commenced the CLIA-waived paediatric study for the FebriDx® device in the US, with the first patient tested. The study, spanning ~20 clinical sites, will enrol 500–800 children aged 2–12 over ~12 months, supporting an FDA 510(k) and CLIA-waiver submission for that age group. Lumos is eligible for US$6,198,459 across twelve milestones; US$1,000,000 has been invoiced to date, with US$400,000 received.
Resolution Minerals: downstream push on antimony
Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF) has engaged Kingston Process Metallurgy Inc. to deliver characterisation and concentration testwork on high-grade antimony from the Horse Heaven project (Idaho). The move advances Resolution’s downstream strategy amid US efforts to secure domestic critical-minerals supply chains, with antimony a designated priority.
Titan Minerals: Dynasty drilling targeting bulk-style growth
Titan Minerals Ltd (ASX:TTM, OTC:TTTNF) provided an update on its 100%-owned Dynasty Gold Project in southern Ecuador. Current diamond drilling is focused on the Brecha-Comanche and Kaliman targets at the Cerro Verde prospect, aiming to grow resources by testing wider zones hosted in porphyry or breccia units—contrasting with the project’s typical vein-hosted mineralisation. Increased drill density is also expected to improve confidence and extend mineralised zones, with recent results identifying new areas of bulk-style mineralisation previously classified as waste. A Mineral Resource update is slated for early Q1 2026.