S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) closed at 3,691.60, up 6.70 points or 0.18% yesterday, but down 19.90 points or 0.54% over the past five days. Against this modestly firmer backdrop, a number of small-cap companies issued operational and corporate updates. You can read about the following and more throughout the day.
Critical Resources
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR) has completed the acquisition of 100% of the Cap Burn exploration permit EP60300 (Cap Burn) in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, following satisfaction of all conditions under the Binding Permit Sale and Purchase Agreement announced on 6 August 2025. This includes receipt of statutory Ministerial consent from New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZP&M).
The completion of the Cap Burn Project transaction represents a significant step in establishing Critical Resources’ New Zealand gold portfolio.
Pantoro Gold
Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX:PNR, OTC:PNTOF) has provided an update on the ongoing underground and surface diamond drilling program at the Scotia Underground Mine. Extensional drilling has confirmed high-grade mineralisation up to 135 metres below the current Scotia Indicated Mineral Resource, supporting the high probability of significant extensions to the current mine plan. Grade control drilling has returned a number of wide, high-grade intersections within the current mine plan and in extensions beneath and along strike of the Central and Northern orebodies of the Scotia Underground Mine.
Provaris Energy
Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF) has reported that commissioning of its robotic cell in Norway is now complete, with welding rates continuing to ramp up. The update follows a recent site visit to the robotic cell and H2 Prototype Tank by key strategic partners involved in the company’s H2 and CO2 development programs, including “K” Line, Yinson Production, Harbour Energy and Clarksons.
Provaris said the CO2 FEED program will build on the learnings and intellectual property generated from the H2 Prototype Tank. The company has also released a video update from its CEO and CTO outlining progress at the Norwegian facilities.
Lindian Resources
Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has announced the appointment of Mr Mojalefa Sechemane as Processing Manager, further strengthening the company’s technical leadership team as it advances construction, commissioning and operational readiness for the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi.
Sechemane has more than 20 years of hydrometallurgical and mineral processing experience across uranium, gold, zinc, copper, cobalt and PGM operations in Africa. He has a strong record in commissioning complex plants, optimising circuits, leading testwork programs, improving recoveries and establishing mine-to-metal accounting systems.