With commodities extending their rally overnight — led by copper, nickel and precious metals — risk appetite has improved at the smaller end of the market, setting a more constructive tone for resource-heavy small caps.
Against that backdrop, several juniors this morning have released updates pointing to exploration upside, regulatory progress and balance-sheet strength.
Nova Minerals
Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, NASDAQ:NVA, OTC:NVAAF) reported further broad, near-surface gold intersections at its RPM North deposit in Alaska, confirming eastern strike extensions and reinforcing potential resource upside around the existing high-grade core.
The results support ongoing pre-feasibility work at the company’s flagship Estelle project, with additional assays and an updated resource estimate expected after completion of QA/QC reviews.
Aurum Resources
Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX:AUE) advanced its flagship Boundiali gold project by lodging three mining exploitation licence applications covering the full project footprint in Côte d’Ivoire. The regulatory milestone comes ahead of a busy Q1 2026 catalyst window, including updated resource estimates and the Boundiali pre-feasibility study, with the company well funded to pursue its development and drilling plans.
Askari Metals
Askari Metals Ltd (ASX:AS2) entered 2026 with a clean balance sheet after fully repaying its convertible notes and redeemable debt, leaving the company debt free. Management said the strengthened financial position allows accelerated exploration at its Nejo gold-copper project in Ethiopia and renewed work at the Uis tin-tantalum-lithium project in Namibia.
Greatland Resources
Greatland Resources Ltd (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF, ASX:GGP) delivered December quarter production of more than 86,000 ounces of gold alongside strong copper output, while closing the period with $948 million in cash and no debt.
The company flagged a substantial quarterly cash build despite acquisition-related costs, maintaining full exposure to gold price upside ahead of its full quarterly report later this month.