The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) traded higher, rising 13.50 points, or 0.35%, to 3,876.10 on January 9, and up 65.50 points, or 1.72%, over the past five days.
With the market set to open higher today, several ASX-listed small-cap companies have already released updates across the gold and energy sectors. You can read about the following and more below.
Astral Resources
Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) confirmed the grant of Mining Lease 26/846, covering part of its Feysville Gold Project in Western Australia. The granted lease includes the Think Big and Rogan Josh gold deposits and represents a key regulatory milestone for the project.
Astral said the approval clears the path to advance early production at the Think Big Deposit, as outlined on October 20, 2025. The company also plans to immediately begin the process of applying for a separate mining lease to incorporate the Kamperman Deposit, with completion expected by the June 2026 quarter at the latest.
Far East Gold
Far East Gold Limited (ASX: FEG) reported high-grade and bonanza-grade gold results from diamond drillhole KSD027 at the Sua Prospect within its Idenburg Gold Project in Papua, Indonesia.
KSD027 was drilled as a 50-metre step-out from previously reported holes KSD025 and KSD026 and confirmed a 50-metre lateral extension of high-grade mineralisation. Significant intersections included 49.47 g/t gold over 4.85m from 73.85m, including multiple bonanza-grade intervals, as well as additional high-grade results closer to surface.
The company said the high-grade zone intersected in KSD027 remains open down-dip and along strike to the northeast, supporting the scale potential of the Sua Prospect.
Elixir Energy
Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR, OTC:ELXPF) provided an update on preparations for the Lorelle-3 appraisal well in ATP2056 in Queensland’s Taroom Trough.
Elixir said all procurement and site preparation activities have been completed, with Helmerich & Payne now mobilising the Shell-imported FlexRig 3 (Rig 648) from Brisbane to the Lorelle-3 well location. Mobilisation is expected to take around two weeks, with spudding planned shortly after rig acceptance.
Tamboran Resources
Tamboran Resources Corporation (ASX:TBN, NYSE:TBN, OTC:TBNRL) has appointed Todd Abbott as chief executive officer, effective January 15, 2026.
Abbott brings more than 25 years of upstream oil and gas experience, spanning unconventional shale operations, business planning, corporate finance and strategy. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer at Appalachian Basin (Marcellus and Utica shale) producer Seneca Resources Company, LLC.