With bullion prices continuing to set fresh records and risk appetite rotating back towards hard assets, gold explorers and developers remain firmly in focus. Several ASX juniors have used the latest strength in the tape to update on drilling momentum, resource growth pathways and funding positions heading into 2026.
Aurum Resources
Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX:AUE) reported further high-grade intercepts from infill drilling at the BDT2 deposit within its 2.41Moz Boundiali gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, including shallow hits such as 4.0m at more than 10 g/t gold.
The company flagged a busy near-term pipeline — updated resource estimates for both Boundiali and Napié and a Boundiali pre-feasibility study due this quarter — underpinned by a ~$40 million cash balance to support an aggressive 2026 drilling campaign.
Yandal Resources
Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX:YRL) delivered further RC and diamond drilling results from the Arrakis prospect that continue to outline a laterally extensive gold system across a 2.2km mineralised trend.
Recent intercepts such as 24m at 1.3 g/t gold and 18m at 1.6 g/t reinforced grade continuity along strike and down dip, with higher-grade mineralisation consistently associated with the eastern hanging wall contact — a geometry that supports both underground potential and shallow oxide targets ahead of closer-spaced drilling planned for March.
Ora Banda Mining
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF) continued to build momentum at its Waihi project, where follow-up drilling at the Golden Pole lode returned thick, high-grade intersections including 7.0m at 27.4 g/t gold and multiple hits above 50 g/t.
With Waihi located just three kilometres from the company’s processing plant, the deposit is being advanced as a potential third underground operation, with an updated mineral resource expected in mid-2026.
Terrain Minerals
Terrain Minerals Ltd (ASX:TMX, OTC:TMXAF, FRA:T4Y) confirmed RC drilling has restarted at its Smokebush gold and silver project following the Christmas break, with work resuming at Lightning before stepping out to priority IP targets at Wildflower.
The company is targeting a maiden JORC resource before mid-2026, supported by a granted mining lease over Lightning and a December-quarter cash position of about $2.5 million, including funds subject to shareholder approval.
AuKing Mining
AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) secured commitments to raise $1.5 million via an unbrokered placement, strengthening its balance sheet ahead of upcoming exploration activity. Proceeds will be directed toward advancing existing projects, assessing new opportunities and providing additional working capital into 2026.