The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) closed at 3,641.10, down 13.90 points (-0.38%) in the previous session and down 97.60 points (-2.61%) over the past five days.
In Perth, the RIU Explorers Conference is underway and due to wrap up tomorrow. With a heavy presenting schedule across the resources sector, company news flow is a little slower than usual, but several updates are landing throughout the day.
St George Mining posts thickest interval yet at Araxá
St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ, FRA:S0G, OTC:SGQMF) reported further assay results from ongoing diamond and reverse circulation drilling at its 100%-owned Araxá Rare Earths and Niobium Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The company highlighted what it described as the thickest mineralised interval to date at Araxá in hole AXDD055, returning 164.45 metres from surface with grades up to 17.15% TREO and 4% Nb₂O₅, as drilling continues to expand the mineralised footprint.
Critical Resources flags solid-state battery webinar on February 20
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) said it will host an investor webinar on Friday, February 20, 2026 at midday, featuring managing director Tim Wither and technical adviser Dr Alevtina (Alla) Smirnova.
CRR said the session will cover background on solid-state battery technology and provide context on its evaluation programs being undertaken under the U.S. National Science Foundation-backed CEPS framework, in partnership with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
Registration link: https://criticalresources.com.au/webinars/qy1KEr-solid-state-battery-introduction-webinar
Greatland Resources COO resigns; acting appointment named
Greatland Resources Ltd (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF, FRA:G8G, ASX:GGP) advised chief operating officer Simon Tyrrell has resigned and stepped down, with availability to assist the transition through 30 June 2026.
Otto Richter has been appointed acting COO. Greatland said Richter has served as group mining engineer since 2021and has more than 25 years’ experience across open pit and underground gold mining.
Encounter expands niobium strike at Green ahead of Q2 MRE update
Encounter Resources (ASX: ENR) reported an expansion of high-grade niobium mineralisation to more than 4 km strike at the Green prospect, alongside ongoing REE intersections and progressing metallurgical test work.
Encounter said the work program is aimed at supporting an updated Mineral Resource Estimate in Q2 2026, with April 2026 infill drilling planned to support potential starter-pit development. Recent diamond drilling results included:
- EAL1373: 42 metres at 2.2% Nb₂O₅ from 35 metres, including 6 metres at 5.1% Nb₂O₅ from 40 metres
- EAL1414: 33.6 metres at 2.1% Nb₂O₅ from 43 metres, including 5.1 metres at 3.9% Nb₂O₅ from 61.9 metres