A stronger offshore lead is giving small caps some breathing room after Wednesday’s sharp sell-off, with ASX futures pointing to a solid rebound at the open. With volatility still tied to Middle East headlines and energy markets, junior explorers and developers remain highly sentiment-driven — but today’s announcements show several companies pushing ahead with drilling, testing and technology milestones.
Aurum Resources
Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX:AUE) has reported multiple high-grade gold intercepts from its 30,000m diamond drilling program at the 0.87Moz Napié project in Côte d’Ivoire, including 19m at 5.16g/t from 146m at Gogbala and 18.9m at 2.59g/t from 176.1m at Tchaga.
The results will feed into an upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate update as Aurum advances a dual-asset growth strategy targeting about 4Moz across its Napié and Boundiali projects.
Critical Resources
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) says it has validated a “game-changing” solvent-free cathode fabrication process using Dry Supersonic Deposition (DSD), producing lithium iron phosphate cathodes without solvents or polymer binders.
The work supports the company’s solid-state battery evaluation program with US research partners and helps establish a scalable manufacturing pathway for future battery prototypes.
Elixir Energy
Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR, OTC:ELXPF) has finalised contractors and equipment for stimulation, completion and flow testing at the Diona-1 exploration well in Queensland’s Surat–Bowen Basin.
Operations are expected to begin in March, with a 14-day flow test scheduled for April to confirm gas and condensate recovery and assess reservoir productivity.
Provaris Energy
Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF, FRA:WS90) has secured firm commitments to raise $1.325 million via an oversubscribed placement to institutional and sophisticated investors.
Funds will support the company’s 2026 development program, including hydrogen prototype tank work, CO₂ storage initiatives and ongoing technical development.
Cyprium Metals
Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX:CYM, OTCQB:CYPMF) has completed a fully underwritten entitlement offer raising about $5 million to support development of the Nifty Copper Complex in Western Australia.
The offer attracted 281 shareholders, with some applying for additional shares through the top-up facility, while the remaining shortfall was taken up by a sub-underwriter.