Small caps are heading into a much stronger session, with ASX futures surging after Wall Street pushed to fresh record highs on easing Middle East tensions and a sharp retreat in oil prices.
Against that backdrop, early updates on Thursday morning are centred on construction milestones, resource growth and fresh funding across the rare earths, helium, gold and electrification sectors.
D3 expands South African helium footprint
D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQX:DNRGF) has posted a major increase in its South African helium and methane resource base, with a maiden contingent resource certified at its ER386 permit.
The update lifts D3’s combined 2C recoverable helium resource by 65% to 35.6BCF, strengthening its position in what it says is emerging as one of the world’s more significant helium provinces.
Aurum continues resource growth at Boundiali
Aurum Resources Ltd (ASX:AUE) has delivered more thick gold intercepts from drilling at the BDT2 deposit within its Boundiali project in Côte d'Ivoire, including multiple wide mineralised zones outside current resource boundaries.
The company is pushing ahead with a 100,000-metre drilling campaign aimed at expanding resources and upgrading confidence levels ahead of a pre-feasibility study due later this month.
Lindian keeps Kangankunde on track for first production
Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) reported that construction at its Kangankunde rare earths project in Malawi remains on schedule, with first production still targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The company highlighted progress across plant construction, mining infrastructure and power development, while noting it is now fully funded to first production following its recent A$100 million raise.
Janus Electric raises $4.5 million for expansion
Janus Electric Holdings Ltd (ASX:JNS) has secured firm commitments to raise A$4.5 million through a placement to institutional and sophisticated investors across Australia and Asia.
The funding will support battery supply, truck conversion manufacturing and expansion into North America, including certification work for its charging and battery systems in the US and Canada.