The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (ASX: XSO) gained 51.50 points, or 1.45%, yesterday to close at 3,605.30.
The index has advanced 253.70 points, or 7.57%, over the past five days, reflecting improved sentiment across the small-cap sector. It's been a sprightly start to the day for resource companies and you can read about the following and more throughout the day.
Aruma confirms wide, high-grade copper-silver zones at Tillex
Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) has reported wide, high-grade copper-silver intersections from its Phase 1 diamond drilling program at the Tillex Project in the Timmins mining district of Ontario, Canada.
The company said the results confirmed the scale and continuity of shallow, high-grade mineralisation across the project, highlighting the potential for a large-scale copper-silver system.
Drilling defined broad mineralised zones as well as high-grade intervals, with mineralisation remaining open along strike and at depth.
Aruma said the Phase 1 program also provided strong confirmation of previous drilling, supporting geological continuity throughout the Tillex trend and the project’s future development pathway.
Askari identifies 7 new pegmatite targets at Uis
Askari Metals Ltd (ASX:AS2, FRA:7ZG) has identified 7 new high-priority pegmatite targets at the Uis Project in Namibia following an in-house hyperspectral study.
The company said the new targets materially expanded the project’s pipeline ahead of the next phase of reverse circulation drilling.
Uis is being advanced as a polymetallic opportunity with exposure to tin, tantalum, lithium, rubidium and caesium.
Askari said the results reinforced the project’s strategic position amid tightening tin supply and growing focus on critical mineral supply chains.
Field programs are underway, with trenching planned across the new targets and RC drilling expected to begin next quarter on the DP, OP, PS and K9 pegmatite targets at EPL 7345.
The company also expects faster in-country assay turnaround following the commissioning of on-site LIBS and pellet press equipment.
Critical Resources advances battery work to pouch-cell testing
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) has advanced its solid-state lithium-ion battery evaluation program to full-format pouch cells.
The update follows the company’s single-step composite-layer milestone announced on 16 June 2026.
Critical Resources said the pouch cells had been built and were undergoing initial testing, incorporating DSD-deposited cathode composite and baseline liquid electrolyte as a reference material.
The company said the cells were designed to test the DSD-deposited cathode chemistry and deposition process in a full-format cell.
Coin-cell and pouch-cell testing is now underway, with performance results to follow.
European Lithium progresses Critical Metals acquisition scheme
European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR, OTCQB:EULIF) has referred to its 19 May 2026 announcement regarding a binding Scheme Implementation Deed with Nasdaq-listed Critical Metals Corp (NASDAQ: CRML).
Under the agreement, Critical Metals has agreed to acquire 100% of European Lithium’s issued share capital and all listed options by way of court-approved schemes of arrangement.
The schemes are being undertaken under Part 5.1 of the Corporations Act 2001.
Kingfisher awaits assays from Copper Blow drilling
Kingfisher Mining Ltd (ASX:KFM) provided an exploration update for its Copper Blow Copper-Gold Project, Stephens Trig Prospect and Allendale Project near Broken Hill in New South Wales.
At Copper Blow, Kingfisher has completed the latest phase of reverse circulation drilling, comprising 10 holes for 1,576 metres.
This brings total drilling completed by the company since acquiring the project in November to 16 holes for 2,506 metres.
The Copper Blow Project is held 75% by Kingfisher and 25% by Broken Hill Mines Ltd (ASX:BHM).
Samples from the latest drilling program have been submitted to the laboratory for separate copper and gold analysis.
Kingfisher said sample turnaround times had experienced minor delays, although initial assay results were expected in the coming weeks based on recent laboratory guidance.
The program targeted lode extensions and included infill drilling designed to improve geological confidence across the 600-metre mineralised strike footprint.