The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (XSO) continued its recent run higher, closing yesterday at 3,588.70 points, up 21.70 points or 0.61%.
The index has now gained 93.90 points, or 2.69%, over the past five trading days, maintaining positive momentum across the smaller end of the Australian market.
Meanwhile, resource explorers and biotechnology companies continue to advance project development, exploration and funding programs across Australia and overseas.
Aruma clears pathway for Wilan exploration
Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) has executed a Native Title Mining Agreement with the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation for its Wilan Heavy Mineral Sands-Uranium Project in South Australia’s Eromanga Basin.
The agreement establishes a framework for exploration while protecting cultural heritage values and supporting ongoing consultation with the Arabana People.
Aruma described the agreement as an important project milestone that provides a clearer pathway for exploration to progress at Wilan.
D3 Energy starts seismic work in South Africa
D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQX:DNRGF) has started a high-resolution seismic survey at its Nooitgedacht project within the 100%-owned ER315 permit in South Africa’s Free State.
The program follows the company’s recent drilling campaign and will involve high-resolution 2D seismic surveying designed to improve its understanding of the subsurface.
ClearSeis will undertake the work using low-impact nodal seismic acquisition and weight-drop source technology, with the survey expected to take around 2 weeks.
Nova Minerals hosts US Congressional delegation at Estelle
Nova Minerals Corp (ASX: NVA, NYSE-A:NVA, FRA:QM30) has hosted a US Congressional delegation at its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska.
The August 24 visit highlighted growing federal interest in Estelle, where Nova is advancing a large undeveloped gold resource alongside a US-focused antimony supply chain strategy.
The delegation included staff representing Alaska’s senators and representative, as well as Congressional committees overseeing the US Department of Energy and other federal agencies involved in critical minerals development.
Prescient opens $7 million share purchase plan
Prescient Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:PTX) has opened a share purchase plan seeking to raise up to $7 million to support development of its targeted cancer therapy PTX-100.
Funds will help advance the clinical-stage program beyond a Dose Optimisation Committee review targeted for the second half of 2026 and towards subsequent reviews and the next stage of development.
The company is developing PTX-100 as a first-in-class targeted treatment, with the longer-term objective of progressing the therapy towards regulatory approval and broader patient access, subject to clinical outcomes.