The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries (ASX) finished yesterday at 3,451.80 points, down 0.23% or 7.90 points, although the index remained 0.15% higher, or 5.20 points, over the past five sessions.
Despite the softer session for the broader small-cap market, several companies delivered project, technology and commercial updates spanning copper exploration, battery materials, advanced graphene applications and gold development.
Aruma sharpens Fiery Creek copper targets
Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) has completed a project-wide geological study and new 3D geological and structural model at its 100%-owned Fiery Creek Copper Project in Queensland’s Mt Isa copper belt.
The work has defined three priority regions of interest considered prospective for structurally hosted copper mineralisation.
The study has significantly improved its understanding of the geological architecture at Fiery Creek, while highlighting multiple target areas and geological and structural similarities with significant copper deposits elsewhere in the region.
The modelling provides the company with a more focused framework for prioritising future exploration across the project.
Critical Resources advances dry-deposited battery cathode testing
Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR, FRA:9S70) has completed extended capacity-retention testing on its first-generation full-format pouch cell incorporating an LFP/LLZO cathode matrix produced using Dry Supersonic Deposition technology.
The test cell used a liquid reference electrolyte to isolate the performance of the dry-deposited cathode against a known baseline.
According to the company, the solvent-free and binder-free cathode matrix sustained more than a month of continuous charge-discharge cycling, with the cathode electrochemistry remaining active throughout the testing period.
The results indicate that observed capacity fade was linked to the unoptimised cell build and reference components rather than the deposited cathode material itself.
First Graphene secures first Pacific Urethanes production order
First Graphene Ltd (ASX:FGR, OTCQB:FGPHF, FRA:M11) has received its first production purchase order from Australian polyurethane manufacturer Pacific Urethanes Pty Ltd for PureGRAPH®.
The order establishes Pacific Urethanes as a new commercial customer and introduces a new application for PureGRAPH, with the graphene material to be incorporated into polyurethane formulations designed to improve fire-retardant performance.
The products are being targeted at applications within Australia’s mining and resources sector.
The order follows successful development work between the companies and marks the transition of the application into commercial manufacturing.
Ora Banda starts Waihi underground mining
Ora Banda Mining Ltd (ASX:OBM, OTC:ESGFF, FRA:M6N) has begun underground mining at Waihi while reporting further high-grade drilling results from Golden Pole and the newly identified Midnight prospect.
Underground operations have begun with establishment of the decline portal through the Waihi open pit, providing access towards the Golden Pole lode and future underground drilling platforms.
Ora Banda considers Waihi a large and under-drilled mineralised system containing multiple high-grade shoots plunging to the north.
Recent step-out drilling around 500 metres south of the Waihi portal has also identified Midnight as a potential new high-grade prospect, providing another target for near-term exploration as the company works to define and expand the broader Waihi mineralised envelope.