Small Cap Watch: Resource and technology stocks advance key milestones
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (XSO) slipped 7.9 points, or 0.23%, to close at 3,359.70 yesterday, leaving the benchmark down 9.1 points, or 0.27%, over the past five trading days.
Against the softer index backdrop, several small-cap companies have reported progress across helium and hydrogen exploration, rare earths processing, gold resource development and cybersecurity funding. You can read about the following and more throughout the day.
D3 Energy certifies maiden helium and hydrogen resource
D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQX:DNRGF) has secured independent certification of a maiden prospective resource for the Hydrohelix and Cootanoorina prospects within its wholly owned PEL121 permit in South Australia’s Arckaringa Basin.
The certification, completed by independent reserves and resources auditor Sproule ERCE, covers potential resources hosted in the Heavitree (AIM:HVT) Sandstone and fractured basement.
PEL121 and neighbouring PEL122 span a combined 5,865 square kilometres near the Olympic Dam uranium deposit. D3 Energy has identified two prospects and nine leads across PEL121 using available seismic data.
The company said the certification further validated the helium and hydrogen system identified across the permit and strengthened the scale of its broader South Australian resource position ahead of further work to mature additional leads.
Lindian validates Kangankunde processing flowsheet
Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN, OTC:LINIF) has received independent validation of the downstream hydrometallurgical processing flowsheet for monazite concentrate from its Kangankunde Rare Earths Project.
Testing by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation confirmed the complete sulphuric acid bake process from concentrate through to specification mixed rare earth carbonate.
The program demonstrated strong metallurgical performance, effective radionuclide rejection and compatibility with the conventional processing circuit installed at Lindian’s SARECO facility in Kazakhstan.
The results provide further technical support for Lindian’s strategy to integrate Kangankunde concentrate with downstream processing infrastructure.
Nexus drilling supports maiden Payns resource
Nexus Minerals Ltd (ASX:NXM, FRA:YAK) has completed its resource definition drilling program at the Payns prospect within the Wallbrook Gold Project, around 140 kilometres northeast of Kalgoorlie.
Final assays covered 49 reverse circulation holes for 3,816 metres, taking the completed Payns program to 79 holes for 6,040 metres.
The results confirmed broad zones of shallow, gently dipping gold mineralisation containing a consistent higher-grade core.
Nexus said the drilling positioned Payns to contribute to a maiden mineral resource estimate as part of an updated multi-prospect Wallbrook resource. The project’s current estimate is limited to the Crusader-Templar deposits, which contain a combined 304,000 ounces of gold.
archTIS extends CBA funding facility
archTIS Ltd (ASX:AR9, OTCQB:ARHLF) has extended the maturity date of A$4 million of its existing Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) financing facilities.
The facility, which had been due to mature on July 30, 2026, has been extended to October 30, 2026. It forms part of archTIS’ total A$8 million in CBA facilities.
The cybersecurity software provider said the extension maintained access to non-dilutive funding to support contract execution and working capital requirements as demand for its data-centric security products grows.
By retaining bank debt on competitive terms, archTIS can continue funding operations without issuing new shares or diluting existing shareholders.
