January 2026

Small caps did the heavy lifting this week, led by two big discovery stories in resources. Funding raises and takeover moves kept attention on who can pay for the next step, not just promise it.

Big moves came from consumer fintech names as investors quickly re-priced growth, losses, and capital needs. A capital-raise week also split the market: some raisings steadied prices, others triggered fresh selling.

Speculative money piled into new discoveries and tight-supply metals, while a handful of small caps were sold hard on thin liquidity. The week’s biggest moves came from PGMs and tungsten on the way up, and micro-cap gas on the way down.

A handful of healthcare names did the heavy lifting this week, driven by FDA wins, guideline upgrades, and big shifts in sales and cashflow. The flip side: several clinical-stage stocks fell hard as investors stayed picky about near-term proof and funding.

A handful of small caps ripped higher, but plenty still slipped even after good news. This week’s biggest moves came from a platform partnership win, a reinstated stock, and a cash settlement that removed a long-running dispute.

Lithium Energy Limited has completed the sale of its Solaroz Lithium Brine Project, receiving US$21.7 million in cash and setting the stage for renewed focus on its graphite and gold-copper assets. The company is actively progressing exploration and development programs to meet ASX reinstatement criteria.

Bowen Coking Coal Limited has reported a challenging quarter ending December 2025, marked by cash outflows, a default on its senior secured debt, and ongoing voluntary administration.

Bowen Coking Coal maintained steady production in the December quarter despite ongoing administration and a challenging market, though rising costs and a 12% sales dip highlight operational pressures.

Strike Resources has taken significant steps to enhance its Apurímac Iron Ore Project’s export capabilities through a new port services agreement and is progressing towards resuming mining operations. Meanwhile, its stake in Lithium Energy benefits from a major asset sale, boosting cash reserves.

Aura Energy advances its Tiris Uranium Project in Mauritania and secures strategic investment for its Häggån Polymetallic Project in Sweden following the lifting of Sweden’s uranium mining ban.

Lodestar Minerals has secured a binding option to acquire the Virgin Mountain Heavy Rare Earth Elements project in Arizona and defined a significant gold exploration target at Ned’s Creek, while gearing up for its first Chilean drill program.

Scorpion Minerals has taken a significant step forward with a binding option to acquire the Old Prospect gold tenements and forged strategic partnerships to advance its gold and lithium projects in Western Australia.

PT ANTAM Tbk reported record production and sales volumes for nickel ore, bauxite, and alumina in FY25, driven by strong domestic demand and operational efficiencies. The company also progressed key downstream projects and strengthened its ESG leadership with multiple awards.

Riversgold has locked in a full funding and operational deal with MEGA Resources for its Northern Zone Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, while also advancing exploration in Canada and raising $2 million to fuel growth.

RareX Limited has secured a pivotal mining lease for its Cummins Range Rare Earths Project in Western Australia, confirming some of the highest-grade gallium mineralisation in the country. The company also advances metallurgical testing and forges strategic US partnerships, positioning itself at the forefront of critical minerals development.

Brightstar Resources has completed its strategic acquisition of Aurumin Limited, consolidating its Sandstone gold assets and boosting production by 12% in the December quarter. The company also advanced key feasibility studies, underpinning a promising growth trajectory.

Focus Minerals Limited delivered a record gold pour in November 2025, supported by stable milling and robust mining operations across its Coolgardie Gold Project. The company’s strong quarterly production and solid cash position highlight its operational momentum heading into 2026.

Hot Chili Limited has reported a significant expansion of its high-grade copper-gold discovery at La Verde, Chile, supported by robust diamond drilling results. The company is advancing its Costa Fuego Project with promising pre-feasibility outcomes and progressing strategic partnerships.

Peppermint Innovation Ltd reported robust growth in its Philippines digital payments platform during Q4 2025, with wallet prefunding surpassing PHP 486 million and transaction volumes surging. The company is preparing to launch a new payment processing business in March 2026 while actively pursuing capital raising to support expansion.

ChemX Materials Limited remains suspended from ASX trading as it finalises overdue financial reports and secures informal funding, aiming for share reinstatement.

MC Mining Limited reports strong progress on its Makhado steelmaking hard coking coal project with commissioning slated for March 2026, while Uitkomst Colliery struggles with declining production and rising costs.

Heavy Minerals Limited has finalized a binding agreement with Hillgrove Resources to extract garnet from tailings, while advancing its Port Gregory project and targeting substantial capital raising.

High Peak Royalties has completed the transfer of its Torrens Energy geothermal assets to NorthStar Energy, receiving 12.5 million shares valued at A$2 million and retaining ongoing royalties. The company also reported steady royalty receipts and a key board change in its December 2025 quarterly update.

Golden Mile Resources has completed a significant sampling program at its Aurora prospect in Arizona, with assay results expected soon, while Patronus Resources has earned an 80% interest in the Leonora Gold Joint Venture.