October 2026

GenusPlus will acquire New Zealand telecommunications construction and maintenance provider UCG for about NZ$40 million upfront and deferred consideration, with a further NZ$25 million tied to performance. The deal expands GenusPlus’s communications capability and is expected to be immediately earnings accretive, subject to regulatory and contractual approvals.

Recharge Metals has completed its 100% acquisition of the Ironstone Well Gold Project, expanding its Prospero gold exploration trend near Leonora to more than 15km. The deal lands just as the company prepares to start its first 30,000m drilling campaign at the adjoining Sunset Well project.

Iceni Gold has defined a new drilling corridor at Goose Well after diamond drilling confirmed broad, low-grade gold mineralisation with higher-grade quartz veins near the Gander Fault. The company is also preparing for a Gold Fields-funded 7,000m RC campaign at Everleigh, with results expected from December.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering will acquire Victorian fire and HVAC services group Entire Operations for up to $112.1 million, funded from existing cash reserves. The deal adds mechanical services, expands SCEE’s national fire platform and lifts FY27 EBITDA guidance to at least $110 million.

Critica has converted 160 million tonnes of its Jupiter rare earths resource into the higher-confidence Indicated category after infill drilling across about 10% of the deposit. The upgrade comes ahead of a scoping study that is expected shortly, although most of Jupiter remains Inferred and no Ore Reserve has been declared.

Rox Resources says construction of its Youanmi processing plant has reached 39%, while underground development advances towards production drilling at United North. Financial close and a $90.2 million debt drawdown have lifted reported cash to $149.2 million, with first gold still targeted for mid-2027.

Kalgoorlie Gold Mining has secured the full A$1.14 million targeted through its underwritten entitlement offer, despite eligible shareholders subscribing for only A$314,170. The capital is earmarked for drilling at the Lighthorse discovery, aircore work at LTZ Flexure and working capital.

Ryman Healthcare’s retirement village resales reached an eight-quarter high in the second quarter, while aged care occupancy climbed to 94%. The operating update also shows new-sales inventory continuing to decline as the company positions for stronger recurring earnings.

Tāiko Critical Minerals has completed the final resource estimate for its Barrytown project, taking the project-wide inventory to 35.0 million tonnes. The result strengthens the base for feasibility work, but the extension still depends on consent and further drilling to address sampling uncertainty.

Exploration stocks dominated the biggest weekly moves, while several companies warned that cash, debt or approvals could decide what happens next.
Alvo Minerals led the market after heavy rare earth results, but company announcements remained a mixed source of confidence and concern.

Tower led the week after lower-than-expected large claims lifted its profit forecast. Listed funds faced a mixed result, with fundraising, dividends and audit concerns all shaping investor decisions.

Small-cap materials shares delivered outsized gains on project news, fresh drilling and new funding, while several explorers fell despite positive announcements.
Alvo, Pioneer and Tyranna led the weekly board, but cash shortages, legal disputes and unproven discoveries kept risk high.

Cynata led the week after launching a small capital raising, while Vitasora and Neurizon posted strong gains despite very different risks. Across healthcare, trial progress and regulator feedback competed with cash warnings and weaker share prices after trading gaps.

Online gaming and workforce software stocks led the week, while several companies fell despite better operating news.
Investors still want proof that new contracts, funding and product launches can produce lasting cash.

Surefire Resources has lodged a prospectus for up to 266.6 million new options, although only $90,593 will be raised upfront. The proposed issue would more than quintuple the company’s options on issue and leaves shareholders facing a key approval vote in November.

NTAW Holdings improved margins, reduced inventory and cut gross debt in FY2026, but remained loss-making as revenue fell sharply after the loss of key distribution rights. Management is targeting modest growth in FY2027 while covenant obligations and cash generation remain central tests.

DGL Group’s FY26 annual report lays bare a difficult year: revenue and underlying earnings fell, statutory losses widened and the auditor issued a qualified opinion over opening inventory. Management is betting on cost cuts, fuller facilities and a new liquid waste plant to repair performance in FY27.

Burgundy Diamond Mines has acknowledged breaching ASX Listing Rule 10.1 by entering three related-party diamond purchase agreements without prior shareholder approval. The transactions were later ratified, but an independent expert found the dealings were not fair, although the inventory was sold at fair market value.

New Zealand Rural Land Company’s 75%-owned partnership has conditionally agreed to sell five Hawke’s Bay orchards for $18.84 million, as uncertainty from the Kiwi Crunch administration continues to cloud FY26 earnings. Completion depends on Overseas Investment Office consent.

Patagonia Lithium has corrected its Well 8 announcement, confirming a 72-hour pumping rate of about 2,043 litres per hour and rapid aquifer recovery at its Cilon project in Argentina. The pumped brine is estimated to have contained 29kg to 33.7kg of lithium, although the figure is an inferred assay-based estimate rather than a resource or production measure.

Emyria’s FY26 annual report shows a rapidly expanding psychedelic-assisted care network, with revenue up 210% and treatment capacity reaching 18 beds across four states. The gains came alongside a larger loss, $4.6 million in operating cash outflow and an auditor-highlighted material uncertainty over the company’s ability to continue without further funding.

Coda Minerals has moved Elizabeth Creek closer to a targeted first-quarter 2027 pre-feasibility study, backed by improved leach recoveries, drilling and fresh funding. But the copper developer remains loss-making, burned A$8.87 million in operating cash and will likely need further capital to progress beyond the study stage.

Simonds Group delivered a sharp FY26 earnings rebound, with NPAT rising 950% to $10.5 million as revenue, site starts and margins all improved. The annual report also flags a qualified sustainability reporting outcome and a new Western Australian venture that will require execution and cash.

Inghams Group Limited (ASX:ING) returned to poultry volume growth in FY26, but rising costs, a tax dispute and weaker earnings sharply reduced shareholder returns. The company enters FY27 with lower net debt, elevated leverage and a value-led turnaround strategy still to prove itself.