The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries index fell 0.7% over five sessions, while D3 Energy and Astral Resources advanced drilling and exploration programs.
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries index closed at 3,517.10 points on Friday, down 24.30 points or 0.69% for the session. Over the past five trading days, the benchmark declined 0.76%, reflecting broader small-cap weakness.
Amid the softer market, select companies reported operational progress. D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E) expects to resume drilling at its Nooitgedacht two-well program in South Africa’s Free State after weather-related delays. Both wells reached total depth, and production testing is slated to begin in the coming weeks.
Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) expanded its Theia Deeps drilling program, while Surefire Resources and Dalaroo Metals provided updates on gold and copper-nickel-PGE exploration, respectively. The updates highlight ongoing activity despite the index’s decline.