Small cap wrap: VivoPower, Ocean Power Technologies, 1911 Gold...

Sovereign Metals Ltd (ASX:SVM, OTCQX:SVMLF, AIM:SVML, FRA:SVM) advanced the Kasiya Critical Minerals Project in Malawi during the June 2026 quarter, completing a definitive feasibility study (DFS) that outlined a pre-tax net present value of US$2.2 billion.

The study estimated capital expenditure to first production of US$727 million, steady-state annual EBITDA of US$476 million and pre-tax unlevered free cash flow of US$452 million.

Novo Resources Corp (TSX:NVO, OTCQX:NSRPF, ASX:NVO, FRA:1NOR) is preparing to launch a 2,700-metre reverse circulation drilling program at the Tibooburra Gold Project in New South Wales, targeting extensions to high-grade mineralisation at the Clone prospect and a previously undrilled quartz-reef trend at Pioneer South.

Drilling is expected to begin in late September quarter 2026, subject to regulatory and landholder approvals, and will comprise about 1,700 metres at Clone and 1,000 metres at Pioneer South.

The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index (XSO) edged 3.7 points, or 0.11%, higher on Wednesday to close at 3,326.50, although the benchmark remains 44.5 points, or 1.32%, lower over the past five trading sessions.

Meanwhile, quarterly season is in full swing as several more explorers and developers outline drilling programs, stronger operating plans and major project milestones across gold and critical minerals assets. You can read about the following and more throughout the day.

e.l.f. Beauty Inc (NYSE:ELF) is expected to report a strong fiscal first quarter performance when it releases results on August 5, though investors are likely to remain focused on management's outlook for consumer demand and whether the company maintains its full-year guidance.

UBS forecasts first-quarter earnings per share of $0.80, ahead of the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of $0.74, citing continued strength from rhode and the potential benefit of tariff refunds. The firm wrote it would not be surprised by another bottom-line beat.

Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) said Wednesday it has achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 compliance, a designation required for defense contracts involving Controlled Unclassified Information.

The certification allows the company to pursue US Department of War contracts and other federal programs with cybersecurity requirements tied to the protection of sensitive information, OPT said.

Ecora Royalties PLC (LSE:ECOR, TSX:ECOR, OTCQX:ECRAF, FRA:HGR) reported that its quarterly portfolio contribution jumped 61% year-on-year to US$19 million, driven by record cobalt receipts from the Voisey’s Bay operation.

Base metals generated US$14.1 million, up 166% and accounting for almost three-quarters of the second-quarter total. Voisey’s Bay delivered 196 tonnes of attributable cobalt, compared with 84 tonnes a year earlier, lifting net contribution to US$10.0 million from US$2.7 million.

VivoPower PLC (NASDAQ:VIVO, FRA:51J) announced that it has secured a definitive $50 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) from a group of US, European, UK and Nordic institutional investors, with the financing led by New York-based Blue Sky Capital.

Blue Sky Capital, which describes itself as a specialist investor in AI data centers, led the strategic investment round. Arctic Securities acted as sole placement agent and introduced additional institutional investors, including infrastructure and real estate-focused funds from the UK, European Union and Nordic region, as well as Nordic family offices.

1911 Gold Corp (TSX-V:AUMB, OTCQB:AUMBF, FRA:2KY) has closed its previously announced bought deal financing, raising gross proceeds of C$35.65 million, including the full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

The financing consisted of 7.81 million units priced at C$0.64 each, 27.31 million Canadian development expenses flow-through units priced at C$0.793 each, and 11.96 million Canadian exploration expenses flow-through units priced at C$0.752 each.

Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF, FRA:I8A) flagged that it is now a revenue-generating business, with initial royalties from its miniature solid-state batteries expected to flow in the 2027 financial year as it moves from development towards commercial production.

In the battery developer's results for the year to April 2026, it noted that production of Stereax batteries has already begun with US manufacturing partner Cirtec Medical, supplying samples for customer testing and making initial deliveries.

Allergy Therapeutics PLC (AIM:AGY, OTC:AGYTF, FRA:HHU) told investors that revenue growth accelerated in its second half and has guided for a further step-up in the current year as Grassmuno enters its first full peak treatment season.

Second-half revenue is expected to reach £23.6 million, up more than 12% on a reported basis from £21 million a year earlier. That compares with 7% growth in the first half.

Greatland Resources Ltd (AIM:GGP, OTC:GRLGF, FRA:G8G, ASX:GGP) closed the June 2026 quarter with a strong operating and financial performance, beating full-year production and cost guidance while strengthening its balance sheet ahead of major investment in the Telfer-Havieron gold-copper complex.

The company produced 79,100 ounces of gold and 3,573 tonnes of copper during the quarter at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of A$2,312 per ounce.

D3 Energy Ltd (ASX:D3E, OTCQX:DNRGF) materially expanded its certified helium resource base during the June 2026 quarter, while advancing drilling and development activities across its South African and Australian portfolio.

The company’s combined 2C helium resource across ER315, PR016 and ER386 in South Africa increased by 65% to 35.6 billion cubic feet (BCF), following independent certification of a maiden contingent and prospective resource at the 100%-owned ER386 permit.

Solis Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:SLMN, ASX:SLM, OTCQB:SLMFF, FRA:08WA) has strengthened its South American energy metals portfolio during the June 2026 quarter, acquiring a district-scale Brazilian lithium project, securing permits for two Peruvian copper programs and raising A$6 million to fund drilling.

The company moved rapidly to advance the Brazil Lithium Project in the Araçuaí–Salinas Lithium Valley, where drilling began after quarter-end at the Mandacaru target.

St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ, OTC:SGQMF) has recorded its strongest drilling results to date from the Araxá Rare Earths and Niobium Project in Brazil, including a record 207-metre mineralised intercept from surface and individual grades of up to 30.3% total rare earth oxides (TREO).

Assays from 37 diamond drill holes confirmed extensive, thick, and high-grade rare-earth and niobium mineralisation within the weathered profile, strengthening the potential for a large-scale, low-strip open-pit development.