The Australian sharemarket extended its losses on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 falling 72.4 points, or 0.82 per cent, to 8,711.5 at 12.15pm AEDT. Only four of the 11 sectors traded higher, including energy stocks, supported by oil prices at US$106 a barrel.
Banks were the biggest drag, with Commonwealth Bank falling more than 2.4 per cent as it held its annual general meeting in Sydney. The decline followed a subdued response to major US bank earnings overnight, while Wall Street finished largely unchanged ahead of key US inflation data.
In small cap company news:
Clever Culture Systems expands pharmaceutical sales reach through PSC Biotech partnership
Clever Culture Systems (ASX:CC5) has appointed PSC Biotech as its sales agent for the APAS Independence microbiology automation system across the pharmaceutical manufacturing markets in the United States, Canada and Singapore. The three-year agreement expands the company’s reach beyond major global pharmaceutical groups to regional and mid-sized manufacturers, while Clever Culture Systems retains responsibility for closing sales and all recurring software and service revenue. PSC Biotech will also purchase an APAS Independence instrument for its BioTechnique facility in Pennsylvania, establishing a US demonstration and training centre. The company expects the partnership to generate additional sales opportunities over the next 12 months, with potential instrument sales contributions from the 2028 financial year onwards. For the full announcement, please click here.
Aureka extends Irvine gold mineralisation 725 metres north
Aureka (ASX:AKA) has identified two new zones of gold mineralisation at its Irvine Gold Project in Victoria, extending the known mineralised footprint 725 metres north of the Resolution Lode resource. Initial drilling returned 4.25 metres at 1.42 grams per tonne gold from 173 metres, including 1.5 metres at 3.16 grams per tonne, and a second intersection of 5.65 metres at 0.83 grams per tonne. The results came from the first drill hole testing a previously unexplored target near the Stawell Gold Mine. Irvine currently hosts an inferred resource of approximately 398,000 ounces of gold across the Resolution and Adventure lodes. Drilling is continuing to investigate further extensions and additional gold-bearing structures.
Immutep and Monash University secure $652,000 grant for immunotherapy research
Immutep (ASX) and Monash University will continue their research collaboration into the immune checkpoint protein LAG-3, following the award of a $652,248 Australian Research Council grant over three years. The funding will support further investigation into how LAG-3 regulates immune responses, including research involving Immutep’s IMP761 antibody, which is being developed for autoimmune diseases. Led by Professor Jamie Rossjohn at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute, the project builds on earlier research that revealed how LAG-3 interacts with immune cells. Immutep will also contribute funding and scientific expertise, with the findings expected to strengthen understanding of LAG-3 biology and its potential applications in future immunotherapies. For the full announcement, please click here.
Clean TeQ Water reports 60% increase in quarterly customer receipts
Clean TeQ Water (ASX:CNQ) has reported a 60 per cent increase in customer receipts to A$10.2 million for the September quarter, generating positive operating cash flow of A$750,000. Cash reserves rose to A$9.2 million, up from A$8.7 million in the previous quarter. Operational highlights included the completion of a €7 million phosphate removal plant in Ireland, a long-term technology licensing and supply agreement at the Rasp Mine in Broken Hill, and a contract worth up to A$5.4 million for the Syerston Scandium Project. The company also progressed its wastewater treatment projects in Belgium and Argentina, with delivery of its Rio Tinto Rincon lithium project equipment scheduled for December 2026
Dundas Minerals secures $2.88 million to advance WA gold projects
Dundas Minerals (ASX) has received firm commitments to raise $2.88 million through a share placement to fund exploration and development across its Kalgoorlie and Romano gold projects in Western Australia. The placement, priced at 4.5 cents per share, includes a $750,000 investment from Forrestania Resources Executive Chairman David Geraghty, who is expected to become a substantial shareholder with a 5.57 per cent stake. Dundas directors have also committed $235,000, subject to shareholder approval. Funds will support further drilling at Rockland and Capricorn, along with exploration at the Romano Gold Project. Additional drilling results are expected during the December quarter, with an updated mineral resource estimate for the Kalgoorlie projects targeted by the end of 2026.
To hear more from ASX-listed company’s join us at the Uncovering Hidden Gems webinar on 21st October at 12:30pm AEDT. To register go to Sharecafe.com.au.
