ASX 200 Falters on Tech Slump as Rapid Critical Metals Pursues Silver Projects

June 26, 2025 02:57 PM AEST | By Team Kalkine Media

ASX 200 Falters on Tech Slump as Rapid Critical Metals Pursues Silver Projects — Image source: Shutterstock

Rapid Critical Metals Eyes Expansion Through NSW Silver Assets

Rapid Critical Metals Ltd (ASX:RCM) is progressing plans to acquire the Webbs and Conrad silver projects located in New South Wales. The company confirmed it has secured firm commitments to support the funding needed for these acquisitions, aiming to initiate exploration programs shortly.

The Webbs project contains a previously defined JORC resource, while Conrad also hosts substantial historic estimates. Neither asset has undergone significant modern exploration in over a decade, and the company plans to undertake new geophysical, drilling, and metallurgical studies, starting with Webbs.

VRX Silica Advances on Environmental Approval

VRX Silica Ltd (ASX:VRX) received conditional approval from the Western Australian Minister for Environment for its Arrowsmith North silica sand project. This endorsement follows an earlier review by the Environmental Protection Authority, which had previously supported the proposal.

An appeal lodged by an environmental advocacy group led to further ministerial scrutiny, ultimately resulting in amendments to certain conditions. VRX has accepted changes concerning vegetation protection, paving the way for further progress at the site.

Opyl Strengthens Digital Exposure with Crypto-Backed Facility

Opyl Ltd (ASX:OPL) has initiated a strategy to increase its digital asset engagement by securing a finance facility backed by its cryptocurrency holdings. The move is being guided by non-executive director Antanas Guoga, known for his deep involvement in the blockchain ecosystem.

This facility will provide liquidity support to the company as it navigates emerging applications of digital finance. The announcement aligns with recent trends in institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and expanding mainstream recognition.

ASX 200 Resources Edge Higher as Small Caps Shine

Despite broader market softness, the ASX 200 Resources segment displayed early resilience. Several small-cap stocks delivered outsized gains in morning trade, supporting index-level strength in the resources sector.

Among the top performers were Altairminerals Ltd (ASX:ALR), Javelin Minerals Ltd (ASX:JAV), and Patrys Ltd (ASX:PAB), which recorded notable upticks on low-volume momentum. Rapid Critical Metals also joined the ranks of the top movers amid acquisition news.

Laggards Reflect Pressure in Micro-Cap Segment

Several micro-cap companies faced sharp declines in early activity, with Clara Resources Ltd (ASX:C7A), Corazon Ltd (ASX:CZN), and Seafarms Group Ltd (ASX:SFG) among the steepest fallers. These movements highlighted the ongoing volatility in the junior end of the market, particularly in sectors lacking recent catalysts.

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