These were the 5 top performing ASX shares in September

Many ASX shares faltered amidst the volatile month of September. Especially after the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) tumbled 202 points or 2.69% by month-end.

Despite the broader selling headwinds, these 5 ASX shares (with a market capitalisation greater than $100 million) managed to top the leaderboards.

5 top performing ASX shares in September

1. Kingsgate Consolidated Limited (ASX: KCN)

The Kingsgate share price surged 103% to $1.58 last month on heavy volume after the company came forth with an encouraging update about its Thailand operations.

It is understood that the company's negotiations with the Royal Thai Government are entering their final stages.

Kingsgate is optimistic about settling a number of actionable awards including:

• The grant of all operating licences and permit applications required to re-start
  and operate the Chatree Gold Mine;
• The renewal/approval of key exploration licence applications to enable access to previously unavailable but highly prospective areas; and
• The examination by Kingsgate of options for the construction of a renewable energy plant at the Chatree Gold Mine;

2. Tuas Ltd (ASX: TUA)

Tuas was a spinoff of TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) and its Singapore operations.

Its shares skyrocketed 70.5% to $1.45 in September following the broader strength across ASX shares in the telecommunications sector and an upbeat FY21 results announcement towards the end of the month.

3. Atomo Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: AT1)

Atomo did not announce any market-sensitive news in September but managed to take the spotlight due to its effective rapid antigen test (RAT) for COVID-19.

Its shares surged 54% in September to 35.5 cents after its management told The Australian that it can "bring in up to a million tests a week" to Australia if the demand is there.

4. Camplify Holdings Ltd (ASX: CHL)

The Camplify share price rallied strongly in September despite no market-sensitive announcements made by the company.

Shares in the caravan and campervan-sharing platform surged 65.75% to $3.

This caught the attention of the ASX, which issued a price query on 9 September. In response to its surging share price and volumes, the company pointed to its recent preliminary final report on 23 August as well as recent information by state and federal governments regarding the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions that may have impacted its trading performance.

5. Arafura Resources Limited (ASX: ARU)

The Arafura share price skyrocketed 50% in September following reports from Bloomberg and the Australian Financial Review that the company was in discussions with European manufacturers for offtake agreements for the supply of rare earths.

Interestingly, the news was speculative in nature, as Arafura would later clarify with the ASX that these discussions were not "formal or binding agreements … and negotiations are incomplete".