The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is back on form and pushing higher. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is up 0.3% to 8,722.9 points.
Four ASX shares that are rising more than most today are listed below. Here's why they are storming higher:
Canyon Resources Ltd (ASX: CAY)
The Canyon Resources share price is up 9% to 24 cents. This follows the release of an update on the Minim Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon. According to the release, the surface miner has arrived in Cameroon, with mining operations scheduled to commence in February. Canyon's CEO, Peter Secker, commented: "Following the arrival of the surface miner in Cameroon as well as confirmation of the delivery of the Rolling Stock scheduled in Q1, the key operational milestones continue to be achieved across mining, logistics and infrastructure workstreams. Project readiness continues to be strengthened, with key senior leadership appointments now completed. The Mine Director and Port Manager roles have been filled, with both executives scheduled to be on the ground this month to support the ramp-up to first production."
Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO)
The Core Lithium share price is up 22% to 35.5 cents. This is despite there being no news out of the lithium company. The gain was so strong that the Australian stock exchange asked for it to explain the move. Core Lithium responded, stating that it "is not aware of any other explanation that it may have for the recent trading in its securities." Though, with lithium prices rebounding strongly recently, investors may be betting on the company restarting its lithium mining operations in the near future.
Duratec Ltd (ASX: DUR)
The Duratec share price is up 9% to $2.03. This morning, the contractor revealed that its Duratec Ertech Joint Venture has been instructed to proceed with early procurement of approximately $5 million of long lead items. This is to assist program and project timing as part of the early contractor involvement head contract for the planning phase of infrastructure upgrades to support future submarine capability at HMAS Stirling. Managing Director, Chris Oates, commented: "Duratec is proud to play a key role in supporting Australia's future submarine capability through these critical infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling."
Unico Silver Ltd (ASX: USL)
The Unico Silver share price is up 3.5% to 98.5 cents. This silver miner's shares have rallied higher this week following the release of drilling results from its 100%-owned Joaquin Project. Unico Silver revealed that infill and extensional drilling at La Negra SE confirms that there is a broad, shallow zone of oxide silver-gold mineralisation over 850 metres strike and 175 metres vertical extent. Importantly, it remains open to the south-east and at depth. The company's managing director, Todd Williams, commented: "These results confirm the scale and geometry required for conventional open-pit development and support our decision to move directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study Mineral Resource Estimate."
