Key Highlights

  • Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT), Tamboran Resources (ASX:TBN) and FBR (ASX:FBR) traded between 11.84% and 13.33% higher during the 26 October 2026 session.
  • Lotus and FBR released announcements on 26 October 2026, while Tamboran's latest release is dated 19 October 2026.
  • The updates cover a uranium export permit, a gas company leadership change and a welding robot demonstration.

Three ASX-listed small caps from different industries traded higher during the trading session on 26 October 2026, while the S&P/ASX 200 index (XJO) stood at 8,768.80, down 0.30% or 26.40 points, at 12:10 pm. FBR Limited (ASX:FBR) traded at $0.051, up 13.33%, Lotus Resources Limited (ASX:LOT) traded at $0.185, up 12.12%, and Tamboran Resources Corporation (ASX:TBN) traded at $0.213, up 11.84%.

Lotus and FBR released announcements on the same day, 26 October 2026, while Tamboran's latest release is dated 19 October 2026, so its price move is reported separately.

FBR (ASX:FBR): Mantis demonstration (26 October 2026)

FBR announced that it demonstrated its Mantis long-reach welding robot to four representatives of Samsung Heavy Industries, who travelled from Korea. They watched the workflow from FBR's AI-based Weld Creator software through welding and inspection. The company said it expects more demonstrations before the first Mantis unit ships to its new owner in the United States. No contract value was disclosed.

Mantis is powered by FBR's Dynamic Stabilisation Technology and is described as having high deposition welding capability. The Samsung Heavy Industries team said it could automate many tasks currently done by people across its shipyard and that it would work with FBR to examine integrating more automation.

Lotus Resources (ASX:LOT): export permit secured (26 October 2026)

Lotus secured Transport and Export Authorisation from the Namibian National Radiation Protection Authority, completing the key permits across Malawi, Zambia and Namibia for its first uranium shipment from Kayelekera. About 145,000 lbs of U3O8 in four containers is expected to leave site within a week, with a Walvis Bay sailing booked for November toward the Orano CE conversion facility in France.

Approvals included the Malawian Atomic Energy Regulatory Agency, a Zambian transport licence obtained through logistics partner Alistair Group and approvals from three Namibian bodies. Remaining tasks are routine per-shipment notifications and inspections.

Tamboran Resources (ASX:TBN): leadership appointment (19 October 2026)

Tamboran announced that Todd Abbott, Chief Executive Officer since January 2026, has also been appointed Managing Director, effective 19 October 2026. The company said the material terms of his appointment are unchanged. Tamboran holds about 2.8 million net prospective acres in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory.

Mr Abbott has more than 25 years of upstream oil and gas experience. The announcement said the appointment formalises his leadership at Board level as the company moves from the appraisal phase into development, and it referred to first gas sales from the Beetaloo to the Northern Territory gas market.

About the companies

FBR, based in High Wycombe, Western Australia, builds dynamically stabilised robots including Hadrian, Mantis and Firehawk. Lotus is a Perth-based uranium company whose Kayelekera project is in Malawi. Tamboran is a natural gas exploration and production company listed on the NYSE and ASX.

Related sector context

The companies span robotics, uranium and natural gas. Lotus's export route crosses three countries and relies on per-shipment approvals, Tamboran's East Coast strategy depends on pipeline capacity according to its disclosures, and FBR's welding robot targets shipbuilding, mining and defence fabrication. The XJO was down 0.30% at 12:10 pm.

Tamboran's disclosures also note natural gas price volatility and reliance on assets concentrated in the Beetaloo, while Lotus's shipment is the first from Kayelekera, making future shipments a separate matter from this one.

Risks to weigh in

FBR's release carried no order value. Lotus still has routine per-shipment steps before sailing. Tamboran's disclosures list going concern doubt, capital requirements, the absence of proved reserves and pipeline capacity as risks.

Catalysts on watch

Items to follow include FBR's further demonstrations and first US unit shipment, Lotus's departure from Kayelekera and November sailing, and Tamboran's progress from appraisal into development.

Final word

FBR (ASX:FBR), Lotus (ASX:LOT) and Tamboran (ASX:TBN) traded between 11.84% and 13.33% higher during the 26 October 2026 session, with updates on file across robotics, uranium and gas.