Nova Targets 15,000m Drill Campaign at Estelle’s Gold and Antimony Zones
Nova Minerals is launching a major 15,000-metre drilling campaign at its Estelle Project in Alaska, targeting gold and antimony resources to advance feasibility and permitting. The program includes maiden resource drilling at the high-grade Stibium prospect and potential expansion pending U.S. defense funding.
- 15,000m drilling program commencing at Estelle Project
- Focus on RPM and Korbel gold deposits plus maiden resource at Stibium
- Surface sampling reveals high-grade gold and antimony at Stibium
- U.S. Department of Defense funding application could expand drilling
- Results to support feasibility studies and streamline permitting
Drilling Preparations Underway at Estelle
Nova Minerals Limited is gearing up for an intensive 2025 field season at its Estelle Project in Alaska, with crews and equipment now onsite at the Whiskey Bravo airstrip. The company plans to execute a 15,000-metre drilling campaign targeting key prospects including RPM, Korbel, and the newly highlighted Stibium zone. Preparations include pad construction, mobilization of diamond and reverse circulation drill rigs, and logistical support for a workforce of up to 40 personnel.
Strategic Focus on Gold and Antimony
The drilling program aims to advance the RPM and Korbel gold deposits through infill and expansion drilling, supporting ongoing feasibility studies and permitting efforts. Notably, the campaign will initiate maiden resource drilling at the Stibium prospect, where surface sampling has identified an extensive gold-antimony mineralized zone measuring approximately 800 by 400 metres. Assay results from prior sampling revealed impressive grades, including gold up to 141 grams per tonne and antimony reaching 60.5%.
Potential for Program Expansion with Defense Funding
Nova is actively pursuing funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, which could accelerate the development of antimony resources, processing, and production at Estelle. A successful application would enable the deployment of additional diamond drill rigs, expanding the drilling footprint at Stibium and potentially commencing exploration at the Styx target. This strategic move aligns with the current market environment where both gold and antimony prices are near historic highs, enhancing the project's economic appeal.
Comprehensive Exploration and Environmental Work
Alongside drilling, the company is conducting an extensive surface sampling and geological mapping program across the broader Estelle property to identify new high-priority targets. Environmental baseline studies and hydrology wells are also planned to support permitting and feasibility. Metallurgical and process engineering test work continues to advance, aiming to streamline future development phases.
Outlook and Market Implications
With drilling set to commence imminently, Nova Minerals is positioned to deliver a steady flow of assay results that will clarify resource potential and underpin project advancement. The combination of gold and critical mineral antimony in near-surface deposits presents a compelling growth story amid rising commodity prices and strategic demand. However, the pace and scale of progress hinge on the outcome of the U.S. defense funding application and subsequent operational execution.
Bottom Line?
As Nova drills deeper into Estelle’s gold and antimony potential, all eyes will be on assay results and funding outcomes to gauge the project’s next leap forward.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Nova secure U.S. Department of Defense funding to expand drilling and accelerate antimony production?
- How will assay results from Stibium influence the maiden resource estimate and project valuation?
- What impact will ongoing feasibility and environmental studies have on permitting timelines?