Nova’s US$11.1m Raise Highlights Funding Needs Amid Exploration Risks

Nova Minerals has priced a US$11.1 million underwritten public offering on NASDAQ, aiming to boost exploration and development at its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska.

  • US$11.1 million raised via 1.2 million American Depository Shares
  • Offering priced at US$9.25 per ADS with a 45-day overallotment option
  • Funds earmarked for drilling, feasibility studies, and working capital
  • Potential issuance of warrants to underwriters pending shareholder approval
  • Offering expected to close July 16, 2025, subject to customary conditions
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Capital Raise to Propel Estelle Project

Nova Minerals Limited, a gold and critical minerals explorer listed on both the ASX and NASDAQ, has announced the pricing of a significant US$11.1 million underwritten public offering. The raise involves the sale of 1.2 million American Depository Shares (ADS) at US$9.25 each, representing 72 million ordinary shares at a 1 – 60 ADS-to-ordinary share ratio. This capital injection is designed to accelerate the company’s flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project located in Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt.

Strategic Use of Proceeds

The funds raised will primarily support resource and exploration field programs, including additional drilling campaigns and feasibility studies. These activities are critical to advancing the project’s development and unlocking its potential, which includes multiple mining complexes and multi-million ounce gold and antimony resources. General working capital needs will also be addressed, providing Nova with operational flexibility as it navigates the next phases of exploration and development.

Offering Details and Market Implications

The offering is underwritten and managed solely by ThinkEquity, with a 45-day option granted to underwriters to purchase an additional 120,000 ADS to cover any over-allotments. Subject to shareholder approval, Nova plans to issue warrants to the underwriters, potentially increasing their stake by up to 3.96 million ordinary shares. The offering is expected to close on July 16, 2025, pending customary closing conditions. This move not only strengthens Nova’s balance sheet but also signals confidence in the Estelle Project’s prospects amid a competitive mining sector.

Regulatory Compliance and Forward Outlook

The offering is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Form F-1, ensuring regulatory transparency for investors. Nova’s management emphasizes that while the capital raise is a positive step, the company remains subject to typical exploration risks, including commodity price fluctuations and regulatory approvals. The successful deployment of these funds will be closely watched by investors eager to see tangible progress at Estelle, which sits in a region known for hosting some of North America’s largest gold deposits.

Bottom Line?

This capital raise sets the stage for Nova Minerals to deepen its exploration footprint, but execution risks remain as the Estelle Project moves toward feasibility.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will the additional drilling results impact the current resource estimates at Estelle?
  • What are the timelines and milestones for the upcoming feasibility studies?
  • How might potential dilution from warrants affect shareholder value in the near term?