RPM Drilling Ramps Up Amid Uncertainty Over Assay Results and DoD Grant
Nova Minerals has launched its 2025 drilling campaign at the high-grade RPM deposit in Alaska, deploying multiple rigs to test resource extensions and new targets. Early geological observations suggest significant potential, with assay results awaited in the coming months.
- Two diamond rigs and one reverse circulation rig active at RPM deposit
- Early drillholes reveal encouraging geological characteristics akin to RPM North
- Significant resource upside in valley-fill material with >1g/t gold-in-soil anomaly
- Maiden drilling underway at Stibium antimony-gold prospect showing near-surface mineralization
- Progress on potential U.S. Department of Defense grant to fast-track Antimony Project
Drilling Momentum Builds at RPM Deposit
Nova Minerals Limited has commenced a robust 2025 drilling program at its flagship RPM deposit in Alaska, deploying two diamond drill rigs alongside a reverse circulation (RC) rig. Operating under Alaska’s continuous daylight, the company is aggressively testing extensions to the east and west of RPM North, aiming to connect with the RPM Valley zone, while simultaneously expanding and defining resources within the Valley itself.
Initial geological observations from the first drillholes have been notably encouraging. Early signs indicate mineralisation and quartz veining characteristics similar to those previously encountered at RPM North, suggesting continuity and potential expansion of the high-grade zones. While assay results remain pending, these early findings have injected optimism into the campaign.
Unlocking Resource Potential in Valley-Fill and Antimony Targets
The RC rig has demonstrated impressive capability, rapidly penetrating glacial till to access mineralised valley-fill material. This valley-fill is believed to be derived from erosion of the high-grade RPM North deposit and is marked by a gold-in-soil anomaly exceeding 1 gram per tonne over a 1.7-kilometer stretch, with mineralised thickness estimated at nearly 40 meters. This presents a substantial near-surface resource upside that could materially enhance the project’s economics.
In parallel, drilling continues at the Stibium prospect, targeting antimony-gold mineralisation. Early drillholes have intersected near-surface mineralisation, reinforcing the prospect’s potential. Given the strategic importance of antimony as a critical mineral, this adds a valuable dimension to Nova’s portfolio within the Estelle Project.
Comprehensive Exploration and Strategic Developments
Beyond drilling, Nova Minerals is advancing environmental baseline studies, exploration mapping, sampling, and access road projects as part of its ongoing pre-feasibility study. Notably, the company is progressing discussions around a potential U.S. Department of Defense grant aimed at fast-tracking the Antimony Project’s development. Such support could accelerate timelines and enhance project viability, reflecting the strategic importance of critical minerals in national security contexts.
Nova’s management, including Exploration Manager Hans Hoffman, expressed enthusiasm about the drilling progress and the potential to significantly expand the RPM footprint. The company awaits assay results with anticipation, which will provide critical data to validate early geological impressions and guide next steps.
Bottom Line?
As Nova Minerals advances drilling and strategic initiatives at RPM, upcoming assay results and grant updates will be pivotal in shaping the project’s trajectory and investor sentiment.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the forthcoming assay results reveal about the extent and grade of mineralisation at RPM Valley and North?
- How might the potential U.S. Department of Defense grant impact the pace and scale of the Antimony Project’s development?
- Could the newly tested eastern extensions significantly enlarge the RPM deposit’s resource base?
