Nova Minerals’ 2025 drilling at the RPM North deposit in Alaska confirms significant eastern extensions and broad near-surface gold zones, underpinning potential resource upgrades ahead of a key Pre-Feasibility Study.
- Broad near-surface gold intersections confirmed at RPM North
- New eastern strike extension discovery expands resource potential
- High-grade gold zones with intercepts up to 19.7 g/t Au
- Ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study supported by updated resource estimates
- Further assay results and surface exploration data pending
Drilling Success at RPM North
Nova Minerals Limited has reported compelling results from its 2025 drilling campaign at the RPM North deposit, part of the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska. The latest assays reveal broad, near-surface gold mineralisation with significant intercepts that confirm an eastern strike extension of the deposit. This discovery not only reinforces the continuity of mineralisation but also highlights the potential for a substantial resource upgrade.
Among the standout results, drill hole RPM-080 intersected 180 metres averaging 0.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from just 4 metres downhole, including a high-grade segment of 19.7 g/t over 2 metres. Other holes, such as RPM-078 and RPM-068, similarly returned extensive intervals of moderate to high-grade gold, underscoring the deposit’s robust mineralisation profile.
Strategic Implications for Estelle Project
These drilling outcomes are timely as Nova advances its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), with the new data expected to support upgrades to the existing Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources. The company is concurrently progressing metallurgical test work, mining studies, and optimisation efforts through partnerships with METS Engineering, Rough Stock Mining, and Whittle Consulting. These studies aim to refine project economics and pave the way toward commercial production.
CEO Christopher Gerteisen emphasised the significance of the eastern extension, noting it remains open along strike and will be a focus for the 2026 drilling program. He highlighted the Estelle Project’s potential to become a tier-one North American gold asset, with ongoing exploration and technical work designed to unlock further value for shareholders.
Next Steps and Market Outlook
Additional assay results from the 2025 drill program, including those from the RPM Valley deposit and surface sampling campaigns, are awaited. An updated Mineral Resource Estimate incorporating these findings is anticipated to inform the PFS. Meanwhile, airborne geophysical surveys and environmental test work are scheduled for 2026, alongside infrastructure developments such as the West Susitna access road.
Nova’s rigorous quality assurance and control protocols, combined with detailed geological logging and sampling, underpin the reliability of these results. The company’s dual listing on the ASX and NASDAQ also ensures compliance with both Australian and US reporting standards, providing transparency to a broad investor base.
Bottom Line?
As Nova Minerals builds on its 2025 drilling success, the Estelle Project edges closer to unlocking its full gold resource potential and commercial viability.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact Nova’s project valuation?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study?
- Could further drilling reveal additional high-grade zones beyond the eastern extension?