Nova Minerals has identified a significant new gold-copper anomaly spanning 1,500 by 800 metres at its West Wing prospect within the Estelle Project in Alaska, based on 2025 surface sampling results. This discovery hints at a potentially distinct deposit style and sets the stage for targeted drilling in 2026.
- 1,500m x 800m gold-copper anomaly delineated at West Wing
- High-grade gold rock samples up to 15.5 g/t and copper up to 6.9%
- 16 soil samples exceeding 1 g/t gold and 16 soil samples over 0.2% copper
- Anomaly hosted primarily in hornfels sedimentary rock adjacent to Estelle pluton
- Detailed mapping and drill targeting planned for 2026
Significant New Discovery at West Wing
Nova Minerals Limited has announced a major breakthrough at its flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska, revealing a newly developing gold-copper system at the West Wing prospect. The 2025 surface sampling program has delineated an extensive anomaly measuring approximately 1,500 metres by 800 metres, supported by multiple high-grade rock and soil assay results.
The anomaly is characterised by seven rock samples grading above 3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, including a standout 15.5 g/t Au sample, alongside three rock samples exceeding 1% copper, with a peak of 6.9%. Soil samples further reinforce the anomaly, with 16 samples grading over 1 g/t gold and 16 samples above 0.2% copper. These results build on earlier reconnaissance work from 2024, which had already identified promising gold grades up to 25.8 g/t.
Geological Context and Implications
Unlike most prospects within the Estelle Project, the West Wing anomaly is primarily hosted in hornfels sedimentary rock adjacent to the Estelle pluton. This contrasts with the typical intrusion-related gold systems Nova has been exploring, suggesting West Wing could represent a different deposit style. The presence of multi-gram gold and multi-percent copper mineralisation in hornfels, combined with soil samples atop quartz feldspar porphyry, hints at complex geological processes at play.
Hans Hoffman, Nova’s General Manager and geologist, highlighted the significance of the discovery, noting the extensive ground covered by field crews and the high continuous grades observed over a one-kilometre strike length. He emphasised that detailed mapping and drill targeting at West Wing will be a top priority for the 2026 field season.
Broader Project and Strategic Outlook
The Estelle Project, located in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt, hosts two defined multi-million-ounce gold resources and over 20 prospects along a 35-kilometre mineralised trend. Nova Minerals is advancing Estelle not only for gold but also for critical minerals, supported by a US$43.4 million award from the US Department of War to develop a domestic antimony supply chain.
Alongside the West Wing discovery, Nova is progressing metallurgical and environmental test work, planning airborne geophysical surveys for spring 2026, and preparing for winter trail mobilisation of heavy equipment. The company is also working on an updated mineral resource estimate and a potential redomiciliation to the United States, signalling a strategic focus on growth and regulatory alignment.
Next Steps and Market Implications
While the surface sampling results are compelling, the true economic potential of the West Wing anomaly will depend on upcoming drilling campaigns and metallurgical test outcomes. Investors will be watching closely as Nova targets detailed mapping and drill programs in 2026 to better define the deposit’s scale and grade continuity. The discovery adds a new dimension to Estelle’s resource base and could enhance the project’s overall valuation if confirmed by further exploration.
Bottom Line?
West Wing’s gold-copper anomaly could reshape Estelle’s resource profile, drilling results in 2026 will be pivotal.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling confirm the continuity and economic viability of the West Wing anomaly?
- How might the distinct geology at West Wing influence mining and processing strategies?
- What impact will the US Department of War funding have on project development timelines?