Nova Minerals Strikes New High-Grade Gold Zones at RPM: What’s Next?

Expanding the Gold Footprint at RPM

Nova Minerals Limited has announced encouraging results from its 2025 surface sampling program at the RPM area, part of the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska. The latest assays reveal new high-grade gold anomalies, with rock samples grading as high as 24.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and soil samples reaching 5.5 g/t. These findings extend the known mineralised zones along the northern end of the RPM ridgeline and to the west, highlighting promising new targets for the company’s upcoming 2026 drilling campaign.

Strategic Significance of the RPM Ridge

The RPM ridgeline has long been a focal point for Nova’s exploration efforts, with previous surface reconnaissance returning rock samples up to 52.3 g/t gold. The current results build on this foundation, identifying multiple rock samples exceeding 10 g/t gold and soil anomalies that reinforce the potential for significant mineralisation. Nova’s General Manager and geologist, Hans Hoffman, emphasised the compelling nature of these targets, noting that integrated geological and geophysical data, including drone magnetometry, support the northern extension of the RPM ridge as a high-priority drill target.

Looking Ahead to 2026 Drilling and Development

With the 2026 field season on the horizon, Nova plans to aggressively test these newly identified anomalies through targeted drilling. The company’s approach is bolstered by the strategic location of these targets along established access routes, potentially accelerating development timelines if drilling confirms the presence of high-grade pods akin to RPM North. Alongside drilling, Nova is progressing metallurgical and environmental test work, airborne geophysical surveys, and updates to its mineral resource estimates, all critical steps toward advancing the Estelle Project.

Broader Project Context and Critical Minerals Strategy

Estelle is one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold deposits, situated in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt. Beyond gold, Nova is also advancing a critical minerals strategy, particularly focusing on antimony, supported by a substantial US Department of War grant. This dual focus positions the company to contribute to both precious metals markets and the strategic supply of critical minerals essential for modern technologies.

Cautious Optimism Amid Exploration

While the surface sampling results are promising, Nova acknowledges that it is still early days. The company is clear that further drilling and analysis are required to confirm the extent and economic viability of these new gold zones. Nonetheless, the 2025 exploration program has laid a solid groundwork, and the upcoming drilling campaign will be closely watched by investors and analysts eager to see if these surface anomalies translate into substantial resource growth.