Nova Minerals Unearths Promising Gold Anomalies at Estelle Project
Nova Minerals (ASX:NVA) is making significant strides in expanding its Estelle gold and critical minerals project in Alaska. Recent surface sampling efforts have uncovered exciting new high-grade gold anomalies, particularly in the RPM regional and ridgeline areas, fuelling optimism for future exploration and development.
The company’s CY25 surface sampling program has yielded impressive results, with new discoveries of high-grade gold samples reaching up to 24.6 grams per tonne (g/t) gold. These promising finds are situated adjacent to the main RPM deposit and extend along the northern section of the primary ridgeline.
Hans Hoffman, Nova’s general manager, shared with shareholders that field observations and the latest assay results have pinpointed emerging anomalies to the west of RPM and along the northern extent of the main RPM ridgeline. This strategic exploration is guided by an integrated approach, combining geological, geochemical, and geophysical data.
“Integrated geological, geochemical, and geophysical data, including initial interpretations from drone magnetometry 3D inversion processing, all support a compelling drill target at the northern extension,” Mr Hoffman stated. He further elaborated on the significance of the surface sampling results, noting that they have returned multi-gram gold assays from stockwork quartz veining. These veins are present in both hornfels and intrusive host rocks, with magnetic signatures observed along the ridgeline showing strong similarities to the established main RPM deposit.
Strategic Focus for CY26 Drilling Program
The identification of these new anomalies has immediately elevated their priority for Nova’s upcoming CY26 drilling program. The company holds strong expectations that these targets will unlock substantial upside potential for the Estelle project.
“Given its strategic location along access routes to RPM, any success here has the potential to deliver substantial upside,” Mr Hoffman explained. While acknowledging that it’s still early days for the anomalies identified a couple of kilometres to the west, the exceptional grades of up to 24.6 g/t are a clear indicator that further exploration is warranted. “We will definitely be back in 2026 to expand on this anomaly,” he confirmed.
Key Discoveries and Previous Exploration Successes
Recent exploration work has been particularly fruitful. Highlights include the collection of three rock samples that assayed around 10 g/t gold, with one standout sample reaching a remarkable 24.6 g/t. Additionally, three soil samples returned assays of approximately 1.0 g/t gold, peaking at 5.5 g/t.
These latest findings build upon earlier surface reconnaissance efforts conducted along the RPM ridgeline. Previous sampling campaigns in this area had already yielded encouraging results, with 20 rock samples averaging around 1.0 g/t gold, including a high of 52.3 g/t. Furthermore, 11 soil samples from the same area returned an average of approximately 0.5 g/t gold, with a peak of 4.8 g/t.
The identification of this significant upside potential at Estelle is a direct outcome of an extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling program undertaken in CY25, under the leadership of Mr Hoffman.
Future Exploration and Market Performance
Looking ahead, Nova Minerals has ambitious plans for further exploration at the Estelle project. The company’s future work will include airborne geophysical surveys, scheduled to commence in the northern spring of CY26. These surveys are expected to provide crucial data to refine drill targeting and further delineate prospective zones.
In early trading on Monday morning, Nova Minerals (NVA) experienced a slight dip of -6.43%, trading at 80 cents per share.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Prospective investors are strongly advised to conduct their own thorough research and seek professional financial advice before making any investment decisions.
