Nova Minerals Identifies RPM Style Gold in Regional Sampling Up to 52.3 g/t Au on its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project, in Alaska

Rhea-AI Summary

Nova Minerals (NVA) has announced final results from its 2024 exploration season at the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska, revealing significant gold discoveries in the RPM regional area. Key findings include:

- 20 out of 40 rock samples grading >1 g/t Au, with a peak of 52.3 g/t Au
- 11 soil samples >0.5 g/t Au, with a high of 4.8 g/t Au
- 34 till samples >1.0 g/t Au, with a maximum of 3.6 g/t Au

The company identified a notable glacial debris lobe where 68 till samples averaged 1.1 g/t Au over 1.7 km. The mineralization style is consistent with RPM, characterized by quartz veins with arsenopyrite. The debris lobe Qdt2a, covering over 330,000 square meters, has been designated as a top drill target for 2025 to determine thickness, composition, and grade continuity.

Positive

• High-grade gold discoveries with peak values of 52.3 g/t Au in rock samples
• Large-scale mineralization identified in glacial debris lobe covering 330,000 square meters
• Consistent high-grade results across multiple sample types (rock, soil, and till)
• New top drill target identified for 2025 exploration

Negative

• Results are from surface sampling only, requiring further drilling to confirm resource potential
• Mineralization found in glacial till may be displaced from original source

Insights

Mining Geologist

The exploration results from Nova Minerals' Estelle Project demonstrate compelling evidence of significant mineralization extending beyond the known RPM deposit. The discovery of 20 rock samples grading >1 g/t Au, with peaks of 52.3 g/t Au, suggests a robust mineralization system characteristic of the Tintina Gold Belt.

The most significant finding is the identification of a glacial debris lobe where 68 till samples averaged 1.1 g/t Au over 1.7 km. This is particularly important because:

• The 330,000 square meter extent of the Qdt2a debris lobe represents a substantial exploration target
• The consistent gold grades in till samples indicate proximal source mineralization
• The arsenopyrite-bearing quartz veins in float samples mirror the RPM deposit's signature mineralization style

From an economic perspective, this discovery could significantly impact the project's resource potential. The extensive size of the mineralized till deposit, combined with surface accessibility, suggests potential for cost-effective resource expansion. The identification of RPM-style mineralization up to 1.8km from the known deposit indicates a larger mineralizing system than previously recognized, which could materially affect the project's scale.

Anchorage Alaska, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA) (FRA: QM3) ) is pleased to announce final results from its 2024 exploration season with 20 rock samples grading > 1 g/t Au, including a high of 52.3 g/t Au, 11 soil samples > 0.5 g/t Au, including a high of 4.8 g/t Au, and 34 till samples > 1.0 g/t Au, including a high of 3.6 g/t Au from the wider RPM regional area at the Company’s over 500km2 flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project located in the Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska.

Highlights

	●	2024 surficial sampling in the wider regional area north of the current RPM deposit reveals 20 out of 40 rock samples collected greater than 1 g/t Au, including 52.3 g/t Au, 18.4 g/t Au, and 17.5 g/t Au (Table 1, Figures 2 and 3).
	●	100 soil samples collected with 11 greater than 0.5 g/t Au including a high of 4.8 g/t Au (Table 2 and Figure 2).
	●	138 glacial till samples collected with 34 greater than 1 g/t Au, 10 greater than 2 g/t Au, and a high of 3.6 g/t Au (Table 3 and Figure 5).
	●	Geologic mapping identified glacial debris lobe where 68 till samples averaged 1.1 g/t Au over 1.7 km (Figures 4, 5, and 6).

Nova Head of Exploration, Mr Hans Hoffman commented: “While it may be more typical of geologists to sample glacial till in the hope of vectoring towards an ore deposit, here at RPM the ore deposit may have vectored us towards the glacial till. We can see the deposit being actively eroded by a small pocket glacier, and our till sampling program this year has revealed a portion of RPM spread along the hillside and down the valley below. While I love speculating how many ounces may be contained in one specific debris lobe, we will need to drill to confirm thickness, composition, and grade continuity. With maximum observed surficial relief of nearly 40 meters, I will continue to be optimistic that the fine and heavy nature of gold has continued to migrate through the entire thickness of this unconsolidated till. In addition, we are seeing glimpses of mineralization in the hornfels, which we believe may be capping RPM-style intrusives.”

2024 Exploration Mapping and Sampling Program Results

During the 2024 field season Nova’s Head of Exploration, Mr. Hans Hoffman, continued the surface exploration mapping and sampling program across the Estelle claim block with a particular focus on following up results at prospects identified in the 2023 season. 511 soil samples, 225 rock samples, and approximately 5 tons of bulk sample material were collected across the property (Figure 1).

As a result of that program, and reported to date:

	●	Assay results from soil and rock chip samples from the Styx prospect identified high-grade antimony (Sb) and gold in outcrop, with grades up to 54.1% Sb and 9.8 g/t Au (ASX Announcement: 22 November 2023).
	●	Assay results from soil and rock chip samples collected from the Muddy Creek prospect, with a high of 128.5 g/t Au, have extended the high-grade gold mineralization zone by a further 400m to 800m in length now. Muddy Creek is considered to be one of the most impressive gold anomalies on the claim block to date (ASX Announcement: 27 November 2024).
	●	Assay results for antimony from rock samples collected at the Stibium prospect have identified an 800m long by 400m wide antimony rich zone with results of up to 56.7% Sb and 11 samples grading > 30% Sb (ASX Announcement: 5 December 2024).
	●	Assay results for gold from rock samples collected at the Stibium prospect show the previously identified 800m long by 400m wide zone is rich in both gold and antimony, with gold results of up to 141 g/t Au and seven samples greater than 20 g/t Au (ASX Announcement: 11 December 2024).
	●	Assay results for gold and antimony from soil samples collected at the Stibium prospect have identified high-grade resource targets within the previously identified 800m long by 400m wide zone (ASX Announcement: January 13, 2025).
	●	Assay results from rock chip samples at the Wombat prospect have identified high-grade gold and gallium with grades up to 360 g/t Au and 74.5 ppm Ga, as well as further anomalous gold, silver, copper, and antimony at Stoney (ASX Announcement: January 23, 2025), and

Surficial results from the RPM regional area with high-grade RPM style gold up to 52.3 g/t Au have been received and are reported in this announcement.

All assays results from the 2024 surface sampling program have now been received and reported.

A summary of the 2024 sampling program is shown below in Figure1.

Figure 1. Estelle property map showing the sampling program undertaken in 2024

RPM Regional Rocks and Soils

While the main focus at RPM in 2024 was to continue resource drilling at the main deposit, field crews continued follow-up sampling along the ridge and bases of outcrop in the RPM area to expand on previous anomalies. 40 rock samples and 100 soil samples were collected. 20 rock samples measured greater than 1.0 g/t Au, with a high of 52.3 g/t Au. 11 soil samples measured over 0.5 g/t Au, with a high of 4.8 g/t Au. Table 1 shows the top 10 gold rock samples. Table 2 shows the top ten gold soil samples.

Sample ID		Sub-type		Au g/t		Easting		Northing
E406794		Float vein		52.3		500570		6850052
E406668		Talus vein		18.4		500963		6850188
E405207		Float vein		17.5		501617		6848947
E406698		Outcrop vein		5.7		500517		6851239
E405201		Sub-crop vein		5.1		500551		6851157
G994150		Sub-crop vein		4.6		500552		6851157
G994146		Outcrop vein		4.5		500547		6851153
G994149		Sub-crop vein		4.4		500551		6851158
E406959R		Sub-crop vein		4.2		500990		6850173
E406696		Sub-crop high-grade		3.4		500552		6851160

Table 1. RPM regional top ten 2024 gold rock sample results

Sample ID		Sub-type		Au g/t		Easting		Northing
E397279		Talus fines		4.8		500448		6851070
E397124		Talus fines		0.8		501020		6850054
E397278		Talus fines		0.7		501001		6850232
E406719		Talus fines		0.7		501717		6849107
E408683b		Talus fines		0.7		501020		6850209
G994076		Talus fines		0.7		500599		6851055
E397216		Talus fines		0.6		501725		6849153
E397282		Talus fines		0.6		500509		6850946
E408689b		Talus fines		0.6		500523		6850882
E397225		Talus fines		0.5		501120		6849876
G994081		Talus fines		0.5		500532		6851642

Table 2. RPM regional top ten 2024 gold soil sample results

Figure 2. 2024 RPM regional gold rock and soil results (Previous years shown as transparent)

As is typical with RPM, gold mineralization is attributed to quartz veins with arsenopyrite, and this style of mineralization is more common in the intrusive granitic rocks as opposed to the hornfels. The high-grade samples E406794 (52.3 g/t Au) and E405207 (17.5 g/t Au) - shown in Figure 3 - were select vein samples in the glacial till, and are indicative of RPM-style mineralization likely transported up to 1.8km from the source at RPM. Boulders containing these veins are likely contributing to the large geochemical anomaly identified in the till.

Figure 3. Samples E406794 – 52.3 g/t Au (left) and E405207 – 17.5 g/t Au (right)

RPM Regional Till Sampling

In addition to rocks and soils, a till sampling grid was executed at 100-meter line spacing and 50-meter sample spacing covering the glacial till in the valley below RPM. These till samples were collected similar to talus fines soil samples, targeting the finer fractions in the till. The till samples were extracted from the soils dataset to be analyzed separately. 138 till samples were collected with 34 > 1.0 g/t Au, 10 > 2.0 g/t Au, and a high of 3.6 g/t Au. A summary of the top ten gold till samples (> 2.0 g/t Au) is provided in Table 3 below.

Sample ID		Sub-type		Au g/t		Easting		Northing
E397195		Till		3.6		501721		6848953
E397236		Till		3.4		501122		6849555
G994083		Till		3.0		501670		6849053
E397230		Till		2.7		500870		6849859
E406988		Till		2.7		501309		6849239
G994085		Till		2.6		501566		6849056
E397134		Till		2.4		500524		6850055
E397135		Till		2.4		500468		6850054
E397194		Till		2.3		501771		6848954
E397261		Till		2.0		501068		6849753

Table 3. RPM regional top ten 2024 gold till sample results

Figure 4 below provides a surficial geology map of the RPM area with intrusive granitic rocks mapped as pink and the hornfelsed sedimentary rocks mapped as blue. Distinct lobes of glacial till were mapped corresponding to their age of deposition. Of particular interest is debris lobe Qdt2a covering over 330,000 square meters. The 68 till samples collected in this unit average 1.1 g/t Au. While the thickness is variable, the areal extent of this unit shows significant resource potential. Qdt2a has been elevated to a top drill target in 2025 to determine thickness, composition, and grade continuity. Figures 5 and 6 present the gold geochemical data in the glacial till.

Figure 4. RPM surficial geology

Figure 5. RPM 2024 glacial till sampling

Figure 6. RPM 2024 glacial till heat map

Figure 7 below shows the RPM glacial valley looking to the south, with the main deposit area in the upper left of the image.

Figure 7. RPM glacial valley

Qualified Persons

Vannu Khounphakdee, Professional Geologist and member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists contracted by Nova Minerals to provide geologic consulting services. Mr. Khounphakdee holds a Master of Science in Mine Geology and Engineering. He is a qualified person with at least 5 years experience with this type of project. By reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, Mr. Khounphakdee fulfills the requirements of Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300 for data QA/QC checks relevant to this announcement.

Hans Hoffman is a State of Alaska Certified Professional Geologist contracted by Nova Minerals to provide geologic consulting services. Mr. Hoffman is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering with a double major in Geology and Geophysics. He is a qualified person with at least 5 years of experience with these types of projects. By reason of education, affiliation with a professional association, and past relevant work experience, Mr. Hoffman fulfills the requirements of Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of SEC Regulation SK-1300 for the technical information presented in this announcement.

Christopher Gerteisen, Chief Executive Officer of Nova Minerals, is a Professional Geologist and member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists, and has supervised the preparation of this news release and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained herein. Mr. Gerteisen is a "qualified person" for the purposes of SEC Regulation S-K 1300.

About Nova Minerals Limited

Nova Minerals Limited is a Gold, Antimony and Critical Minerals exploration and development company focused on advancing the Estelle Project, comprised of 514 km² of State of Alaska mining claims, which contains multiple mining complexes across a 35 km long mineralized corridor of over 20 advanced Gold and Antimony prospects, including two already defined multi-million ounce resources, and several drill ready Antimony prospects with massive outcropping stibnite vein systems observed at surface. The 85% owned project is located 150 km northwest of Anchorage, Alaska, USA, in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a province which hosts a >220 million ounce (Moz) documented gold endowment and some of the world's largest gold mines and discoveries including, Barrick's Donlin Creek Gold Project and Kinross Gold Corporation's Fort Knox Gold Mine. The belt also hosts significant Antimony deposits and was a historical North American Antimony producer.

Further discussion and analysis of the Estelle Gold Project is available through the interactive Vrify 3D animations, presentations, and videos, all available on the Company’s website. www.novaminerals.com.au

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” "will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Nova Minerals Limited’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus related to the public offering filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Nova Minerals Limited undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

For Additional Information Please Contact

Craig Bentley
Director of Finance & Compliance & Investor Relations
E: craig@novaminerals.com.au
M: +61 414 714 196

FAQ

What are the highest gold grades discovered in Nova Minerals' 2024 RPM exploration?

The 2024 exploration revealed rock samples grading up to 52.3 g/t Au, soil samples up to 4.8 g/t Au, and till samples up to 3.6 g/t Au.

How large is the new glacial debris lobe discovered at Nova Minerals' RPM project?

The glacial debris lobe (Qdt2a) covers over 330,000 square meters, with 68 till samples averaging 1.1 g/t Au over 1.7 km.

What are Nova Minerals' (NVA) exploration plans for 2025 at the RPM project?

Nova Minerals has designated the Qdt2a debris lobe as a top drill target for 2025 to determine thickness, composition, and grade continuity.

How many significant gold samples were found in Nova Minerals' 2024 RPM exploration?

The exploration found 20 out of 40 rock samples >1 g/t Au, 11 soil samples >0.5 g/t Au, and 34 till samples >1.0 g/t Au.