Nova Minerals Identifies Stibium Gold-Antimony Resource Drill Targets on its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project, in Alaska
Nova Minerals (NVA) has announced significant findings at its Stibium prospect within the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska. The company identified high-grade gold and antimony targets through soil sampling, revealing an extensive mineralized zone measuring 800m by 400m.
Key findings include:
- 35 soil samples exceeding 1 g/t Au, with peaks up to 25.6 g/t Au
- 10 soil samples above 0.1% Sb, reaching up to 2.8% Sb
- Rock sampling yielded up to 141 g/t Au and 60.5% Sb
The company is advancing US grant applications for antimony development, particularly significant given China's recent export ban on antimony to the US. Nova plans to commence resource drilling programs at Stibium and RPM in 2025, with the prospect offering favorable access conditions for drilling operations.
Nova Minerals (NVA) ha annunciato risultati significativi nel suo sito Stibium all'interno del Progetto Oro e Minerali Critici Estelle in Alaska. L'azienda ha identificato obiettivi di alta qualità per oro e antimonio tramite campionamento del suolo, rivelando una vasta zona mineralizzata che misura 800m per 400m.
I risultati chiave includono:
- 35 campioni di suolo che superano 1 g/t Au, con punte fino a 25.6 g/t Au
- 10 campioni di suolo sopra 0.1% Sb, arrivando fino a 2.8% Sb
- Le analisi delle rocce hanno mostrato fino a 141 g/t Au e 60.5% Sb
L'azienda sta avanzando domande di sovvenzione negli Stati Uniti per lo sviluppo dell'antimonio, particolarmente significative data la recente interdizione all'esportazione di antimonio da parte della Cina verso gli Stati Uniti. Nova prevede di avviare programmi di perforazione delle risorse a Stibium e RPM nel 2025, con il sito che offre condizioni di accesso favorevoli per le operazioni di perforazione.
Nova Minerals (NVA) ha anunciado hallazgos significativos en su prospecto Stibium dentro del Proyecto de Oro y Minerales Críticos Estelle en Alaska. La empresa identificó objetivos de alto grado de oro y antimonio a través del muestreo de suelo, revelando una extensa zona mineralizada que mide 800 m por 400 m.
Los hallazgos clave incluyen:
- 35 muestras de suelo que superan 1 g/t Au, con picos de hasta 25.6 g/t Au
- 10 muestras de suelo por encima del 0.1% Sb, alcanzando hasta 2.8% Sb
- El muestreo de rocas produjo hasta 141 g/t Au y 60.5% Sb
La empresa está avanzando con las solicitudes de subvenciones en EE. UU. para el desarrollo de antimonio, siendo particularmente significativo dado la reciente prohibición de exportación de antimonio de China hacia EE. UU. Nova planea iniciar programas de perforación de recursos en Stibium y RPM en 2025, con el prospecto ofreciendo condiciones de acceso favorables para las operaciones de perforación.
노바 미네랄스 (NVA)가 알래스카에 위치한 에스텔 골드 및 주요 광물 프로젝트 내의 스티비움 탐사지에서 중요한 발견을 발표했습니다. 회사는 토양 샘플링을 통해 고품질의 금과 안티모니 타겟을 식별하며, 800m x 400m의 광물화된 광범위한 구역을 드러냈습니다.
주요 발견 사항은 다음과 같습니다:
- 1 g/t Au를 초과하는 35개의 토양 샘플, 최고 25.6 g/t Au
- 0.1% Sb를 초과하는 10개의 토양 샘플, 최대 2.8% Sb
- 암석 샘플링에서 최대 141 g/t Au와 60.5% Sb
회사는 안티모니 개발을 위한 미국 보조금 신청을 진행 중이며, 이는 중국의 미국에 대한 안티모니 수출 금지와 관련하여 특히 의미가 큽니다. 노바는 2025년 스티비움 및 RPM에서 자원 시추 프로그램을 시작할 계획이며, 해당 탐사지는 시추 작업을 위한 유리한 접근 조건을 제공합니다.
Nova Minerals (NVA) a annoncé des résultats significatifs sur son site Stibium dans le cadre du Projet Or et Minéraux Critiques Estelle en Alaska. L'entreprise a identifié des cibles de haute teneur en or et en antimoine grâce à un échantillonnage du sol, révélant une vaste zone minéralisée mesurant 800 m par 400 m.
Les découvertes clés incluent:
- 35 échantillons de sol dépassant 1 g/t Au, avec des pics allant jusqu'à 25,6 g/t Au
- 10 échantillons de sol au-dessus de 0,1% Sb, atteignant jusqu'à 2,8% Sb
- Le prélèvement de roche a révélé jusqu'à 141 g/t Au et 60,5% Sb
L'entreprise avance dans ses demandes de subventions aux États-Unis pour le développement de l'antimoine, particulièrement significatif étant donné l'interdiction récente d'exportation de l'antimoine par la Chine vers les États-Unis. Nova prévoit de commencer des programmes de forage de ressources à Stibium et RPM en 2025, le site offrant des conditions d'accès favorables pour les opérations de forage.
Nova Minerals (NVA) hat bedeutende Funde im Stibium-Projekt innerhalb des Estelle Gold- und Kritischen Mineralprojekts in Alaska bekannt gegeben. Das Unternehmen hat durch Bodensampling hochwertige Gold- und Antimonziele identifiziert und eine umfangreiche mineralisierte Zone von 800 m mal 400 m entdeckt.
Wichtige Ergebnisse umfassen:
- 35 Bodenproben, die 1 g/t Au überschreiten, mit Spitzenwerten von bis zu 25,6 g/t Au
- 10 Bodenproben über 0,1% Sb, die bis zu 2,8% Sb erreichen
- Gesteinsproben ergaben bis zu 141 g/t Au und 60,5% Sb
Das Unternehmen bringt US-Zuschussanträge für die Antimonentwicklung voran, insbesondere angesichts des jüngsten Exportverbots Chinas für Antimon in die USA. Nova plant, 2025 mit Bohrprogrammen in Stibium und RPM zu beginnen, wobei das Prospect günstige Zugangsbedingungen für Bohrarbeiten bietet.
- High-grade gold discoveries with peaks of 141 g/t Au in rock samples
- Significant antimony concentrations up to 60.5% Sb identified
- Well-defined 800m x 400m mineralization zone ready for resource drilling
- Strategic positioning for US government funding due to antimony's critical mineral status
- Easy access for 2025 drilling operations, minimizing infrastructure costs
- Sampling gaps in southwest zone due to terrain challenges
- China's antimony export ban may affect market dynamics
Insights
The discovery at Stibium represents a significant dual-commodity opportunity with exceptional grades in both gold and antimony. The soil sampling results revealing up to
The coincidence of high-grade gold and antimony anomalies is particularly noteworthy, as this geological association often indicates a well-developed hydrothermal system. The presence of both stibnite veins and gold-bearing quartz veins within hornfels and quartz diorite host rocks suggests multiple mineralizing events, which typically results in better grade distribution.
The antimony component is especially important given recent geopolitical developments. With China's export ban and controlling
The high-grade nature of the antimony mineralization (multiple samples >30% Sb) is particularly significant as typical antimony deposits globally average 1-5% Sb. This could potentially position Nova as a key domestic supplier in a market facing severe supply constraints.
The project's infrastructure advantages are compelling from an operational perspective. The ridge-top location of the proposed drill sites and minimal pad construction requirements will significantly reduce initial development costs. The lower altitude compared to other prospects improves water accessibility and extends the operational season. These factors, combined with the existing access trail design from 2024 LiDAR data, indicate potential for rapid resource definition in the upcoming 2025 drilling program.
Anchorage Alaska, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA) (FRA: QM3) ) is pleased to announce assay results for gold and antimony from soil samples collected at the Stibium prospect have now been received and have identified high-grade resource targets within the previously identified 800m long by 400m wide zone at Stibium within the Company’s over 500km2 flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project located in the Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska.
Highlights
- New drill-ready broad structurally controlled gold and antimony zones identified at Stibium through systematic ground exploration.
- US grant applications for antimony and critical minerals development progressing
- Assay results for soil and rock chip samples taken as part of the 2024 follow-up reconnaissance mapping and sampling program have now proven the Stibium prospect is an extensive gold and antimony rich zone with grades up to 141 g/t Au and
60.5% Sb (Announcements: 10 October 2023, and 5 and 11 December 2024).
- 180 soil samples collected to delineate the mineralized zone. 35 soil samples greater than 1 g/t Au with a high of 25.6 g/t Au. 10 soil samples greater than
0.1% Sb with a high of2.8% Sb. For soil samples, grades > 1 g/t Au and >0.1% Sb are considered high-grade (Table 1 and Figures 1 and 2).
- Best rock sampling results for gold previously reported at Stibium include (Announcement: 11 December 2024, and Figure 2):
| | 141.0 g/t Au |
| | 64.7 g/t Au |
| | 62.3 g/t Au |
| | 42.8 g/t Au |
| | 34.8 g/t Au |
| | 29.1 g/t Au |
| | 22.3 g/t Au |
- Best rock sampling results for antimony previously reported at Stibium include (Announcements: 10 October 2023 and 5 December 2024, and Figure 1):
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- The Stibium gold-antimony occurrence is hosted in quartz diorite intrusive rocks and hornfels sedimentary rock over an approximately 800m long by 400m wide zone, and remains open.
- Results incoming on the remainder of the 2024 sampling, including further regional exploration from the broader RPM and Stoney areas.
- Nova Minerals, through our
100% owned subsidiary Alaska Range Resources LLC, is a member of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC), and as an early mover is well advanced with the Dept of Defense (DoD) grant application process.
- Antimony is listed as a critical and strategic mineral to US economic and national security interests by the US Department of Interior. The European Union also has antimony on their critical materials list and both are
100% import reliant.
- China, which produces ~
54% of the worlds antimony, recently banned all exports of the critical mineral to the US (See news article here).
Nova Head of Exploration, Mr Hans Hoffman commented: “With the final soil results received we can clearly see from the heat map the extent of this impressive gold and antimony anomaly. The main ridge at Stibium offers great access to the north and the south where we intend to drill the identified high-grade stibnite veins, gold-bearing quartz veins, and the mineralized hydrothermal breccia. The ridge will provide for easy startup in 2025 requiring minimal drill pad construction and easier access to water due to its lower altitude than other Estelle prospects.”
Nova CEO, Mr Christopher Gerteisen commented: “The Stibium prospect now has a very well defined high-grade gold-antimony target that is ready for resource drilling. Defining a gold-antimony resource at Stibium and advancing towards antimony production is a top priority for the company which is seeking U.S. government grant funding to aggressively pursue this opportunity. We are currently preparing and gearing up to commence 2025 field activities as soon as possible, which includes resource drilling programs at Stibium and RPM. The Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project is in the right place, at the right time, with the right commodities.”
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 3).
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), and
Assay results for gold and antimony from soil samples collected at the Stibium prospect have now been received and have identified high-grade resource targets within the previously identified 800m long by 400m wide zone, as reported in this announcement.
Further results from the soil and rock chip samples taken from across the project area in 2024 will be reported once received and processed.
Figure 1 below highlights the antimony targets identified in both rock and soil samples. Previously reported high-grade antimony results from rock samples are labeled on this figure, and a heat map was interpolated from the soil samples. Sample density was sufficient to interpolate between points, however, a gap in samples to the southwest exists due to terrain challenges. This zone could improve with additional sampling, as quartz vein stockwork in hornfels was noted in float below along the lowest traverse. The interpolation of the soils data highlights three main pods of high-grade antimony (> 1000 ppm Sb). High-grade antimony was observed in stibnite veins in outcrop above the two southern anomalies. It is anticipated these veins will be intersected in the proposed 2025 drill core while targeting the soil geochemical anomalies.
Figure 2 below highlights the gold targets identified in both rock and soil samples. As with Figure 1, high-grade rock samples (> 10 g/t Au) are labeled, and a heat map was interpolated from the soil samples. The heat map shows gold mineralization is wide-spread at the Stibium prospect, and that the anomalous gold coincides with the high-grade antimony targets.
Also to note on Figures 1 and 2 are the proposed drill pad locations on the top of the ridge as well as an access trail that has been designed from the LiDAR and air photo data collected in the summer of 2024.
Figure 1. Antimony soils heat map highlighting resource drill targets
Figure 2. Gold soils heat map highlighting resource drill targets
Figure 3. Estelle property map showing the sampling program undertaken in 2024
Stibium Surface Sampling
Field crews conducted an extensive surface sampling program over the Stibium area in 2024 which specifically targeted gold and stibnite, which is the primary ore source for antimony. A total of 80 rock samples were collected, 7 of which were greater than 20 g/t Au, including a high of 141 g/t Au, and 11 of which were greater than
Table 1 below provides a summary of the gold and antimony grades in the 35 soil samples greater than 1 g/t Au and the 10 samples greater than 1,000 ppm Sb which includes one sample at 0.56 g/t Au.
| Sample ID | Sub-type | Au g/t | Sb ppm | Sb % | Easting | Northing |
| E406710 | Talus fines | 25.6 | 10200 | 1.0 | 512414 | 6869953 |
| E408657b | Talus fines | 17.3 | 27500 | 2.8 | 512554 | 6870100 |
| E397113 | Talus fines | 9.7 | 607 | < 0.1 | 512299 | 6870252 |
| E406742 | Talus fines | 6.3 | 1670 | 0.2 | 512578 | 6870096 |
| E406890 | Talus fines | 6.2 | 251 | < 0.1 | 512433 | 6870558 |
| E406743 | Talus fines | 6.2 | 1235 | 0.1 | 512590 | 6870100 |
| E406971 | Talus fines | 5.7 | 4060 | 0.4 | 512496 | 6870167 |
| E397104 | Talus fines | 5.3 | 945 | 0.1 | 512414 | 6870735 |
| E406956 | Talus fines | 4.6 | 826 | 0.1 | 512531 | 6869979 |
| E406716 | Organic_C | 2.7 | 782 | 0.1 | 512531 | 6870101 |
| E397103 | Talus fines | 2.6 | 116 | <0 .1 | 512365 | 6870619 |
| E397290 | Talus fines | 2.1 | 360 | < 0.1 | 512382 | 6870098 |
| E406630 | Talus fines | 2.1 | 2180 | 0.2 | 512360 | 6870405 |
| E406970 | Talus fines | 2.1 | 662 | < 0.1 | 512487 | 6870184 |
| E397212 | Talus fines | 2.0 | 386 | < 0.1 | 512283 | 6869671 |
| E406892 | Talus fines | 2.0 | 178 | < 0.1 | 512531 | 6870551 |
| E406640 | Talus fines | 2.0 | 1230 | 0.1 | 512641 | 6870137 |
| E408652b | Talus fines | 1.9 | 1685 | 0.2 | 512623 | 6870045 |
| E406959S | Talus fines | 1.8 | 297 | < 0.1 | 512353 | 6870167 |
| E397112 | Talus fines | 1.5 | 195 | < 0.1 | 512337 | 6870185 |
| E406889 | Talus fines | 1.4 | 139 | < 0.1 | 512393 | 6870528 |
| E406632 | Talus fines | 1.4 | 435 | < 0.1 | 512443 | 6870479 |
| E406712 | Talus fines | 1.4 | 383 | < 0.1 | 512402 | 6870026 |
| E406642 | Talus fines | 1.4 | 444 | < 0.1 | 512668 | 6870056 |
| E406626 | Talus fines | 1.4 | 200 | < 0.1 | 512176 | 6870387 |
| E406629 | Talus fines | 1.3 | 642 | < 0.1 | 512313 | 6870396 |
| E406968 | Talus fines | 1.2 | 138 | < 0.1 | 512427 | 6870110 |
| E406709 | Talus fines | 1.2 | 174 | < 0.1 | 512330 | 6870149 |
| E406750 | Talus fines | 1.2 | 183 | < 0.1 | 512231 | 6870558 |
| E408694b | Talus fines | 1.2 | 823 | 0.1 | 512301 | 6870037 |
| E397208 | Talus fines | 1.1 | 229 | < 0.1 | 512465 | 6869842 |
| E397107 | Talus fines | 1.1 | 111 | < 0.1 | 512411 | 6870155 |
| E406639 | Talus fines | 1.1 | 362 | < 0.1 | 512669 | 6870148 |
| E406714 | Talus fines | 1.1 | 1335 | 0.1 | 512505 | 6870049 |
| E397206 | Talus fines | 1.0 | 440 | < 0.1 | 512563 | 6869900 |
| E408651b | Talus fines | 0.6 | 1035 | 0.1 | 512621 | 6870082 |
Table 1. Top gold and antimony soil sample results at Stibium
Figure 4 below is a photo taken along the top of the ridge looking out to the east. The eastern most drill site is shown in this photo highlighting the subdued topography which will allow for quick startup for the 2025 drilling season.
Figure 4. Stibium ridge proposed drill site
The 3D Vrify decks on the company’s website will be updated with the 2024 surface sampling exploration results when all the assays for the soil and rock chip samples taken across the entire Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project have been received back from the laboratory.
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
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
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