Nova Minerals Ramps Up Exploration at High-Grade RPM Gold Project
Nova Minerals (ASX: NVA, NASDAQ: NVA) has launched an aggressive drilling campaign at its RPM gold deposit in Alaska, deploying two diamond drill rigs and one reverse-circulation (RC) rig to operate continuously under Alaska's 24-hour summer daylight.
Multi-Rig Drilling Program Targets Significant Resource Expansion
Early observations from the first drillholes at RPM are showing promising similarities to the high-grade mineralization previously encountered at RPM North, where the company has already established a substantial gold resource. The current program focuses on three key objectives:
- Expanding RPM North eastward and westward to potentially connect with the RPM Valley zone
- Resource expansion at RPM Valley with targeted definition drilling
- Testing valley-fill material with RC drilling, where surface samples have already returned over 1g/t gold across a 1.7km stretch
"We are excited to be back at RPM this season, advancing our efforts to grow and upgrade the Valley zone resource to the west, while also testing a compelling conceptual target to the east that could significantly expand the RPM footprint. The first drillhole into the RPM Valley zone has already delivered some of the most promising sulfide mineralisation and quartz veining observed at RPM to date. Encouragingly, it has also extended our understanding of the mineralised intrusive body further north within the Valley zone," commented Hans Hoffman, Nova Minerals Exploration Manager.
Significant Upside Potential in Valley-Fill Material
One of the most compelling aspects of the current program involves the RC drilling of valley-fill material, which is believed to contain significant gold mineralization eroded from the high-grade RPM North deposit. This material:
- Extends over 1.7 kilometers
- Shows >1g/t gold-in-soil anomalies across the surface
- Has an estimated thickness of nearly 40 meters
- Can be rapidly drilled through with the RC rig, with the first hole achieving 30 meters of penetration in just a few hours
This represents a substantial near-surface resource opportunity that could significantly enhance the project's economics with relatively low-cost extraction potential.
"Our RC drilling program is also performing well, rapidly penetrating glacial till and confirming its effectiveness in testing the mineralised valley-fill material derived from RPM North. This material, averaging over 1g/t gold across surface samples, extends for approximately 1.7 kilometers with estimated thickness nearly 40 meters — offering substantial potential for near-surface resource upside," noted Hoffman.
Understanding Intrusive-Hosted Gold Systems
What are Intrusion-Related Gold Systems (IRGS)?
Intrusion-related gold systems form when gold-bearing fluids are released from cooling magmatic intrusions. At Estelle, these systems have created multiple high-grade gold zones within and around intrusive bodies.
The RPM deposit exemplifies this type of mineralization, with gold occurring within quartz veins, stockworks, and disseminated sulfides in both the intrusive rock and the surrounding hornfels (metamorphosed sedimentary rock).
For investors, IRGS deposits are attractive because they:
- Often form large, bulk-tonnage resources
- Can contain high-grade zones that enhance project economics
- Typically have predictable geometry that simplifies mining
- May contain byproduct metals that add value
The current drilling program is specifically targeting the intrusive/hornfels contact at RPM Valley, which may represent an extension of the high-grade zone at RPM North.
Comprehensive 2025 Exploration Program
Beyond the RPM drilling, Nova's 2025 exploration program includes:
| Activity | Status | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Maiden drilling at Stibium | Ongoing | Testing antimony-gold prospects with observed near-surface mineralization |
| Close-spaced RC drilling | Completed | Defining starter pit parameters at Korbel |
| Environmental baseline studies | Ongoing | Supporting Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) requirements |
| Access road construction | Ongoing | Improving infrastructure for future development |
| Technical studies | Ongoing | Advancing the project toward PFS completion |
| Department of Defense grant | Pending | Potential fast-track funding for antimony development |
The antimony component is particularly significant as the company awaits an update on potential U.S. Department of Defense funding to accelerate development of the Antimony Project. Antimony is considered a critical mineral for defense and industrial applications, potentially adding substantial value beyond the project's gold resources.
Investment Thesis: Emerging Major in Alaska's Tintina Gold Belt
Nova Minerals has positioned itself within Alaska's prolific Tintina Gold Belt, a region that hosts over 220 million ounces of documented gold resources, including world-class deposits like Donlin Creek (owned by NovaGold and Paulson Advisors) and Fort Knox (Kinross Gold Corporation).
The company's Estelle Project encompasses:
- 514 km² of State of Alaska mining claims
- A 35 km mineralized corridor containing multiple advanced prospects
- Two defined multi-million ounce resources with expansion potential
- Several drill-ready antimony prospects with surface stibnite veins
This combination of gold and antimony resources provides investors with exposure to both precious metals and critical minerals in a tier-one mining jurisdiction with established infrastructure.
Why Investors Should Follow Nova Minerals
Nova Minerals represents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
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Resource Growth Potential: The current drilling program could significantly expand the existing resource base, particularly if RPM North connects with RPM Valley as targeted.
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Dual Commodity Exposure: The company offers investors exposure to both gold and antimony, the latter being a critical mineral with strategic importance to the United States.
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Favorable Mining Jurisdiction: Alaska ranks among the top mining jurisdictions globally, with strong government support for resource development.
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Near-Term Catalysts: With three rigs currently drilling and assay results expected in the coming months, the company has multiple potential share price catalysts ahead.
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PFS Progression: The ongoing technical studies and infrastructure development are advancing the project toward completion of a Pre-Feasibility Study, which will provide clarity on project economics and development timelines.
The company's ability to conduct year-round exploration, coupled with its strategic location in a gold-rich region, positions Nova Minerals for potential significant valuation growth as it continues to expand and define its resources at the Estelle Project.
Ready to Invest in Alaska's Next Major Gold Discovery?
Discover how Nova Minerals is advancing its multi-million ounce Estelle Gold Project with promising high-grade zones at RPM and strategic antimony resources in Alaska's prolific Tintina Gold Belt. With an aggressive drilling campaign underway and potential resource expansion across a 35km mineralised corridor, now is the time to evaluate this dual-commodity opportunity. Visit Nova Minerals' website to explore detailed project information and position yourself ahead of upcoming drilling results and development milestones.
