Nova Minerals Commences Drilling at High-Potential Antimony-Gold Prospect
Nova Minerals (ASX: NVA, NASDAQ: NVA) has launched a drilling programme at its Stibium prospect in Alaska, targeting both gold and antimony mineralisation with the goal of establishing a maiden mineral resource estimate later this year. This strategic initiative positions Nova at the forefront of securing critical mineral supply chains within the United States.
Drilling Programme Underway with Major Resource Potential
Nova has commenced a 3,000-metre diamond drilling programme at the Stibium prospect, located near the company's Whiskey Bravo camp and its established Korbel gold deposit in Alaska. The first diamond drill rig is now operational, with a second diamond rig and company-owned reverse circulation (RC) rig scheduled to begin drilling later in June.
The drilling is targeting a significant mineralised footprint approximately 800 metres long and 400 metres wide that has been confirmed through extensive surface sampling. The first drill hole aims to test a potential high-grade gold-antimony zone that has delivered exceptional surface sampling results:
| Surface Sampling Highlights | Peak Values |
|---|---|
| Rock samples with antimony | Up to 60.5% Sb |
| Soil samples with antimony | Up to 2.8% Sb |
| Rock samples with gold | Up to 141 g/t Au |
| Soil samples with gold | Up to 25.6 g/t Au |
"We're excited to commence the first-ever drilling at our Stibium antimony-gold prospect—an important milestone that complements our continued focus on advancing our Tier-1 gold and antimony assets across the broader Estelle Project."
— Christopher Gerteisen, CEO
Strategic Antimony Development with U.S. Department of Defence Support
In a significant development for the company, Nova continues to progress its application for U.S. Department of Defence (DoD) funding to fast-track its antimony assets from mining to refining. Antimony is considered a critical mineral for national security applications, including military equipment, ammunition, and batteries.
If successful in securing DoD funding, Nova plans to:
- Add further diamond drill rigs to this year's exploration programme
- Develop a state-of-the-art antimony metallurgical processing hub at Port Mackenzie, Alaska
- Engage with potential antimony offtake partners
- Employ a world-leading antimony refining expert
The company has already submitted applications and is in discussions with the Port Mackenzie Authority to secure a long-term land lease, with the potential to expand the site footprint.
Understanding Antimony: A Critical Mineral for National Security
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. government due to its essential applications in defence, energy, and manufacturing sectors. This metalloid is primarily used as a flame retardant in products including munitions, electrical equipment, and flame-retardant materials.
The United States currently has no domestic antimony production, making it entirely dependent on imports from countries like China, Russia, and Tajikistan. This supply vulnerability has become a national security concern, creating an opportunity for companies like Nova Minerals to establish domestic supply chains.
Antimony typically occurs in nature as stibnite (Sb₂S₃), which is what Nova has identified in its surface sampling at Stibium. The exceptionally high-grade nature of Nova's antimony samples (up to 60.5% Sb) suggests a potentially significant resource.
Future Plans and Development Timeline
Nova's 2025 drilling programme is primarily focused on three key areas: RPM, Korbel, and Stibium. The company maintains flexibility in its drilling strategy, with plans to adjust based on initial drill core observations.
The immediate goals for the Stibium prospect include:
- Complete the 3,000-metre maiden drilling programme
- Establish a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for both gold and antimony later this year
- Progress DoD funding application for antimony production
- Advance plans for an antimony processing hub at Port Mackenzie
Investment Thesis: Dual Commodity Exposure with Strategic Advantage
Nova Minerals presents a compelling investment case through its dual exposure to gold and critical minerals. The company is positioning itself as a potential strategic supplier of antimony to the United States while continuing to advance its substantial gold resources.
The Estelle Project encompasses 514 km² of State of Alaska mining claims and contains multiple mining complexes across a 35 km long mineralised corridor. This includes over 20 advanced Gold and Antimony prospects, with two already defined multi-million ounce gold resources.
What sets Nova apart is its strategic focus on antimony, which provides:
- Supply Chain Security: As the U.S. seeks to reduce dependence on foreign antimony sources, Nova is positioned to become a domestic supplier
- Government Support Potential: The DoD funding application, if successful, could accelerate development with minimal shareholder dilution
- Dual Commodity Exposure: While antimony provides strategic value, the company's substantial gold resources offer leverage to precious metals
Why Investors Should Follow Nova Minerals
Nova Minerals represents a unique opportunity in the mining sector, with several compelling reasons for investors to take notice:
- Critical Mineral Focus: Antimony's status as a critical mineral with limited domestic supply creates a strategic advantage for early movers
- Government Partnership Potential: The DoD funding application could provide significant financial support for development
- Resource Growth Potential: The maiden drilling programme at Stibium could establish a valuable new resource in addition to existing gold assets
- Strategic Location: The Alaskan location provides geopolitical security and established mining infrastructure
- Multiple Catalysts: Upcoming milestones include drilling results, potential DoD funding, and a maiden resource estimate
Nova is strategically positioned at the intersection of precious metals and critical minerals, offering investors exposure to both sectors through a single company with assets in a tier-one mining jurisdiction.
Are You Ready to Invest in a Dual Gold-Antimony Opportunity?
Discover how Nova Minerals is positioning itself at the forefront of critical mineral supply chains in the United States while advancing its substantial gold resources. With drilling now underway at the high-grade Stibium prospect and potential Department of Defence funding on the horizon, Nova presents a compelling investment case with multiple near-term catalysts. To learn more about this unique opportunity in precious metals and critical minerals, visit Nova Minerals' website for the latest investor information and project updates.
