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 of 2.8%
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):
|
60.5%
Sb |
|
56.7% Sb |
|
55.7% Sb |
|
54.8% Sb |
|
54.5% Sb |
|
46.2% Sb |
|
45.9% Sb |
|
43.3% Sb |
- 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 30% Sb, including a high of 56.7% Sb.
180 soil samples were also collected from the area. 35 soil samples
returned values greater than 1 g/t Au with a high of 25.6 g/t Au.
10 soil samples returned values greater than 0.1% Sb with a high of
2.8%. The Stibium occurrence is hosted in quartz diorite intrusive
rocks and hornfels sedimentary rock over an approximately 800m long
by 400m wide zone, and remains open. Of particular interest is soil
sample E397212 which measured 2.0 g/t Au which was the last sample
along the traverse and a couple hundred meters southwest of the
previously identified anomalous zone. Sampling above this area was
difficult due to the topography, but 2025 reconnaissance will seek
to expand on this zone where stockwork quartz veining in hornfels
was noted.
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 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 BentleyDirector of Finance &
Compliance & Investor RelationsE: craig@novaminerals.com.au M:
+61 414 714 196
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