Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, NASDAQ:NVA, OTC:NVAAF) is powering ahead at its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska following a high-profile site visit by the company’s Board of Directors. The tour highlighted Nova’s progress in defining multi-million-ounce gold resources alongside critical minerals such as antimony.
The Board was welcomed by state and federal representatives, Tribal organisations and advocacy groups, all offering strong support for Nova’s ambitions. The trip also reinforced the company’s alignment with Executive Order 14153, aimed at fast-tracking US domestic mineral production.
“We’re starting to see the kind of momentum that propelled companies like MP Materials and Perpetua Resources to secure major federal support,” Nova CEO Chris Gerteisen said. “With our recent positive assessment from the Department of Defense—and with gold and antimony prices near record highs—we’re optimistic that Nova is well-positioned to be a key part of building a secure, domestic supply chain.
“We remain deeply grateful for the support we’ve received at every level and are committed to advancing this project responsibly and swiftly. Our team is humbled by the opportunity and focused on delivering long-term value for Alaska, the United States, and our allies.”
High-level engagement during Estelle site visit
Nova’s directors toured multiple Estelle prospects, inspecting ongoing drilling that will inform future mine planning and permitting. Key meetings were held with representatives from US Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, and US Representative Nick Begich.
At Port MacKenzie, the Board received a warm welcome from more than 25 Alaskan leaders including Borough Mayor Edna DeVries and representatives of the Knik Tribe and Alaska Miners Association.
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) also provided updates on the West Susitna Access Road, a critical infrastructure initiative that will support Estelle and unlock regional economic opportunities.
Strategic alignment with federal policy boosts Nova’s outlook
Nova is capitalising on the US Government’s renewed emphasis on mineral independence. Executive Order 14153 has reinforced the company’s relevance, particularly given its focus on gold and antimony—two materials deemed vital for defence and supply chain security.
Nova continues to engage with the Department of Defense (DoD), following a favourable technical assessment from its critical materials team. The company’s development trajectory now mirrors that of MP Materials and Perpetua Resources, both recipients of major DoD grants.
Meanwhile, local support has been a defining feature of Nova’s Estelle campaign. At Port MacKenzie, Mayor Edna DeVries praised Nova’s job creation and long-term investment in the Borough, while Representative Kevin McCabe noted the project's contribution to US military readiness. “As a state lawmaker and an American, I take pride in knowing that the domestic production of precious metals and critical minerals from our district will help grow both our state and national economies,” McCabe said.
Friends of West Susitna also backed the project, with Vice President John Lamborn calling Estelle a “world class deposit”. Lamborn said the collaboration ensured continued public access to state lands while enabling resource development.
Next steps and strategic positioning
With a defined resource of almost 10 million ounces of gold and promising critical mineral zones, Estelle is advancing toward development. Nova’s integrated strategy—coupled with broad-based stakeholder support and potential DoD partnerships—positions the company for a transformational leap.
The Board has since departed for meetings in New York and Florida to continue investor and stakeholder engagement. Nova remains focused on responsibly fast-tracking Estelle as a pillar of US domestic mineral security.