Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, NASDAQ:NVA, OTC:NVAAF, FRA:QM3) has reported further high-grade gold results from surface sampling near the RPM prospect at its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska, highlighting new exploration targets ahead of planned drilling in 2026.
The company said field observations and assay results from its 2025 exploration program have identified gold anomalies along the northern extension of the RPM ridgeline and in an area 2 to 3 kilometres to the west.
Estelle property map showing the extensive 2025 exploration program
Several rock samples graded above 10 g/t gold (Au), including a peak result of 24.6 g/t Au, while soil samples returned values up to 5.5 g/t Au.
These new results add to earlier reconnaissance work along the RPM ridge that previously returned rock samples grading up to 52.3 g/t gold and soil samples up to 4.8 g/t.
Nova said the results reinforce the potential for additional high-grade mineralisation near the existing RPM discovery and will help guide upcoming drill targeting across the broader Estelle project area.
Nova geologist standing on a drill target site on the far north of the RPM ridgeline
New anomalies extend RPM exploration potential
Sampling along the northern end of the main RPM ridge identified multiple anomalous results, including nine soil samples exceeding 0.2 g/t gold, with five returning more than 0.4 g/t and a peak of 1.6 g/t. Rock samples from the same area graded above 1 g/t gold, with a top result of 11.7 g/t.
The company also reported the discovery of a quartz-sulphide vein containing 24.6 g/t gold along a spur ridge west of the RPM ridgeline. A nearby drainage sample returned 14.6 g/t gold, while several soil samples in the surrounding area exceeded 0.3 g/t gold.
Sample E409201 – 24.6 g/t Au; Sample E405227 – 11.7 g/t Au
According to Nova, the discovery of felsic intrusive rocks in this western area had not previously been documented and could point to additional mineralised systems within the broader district.
Nova general manager and geologist Hans Hoffman said the new results, combined with geophysical interpretations, support a compelling drill target along the northern extension of the RPM ridge.
“Surface sampling has returned multi-gram gold assays from stockwork quartz veining in both hornfels and intrusive host rocks, with magnetic signatures along the ridgeline showing strong analogies to the main RPM deposit,” Hoffman said.
“Drill testing of these anomalies is a high priority for our 2026 program, and given its strategic location along access routes to RPM, any success here has the potential to deliver substantial upside to the Estelle Project,” he added.
“It’s too early to say what we have found a couple kilometres to the west, but with grades up to 24.6 g/t Au, we will definitely be back in 2026 to expand on this anomaly.”
RPM area regional map showing the existing deposits and the location of the larger regional maps
Extensive 2025 exploration program
The latest results form part of Nova’s broader 2025 surface exploration campaign at Estelle, which included more than 30 traverses covering about 75 line-kilometres. The program collected 430 soil samples, 170 rock samples and 26 stream sediment samples across several areas of the project.
Results reported to date from the program have already outlined a developing large-scale gold-copper system at the West Wing prospect, while the new RPM data highlights additional potential along the project’s mineralised corridor.
The Estelle project covers about 514 square kilometres in Alaska’s prolific Tintina Gold Belt and hosts more than 20 prospects along a 35-kilometre mineralised trend, including two defined multimillion-ounce gold resources.
Nova said further results from the 2025 soil and rock sampling program will be released as assays continue to be processed. The company is also preparing for several upcoming milestones, including geophysical surveys planned for spring 2026 and continued metallurgical and environmental work to support development studies at Estelle.
The RPM ridgeline and adjacent anomalies are expected to be among the key targets as Nova works to identify additional high-grade zones similar to the existing RPM North deposit.