Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, NASDAQ:NVA, FRA:QM3) has completed its 2026 winter freight mobilisation campaign to the Estelle Project in Alaska, delivering all essential heavy equipment and supplies required for planned antimony mining, extraction and processing activities under its Department of War (DoW) award.
The mobilisation is Nova’s largest-ever freight delivery to site, with around 1.5 million pounds of freight transported throughout March and into early April.
Snow trail construction began in November, extending from Willow toward the Estelle Camp, enabling the large-scale delivery program to proceed during the winter access window.
“We are extremely proud of the entire team - from the procurement folks in town to the operators on the trail and our personnel at camp - everyone came together to deliver the largest freight season ever seen this end of the Skwentna River,” Nova general manager and geologist, Hans Hoffman, said.
“With our fleet of equipment on site this project is now complete and we are ready to start three new ones: constructing a trail to Stibium, expanding the existing airstrip, and building an ore sorting and onsite processing plant at camp. Combined with an aggressive drill program, 2026 is shaping up to be a very busy and productive year for Nova.”
Key mining and processing equipment delivered
Mobilisation included delivery of heavy earthmoving and haulage equipment to support construction of the Stibium access trail, airstrip expansion, development of onsite ore sorting and processing facilities, and broader site infrastructure works.
The company also transported Stibium access trail construction materials, including 25-foot and 45-foot bridge beams, rig mats and associated construction supplies.
In addition, Nova delivered crushing, screening, conveying and ore sorting process plant equipment to support onsite antimony ore processing operations.
Excavators fitted with drill attachments were also mobilised for mining operations at both the Stibium and Styx antimony prospects.
Snow road operations showing three snowcats and a D7 bulldozer linked together, combining 1,825 horsepower about to haul the screen plant up the steepest trail section.
Further deliveries included camp expansion and logistics, transport and operational support items such as power generation systems, fuel handling equipment, accommodation and storage units, and a range of personnel and utility vehicles to support ongoing construction and site activities.
Ore sorters ordered as refinery procurement advances
Looking ahead, Nova said ore sorters had been ordered for delivery in the coming months as the company advances plans for near-term antimony production.
Procurement has also started for processing equipment for the downstream antimony refinery planned at Port MacKenzie.