Nova Confirms New Gold-Copper System Developing at West Wing

Rhea-AI Summary

Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) reported 2025 surface sampling that delineated a 1,500m by 800m gold-copper anomaly at West Wing within the Estelle project in Alaska. Surface results include rock highs of 15.5 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu, plus 16 soil samples >1.0 g/t Au.

Nova plans detailed mapping, drill targeting, airborne geophysics in spring 2026, ongoing metallurgical and environmental test work, and updates to an MRE and other studies.

Positive

• 1,500m x 800m gold-copper anomaly delineated at West Wing
• Rock sample high of 15.5 g/t Au reported
• Rock sample high of 6.9% Cu reported
• 16 soil samples >1.0 g/t Au over ~1 km strike length

Negative

• West Wing remains at surface sampling stage with no drill results yet
• No current formal mineral resource estimate reported for West Wing

News Market Reaction – NVA

+11.57%

31 alerts

+11.57% News Effect

+5.3% Peak Tracked

-12.4% Trough Tracked

+$34M Valuation Impact

$326M Market Cap

0.9x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, NVA gained 11.57%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +5.3% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -12.4% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 31 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $34M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $326M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

West Wing anomaly size: 1,500 m x 800 m High gold grade (rocks): 15.5 g/t Au High gold grade (soils): 3.8 g/t Au +5 more

8 metrics

West Wing anomaly size 1,500 m x 800 m Gold-copper anomaly delineated at West Wing

High gold grade (rocks) 15.5 g/t Au Highest value among >3 g/t Au rock samples at West Wing

High gold grade (soils) 3.8 g/t Au Peak among 16 soil samples >1 g/t Au at West Wing

High copper grade (rocks) 6.9% Cu Highest value among rock samples >1% Cu at West Wing

Exploration traverses 30 traverses, 75 line km 2025 Estelle surface mapping and sampling program

Soil samples total 430 soil samples Collected across Estelle in 2025 program

Rock samples total 170 rock samples Collected across Estelle in 2025 program

Stream sediment samples 26 samples Stream sediment sampling in 2025 Estelle program

Market Reality Check

Price: $7.37 Vol: Volume 531,113 is below t...

low vol

$7.37 Last Close

Volume Volume 531,113 is below the 20-day average of 827,447 (subdued trading ahead of this news). low

Technical Price at $7.69 is trading above the 200-day MA at $5.11, reflecting a pre-existing uptrend.

Peers on Argus

NVA was up 3.08% while momentum scanners only flagged peer FURY up 3.57%. Broade...

1 Up

NVA was up 3.08% while momentum scanners only flagged peer FURY up 3.57%. Broader peers showed mixed moves (e.g., LGO up 5.66%, others down), pointing to stock-specific interest rather than a uniform sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 03 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 03	Redomiciling plan	Positive	-3.7%	Plan to redomicile to U.S. and acquire remaining 15% of Estelle.
Jan 27	Quarterly update	Positive	+6.1%	Quarterly report highlighting US$43.4M award and strong funding position.
Jan 21	Korbel resource update	Positive	+5.2%	Higher-grade starter-pit potential within 4.05Moz Korbel pit-constrained resource.
Jan 13	RPM Valley drilling	Positive	+6.2%	High-grade RPM Valley intercepts confirming broad mineralized system continuity.
Jan 07	RPM North drilling	Positive	+0.7%	RPM North drilling with long near-surface gold intervals and eastern extension.

Pattern Detected

Recent exploration and corporate updates have mostly seen positive price reactions, with one notable negative reaction to a redomiciling announcement.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Nova reported multiple Estelle project advances, including RPM North and RPM Valley drilling, a combined Korbel pit-constrained resource of 4.05 Moz Au, and a US Department of War award of US$43.4 million alongside access to >A$106 million in funding. Most of these technical and operational updates were followed by gains between 0.7% and 6.22%. A February 2026-02-03 plan to redomicile to the U.S. and seek 100% Estelle ownership coincided with a -3.72% move. Today’s confirmation of a new gold-copper system at West Wing extends this exploration-led narrative.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock surged +11.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with N...

Analysis

The stock surged +11.6% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Nova’s pattern of sizeable moves on exploration and resource updates, where prior news produced 24-hour changes between 0.7% and 6.22%. Confirmation of a large West Wing gold‑copper system adds to RPM and Korbel advances, but investors have previously reacted negatively to corporate changes such as the -3.72% move on the redomiciling plan. Sustainability would depend on how quickly these high-grade surface results translate into defined resources and de-risking milestones.

Key Terms

hornfels, quartz feldspar porphyry, ppm, qualified person, +2 more

6 terms

hornfels technical

"the West Wing anomaly is primarily hosted in hornfels sedimentary rock"

Hornfels is a very hard, dense rock formed when existing rocks are baked and altered by intense heat from nearby molten rock, producing a tough, non-layered material like bread toasted evenly around a hot pan. For investors, hornfels matters because its presence can signal heat-altered zones that sometimes host valuable mineral concentrations, affect how easy or costly it is to mine, and influence ground stability for exploration and development projects.

quartz feldspar porphyry technical

"a few soil samples were collected atop a quartz feldspar porphyry"

A quartz feldspar porphyry is an igneous rock that contains conspicuously large crystals of quartz and feldspar set in a finer-grained background, like raisins in a cookie. In mining and investing, it matters because this rock type is often associated with large, spread-out mineral systems (especially copper and gold) that can support big, lower-grade mines; finding it helps geologists target exploration and assess the potential scale and economics of a deposit.

ppm technical

"Significant Copper Results – Rocks > 5,000 ppm (0.5%) Cu"

Parts per million (ppm) is a unit that expresses how many units of a substance exist in one million units of a mixture or material — imagine one drop of dye spread through an Olympic-sized pool to picture a very small concentration. Investors watch ppm readings because regulatory limits, product contamination, pollutant emissions or chemical residues often use this scale; small numeric changes can mean compliance problems, remediation costs, production shutdowns or reputational risk that affect a company’s value.

qualified person regulatory

"He is a qualified person with at least 5 years experience with this type of project"

A qualified person is someone with specialized knowledge, experience, and training in a particular field, allowing them to accurately assess and verify information or work. Their expertise helps ensure that reports, evaluations, or decisions are trustworthy and meet required standards. For investors, a qualified person provides confidence that the information they rely on is credible and properly validated.

ads financial

"Each ADS represents 12 ordinary shares."

Ads are paid promotional messages a company places across media — online, on TV, in print, or on social platforms — to attract customers, explain products, or shape public perception. For investors, ads matter because they drive sales growth, affect how much a company must spend to win customers, and influence brand strength and long-term value. Ads can also create regulatory or reputational risk if claims are misleading, which can affect profits and stock price.

title iii regulatory

"Defense Production Act Title III award from the U.S. Department of War"

Title III is the part of U.S. securities law that allows small companies to raise money from many ordinary investors through regulated crowdfunding platforms. It matters to investors because it opens access to early-stage private deals that were once limited to wealthy backers, while imposing legal limits and disclosure rules to reduce fraud and cap how much each person can invest. Think of it as a supervised online fundraiser with guardrails for both companies and everyday investors.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Anchorage Alaska, March 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA) (FRA: QM3) ) is pleased to announce assay results from its 2025 surface sampling program in the West Wing area within the Company's flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project (Estelle or the Project), located in the prolific Tintina Gold Belt in Alaska.

Highlights

• Field observations and 2025 surface assay results have delineated a gold-copper anomaly at West Wing measuring approximately 1,500m by 800m (Figures 4 and 5).
  
  
• Anomaly supported by:
  
  
  • Seven rock samples grading >3 g/t Au including a high of 15.5 g/t Au (Table 1), and 16 soil samples grading >1 g/t Au with a peak of 3.8 g/t Au (Table 2), and;
    
    
  • Three rocks samples grading > 1% Cu with a high of 6.9% (Table 3), and 16 soil samples grading > 0.2 % Cu with a high of 0.55% (Table4).

• These results build on earlier surface reconnaissance at West Wing, which returned rock samples of up to 25.8 g/t Au (ASX Announcement: 26 February 2024).
  
  

Nova General Manager and Geologist, Mr Hans Hoffman, commented:

“Field crews covered a lot of ground at Estelle in 2025 focusing on the less developed prospects and exploring for new ones. The most outstanding results came from West Wing where geologists were following up on two soil samples >1.0 g/t Au from 2024. Results from 2025 included 16 soil samples greater than 1.0 g/t Au over a 1 km strike length. Multi-gram gold and multi-percent copper rock samples were also reported. While a majority of the samples were collected in hornfels adjacent to the Estelle pluton, a few soil samples were collected atop a quartz feldspar porphyry, suggesting West Wing could be a different deposit style than is typical for Estelle.

“Detailed mapping and drill targeting at West Wing will be a top priority for field crews in 2026.”

2025 Estelle Surficial Reconnaissance Program

During the 2025 field season, Nova’s geologist team, led by General Manager and geologist Mr Hans Hoffman, undertook an extensive surface exploration mapping and sampling program across three main areas of the Estelle Project comprised of over 30 traverses covering 75-line kilometers, 430 soil samples, 170 rock samples, and 26 stream sediment samples (Figure 1).

As a result of that program and reported to date:

• Assay results from recent rock and soil sampling have outlined a newly developing large-scale gold-copper system at West Wing, as detailed in this announcement.
  
  

Further results from 2025 soil and rock sampling across the project district will be reported by area as they are received and processed in the coming weeks.

Figure 1. Estelle property map showing the extensive 2025 exploration program

West Wing

One of the most exciting discoveries of the season is the follow-up work done at West Wing where a 1,500m x 800m gold-copper anomaly was delineated with soil and rock sampling. Unlike a majority of the prospects at Estelle, the West Wing anomaly is primarily hosted in hornfels sedimentary rock, although it is adjacent to the Estelle pluton. Out of all the soil anomalies identified at Estelle, West Wing shows the highest continuous grades in hornfels. Of the 46 soil samples collected in the vicinity of West Wing, 21 were greater than 0.5 g/t Au, including 16 greater than 1.0 g/t Au, and five greater than 2.0 g/t Au with a high of 3.8 g/t Au. Of the 30 rock samples collected around West Wing, eight were greater than 2.0 g/t Au, including three samples over 5.0 g/t Au, with a high of 15.5 g/t Au (Figure 3).

West Wing also shows a notable copper signature with 16 soil samples greater than 0.2% Cu and three rock samples greater than 1% Cu, with a high of 6.9% Cu.

Figure 2. Nova geologist traversing the West Wing area

Figure 3. Sample E397403 – 5.5 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu; Sample E397404 – 15.5 g/t Au

Figure 4. West Wing Sampling – Gold

Figure 5. West Wing Sampling - Copper

Table 1. Significant Gold Results – Rocks > 1.0 g/t Au

Prospect	Sample ID	Easting	Northing	Au g/t
West Wing	E397404	501030	6863846	15.5
West Wing	E409268	501213	6864007	10.1
West Wing	E397403	501041	6863832	5.5
West Wing	E405220	501207	6864031	4.0
West Wing	E397405	500982	6863909	3.9
West Wing	G994193	501545	6865039	3.9
West Wing	E397401	501166	6863690	3.4
West Wing	G994180	500739	6863364	2.2
West Wing	G994196	499995	6863074	1.1
West Wing	E405222	501162	6864223	1.0

Table 2: Significant Gold Results – Soils > 1.0 g/t Au

Prospect	Sample ID	Easting	Northing	Au g/t
West Wing	E397463	501093	6863811	3.8
West Wing	G994460	500525	6863583	2.6
West Wing	E409175	501206	6864128	2.6
West Wing	E409173	501215	6864044	2.4
West Wing	E409174	501201	6864073	2.0
West Wing	G994478	500954	6863963	1.8
West Wing	E409176	501180	6864165	1.7
West Wing	G994456	500658	6863412	1.6
West Wing	G994459	500540	6863536	1.6
West Wing	E409177	501131	6864240	1.4
West Wing	E397461	500740	6863361	1.4
West Wing	E405305	500286	6863364	1.3
West Wing	G994479	500916	6863999	1.3
West Wing	G994457	500598	6863448	1.1
West Wing	G994454	500974	6863372	1.1
West Wing	G994477	500991	6863889	1.0

Table 3. Significant Copper Results – Rocks > 5,000 ppm (0.5%) Cu

Prospect	Sample ID	Easting	Northing	Cu_ppm
West Wing	E397403	501041	6863832	69200
West Wing	E397401	501166	6863690	16850
West Wing	E405221	501203	6864066	15300
West Wing	E405220	501207	6864031	9210
West Wing	G994184	501132	6863780	7380
West Wing	E405218	501233	6863966	5630
West Wing	E405217	501316	6863903	5520

Table 4: Significant Copper Results – Soils > 2,000 ppm (0.2% Cu)

Prospect	Sample ID	Easting	Northing	Cu_ppm
West Wing	E397461	500740	6863361	5460
West Wing	G994460	500525	6863583	5100
West Wing	E409173	501215	6864044	3760
West Wing	E409174	501201	6864073	3760
West Wing	E409175	501206	6864128	3400
West Wing	E409176	501180	6864165	3060
West Wing	G994479	500916	6863999	2850
West Wing	E397463	501093	6863811	2800
West Wing	G994454	500974	6863372	2760
West Wing	G994478	500954	6863963	2650
West Wing	G994481	500867	6864125	2530
West Wing	G994480	500899	6864047	2480
West Wing	E397462	501166	6863637	2470
West Wing	G994451	501278	6863363	2350
West Wing	E409171	501263	6863946	2130
West Wing	E409177	501131	6864240	2020

Upcoming Milestones

• Further results and potential new discoveries from the 2025 surface exploration mapping and sampling program
• Material PFS test-work results as they become available
• Winter trail mobilization of heavy equipment
• Airborne geophysical surveys to commence in the spring of 2026
• Antimony phase 1 project updates
• Metallurgical test work ongoing
• Environmental test work ongoing
• West Susitna access road updates
• Updated MRE
• Updates on the company redomiciliation to the US

Qualified Persons

Vannu Khounphakdy, Professional Geologist and member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists contracted by Nova Minerals to provide geologic consulting services. Mr. Khounphakdy 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. Khounphakdy 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 advancing one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold deposits into production and securing a US domestic supply of the critical mineral antimony. The Company is focused on the exploration and development of the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project, located in Alaska, a tier-one mining jurisdiction.

Estelle hosts two defined multi-million-ounce gold resources, and more than 20 prospects distributed along a 35-kilometre mineralized trend, 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, Kinross Gold Corporation's Fort Knox Gold Mine. In parallel, Nova is advancing its critical minerals strategy, fully-funded by a US$43.4 million U.S. Department of War award to develop a domestic antimony supply chain, targeted for production in late 2026/2027.

Further discussion and analysis of the Estelle 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

Investor Relations:
Dave Gentry, CEO
RedChip Companies, Inc.
Phone: 1-407-644-4256
Email: NVA@redchip.com

Nova Minerals:
Craig Bentley
Director of Finance & Compliance & Investor Relations
E: craig@novaminerals.com.au
M: +61 414 714 196

FAQ

What did Nova (NVA) announce about the West Wing discovery on March 2, 2026?

Nova announced a newly delineated 1,500m x 800m gold-copper anomaly at West Wing. According to the company, surface sampling returned rock highs of 15.5 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu, plus 16 soils >1.0 g/t Au.

How significant are the West Wing rock and soil assay highs for NVA shareholders?

Assay highs indicate a potentially significant exploration target requiring follow-up drilling. According to the company, results include multi-gram gold and multi-percent copper rock samples that justify drill targeting in 2026.

What are Nova's next exploration steps at Estelle and timing for NVA investors?

Nova plans detailed mapping, drill targeting and airborne geophysical surveys in spring 2026. According to the company, metallurgical and environmental test work and MRE updates are also ongoing or planned.

Do the March 2, 2026 results from NVA establish a mineral resource at West Wing?

No; the results are surface assays and do not constitute a mineral resource. According to the company, further drilling and updated MRE work are required to define any formal resource estimate.

What specific assay grades did Nova (NVA) report from West Wing rock and soil samples?

Nova reported rock highs of 15.5 g/t Au and 6.9% Cu, and soil highs of 3.8 g/t Au and 0.55% Cu. According to the company, multiple samples exceeded 1.0 g/t Au and 0.2% Cu.