U.S. and Australia Support for Nova’s Estelle Project
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) has received significant governmental support for its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project from both U.S. and Australian officials. Alaska State Governor Mike Dunleavy and Australian Consular-General Tanya Bennett have expressed strong backing for the project, highlighting its strategic importance in critical minerals and resource development.
The project aligns with key infrastructure developments including the West Susitna Access Road, Port MacKenzie upgrades, and Alaska LNG initiatives. Nova's CEO Christopher Gerteisen emphasized that Estelle is emerging as a strategic mineralized district, particularly notable as one of only nine global projects with near-term antimony production potential. The company is pursuing potential non-dilutive funding through its membership in the Defense Industrial Base Consortium.
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) ha ottenuto un forte sostegno governativo per il suo Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project sia da funzionari statunitensi sia australiani. Il governatore dell'Alaska Mike Dunleavy e la Console generale australiana Tanya Bennett hanno espresso un convinto appoggio al progetto, sottolineandone l'importanza strategica in termini di minerali critici e sviluppo delle risorse.
Il progetto si integra con importanti opere infrastrutturali come la West Susitna Access Road, gli interventi al porto di Port MacKenzie e le iniziative Alaska LNG. Il CEO di Nova, Christopher Gerteisen, ha evidenziato che Estelle sta emergendo come un distretto mineralizzato strategico, particolarmente rilevante in quanto uno dei soli nove progetti al mondo con potenziale di produzione di antimonio a breve termine. L'azienda sta perseguendo possibili finanziamenti non diluitivi attraverso la sua partecipazione al Defense Industrial Base Consortium.
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) ha recibido un notable apoyo gubernamental para su Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project por parte de funcionarios de Estados Unidos y Australia. El gobernador de Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, y la cónsul general australiana, Tanya Bennett, han mostrado un fuerte respaldo al proyecto, destacando su importancia estratégica en minerales críticos y desarrollo de recursos.
El proyecto está alineado con desarrollos clave de infraestructura como la West Susitna Access Road, las mejoras en Port MacKenzie y las iniciativas de Alaska LNG. El director ejecutivo de Nova, Christopher Gerteisen, subrayó que Estelle está emergiendo como un distrito mineralizado estratégico, especialmente notable por ser uno de sólo nueve proyectos en el mundo con potencial de producción de antimonio a corto plazo. La compañía busca posibles financiaciones no dilutivas a través de su membresía en el Defense Industrial Base Consortium.
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA)는 미국과 호주 관리들로부터 자사의 Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project에 대해 상당한 정부 지원을 받았습니다. 알래스카 주지사 마이크 던리비(Mike Dunleavy)와 호주 총영사 타냐 베넷(Tanya Bennett)이 프로젝트에 대한 강력한 지지를 표명하며 핵심 광물 및 자원 개발에서의 전략적 중요성을 강조했습니다.
이 프로젝트는 West Susitna Access Road, Port MacKenzie 개선 공사 및 Alaska LNG 이니셔티브 등 주요 인프라 개발과 연계됩니다. Nova의 CEO 크리스토퍼 거타이젠(Christopher Gerteisen)은 Estelle이 전략적 광상 지대로 부상하고 있다고 강조했으며, 특히 단기간 내 안티몬 생산 가능성을 가진 전 세계 9개 프로젝트 중 하나라는 점을 주목했습니다. 회사는 Defense Industrial Base Consortium 회원 자격을 통해 지분 희석을 초래하지 않는 자금 조달 가능성을 모색하고 있습니다.
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) a obtenu un soutien gouvernemental important pour son Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project de la part de responsables américains et australiens. Le gouverneur de l'Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, et la consul générale d'Australie, Tanya Bennett, ont exprimé un fort soutien au projet, soulignant son importance stratégique en matière de minéraux critiques et de développement des ressources.
Le projet s'inscrit dans des développements d'infrastructures clés, notamment la West Susitna Access Road, les améliorations du port de Port MacKenzie et les initiatives Alaska LNG. Le PDG de Nova, Christopher Gerteisen, a souligné que Estelle émerge comme un district minéralisé stratégique, particulièrement remarquable en tant que l'un des seuls neuf projets au monde ayant un potentiel de production d'antimoine à court terme. La société recherche des financements non dilutifs potentiels grâce à son adhésion au Defense Industrial Base Consortium.
Nova Minerals (NASDAQ: NVA) hat erhebliche staatliche Unterstützung für sein Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project sowohl von US- als auch australischen Regierungsvertretern erhalten. Alaskas Gouverneur Mike Dunleavy und die australische Generalkonsulin Tanya Bennett haben ihre starke Unterstützung für das Projekt zum Ausdruck gebracht und dessen strategische Bedeutung für kritische Mineralien und Ressourcennutzung hervorgehoben.
Das Projekt steht im Einklang mit wichtigen Infrastrukturvorhaben wie der West Susitna Access Road, den Aufrüstungen in Port MacKenzie und den Alaska LNG-Initiativen. Nova-CEO Christopher Gerteisen betonte, dass Estelle sich zu einem strategischen, mineralisierten Bezirk entwickelt, der besonders deshalb herausragt, weil er eines von nur neun Projekten weltweit mit kurzfristigem Antimon-Produktionspotenzial ist. Das Unternehmen prüft mögliche nicht verwässernde Finanzierungsquellen über seine Mitgliedschaft im Defense Industrial Base Consortium.
- Strong governmental support from both U.S. and Australian officials
- Strategic alignment with Alaska's infrastructure development plans
- Project identified as one of only nine global projects with near-term antimony production potential
- Potential access to non-dilutive funding through Defense Industrial Base Consortium
- Infrastructure developments (West Susitna Access Road, Port MacKenzie, Alaska LNG) will improve project accessibility
- Project development still dependent on completion of external infrastructure projects
- Final details of non-dilutive funding applications not yet confirmed
Insights
Strong government backing positions Nova's Estelle project for accelerated development with strategic infrastructure alignment and potential non-dilutive funding.
The recent high-level governmental engagements for Nova Minerals' Estelle project represent a significant de-risking factor for this developing gold and antimony asset. Support from both Alaska's Governor and Australia's Consular-General isn't merely ceremonial—it directly addresses three critical development hurdles that often delay or derail mining projects.
The alignment with Alaska's infrastructure plans is particularly noteworthy. The West Susitna Access Road would transform Estelle's economics by eliminating the need for costly winter-only ice roads or helicopter access. Similarly, the Port MacKenzie upgrades would solve the logistical challenges of exporting concentrated minerals, while the Alaska LNG project addresses the substantial energy requirements for processing operations.
What truly elevates this announcement is the dual-commodity potential referenced in the RFC Ambrian report. Antimony's classification as a critical mineral, particularly given its applications in defense and energy storage, positions Estelle uniquely among gold projects. This status opens doors to non-dilutive funding mechanisms through defense industrial programs that wouldn't be available to typical precious metals projects.
The involvement of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium suggests potential funding streams beyond traditional mining investment channels. This could accelerate development while preserving equity for existing shareholders—a rare advantage in the capital-intensive mining sector.
While still in exploration and development phase, Estelle is demonstrating the governmental and infrastructure support elements that separate successful mining projects from the numerous stalled prospects across North America.
Anchorage Alaska, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Minerals Limited (“Nova” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA) (FRA: QM3) ) is pleased to provide an update where both Alaska State government officials and the Australian Consular-General have shown strong support for the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in recent meetings with Nova.
Highlights
- Alaska State Governor, Mike Dunleavy (Figure 1) continues to show strong support for the Estelle Project in a meeting with Nova CEO Christopher Gerteisen, and reinforces the strategic alignment between its expansive resource base and district-scale potential, and Alaska’s key infrastructure development plans.
- Site visit by the Australian Consular-General, Tanya Bennett (Figure 3) recognizes the Estelle Project as a leading example of the deepening Australia–United States collaboration in critical minerals and strategic resource development.
- Builds on momentum from the recent Nova Board of Directors’ Alaska visit (ASX Announcement: 24 July 2025), where Alaska’s Congressional Delegation, including offices of U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Representatives Nick Begich and Kevin McCabe, and Matsu Borough Mayor Edna DeVries, all expressed broad support for Estelle’s development, and critical infrastructure such as the West Susitna Access Road and Port MacKenzie.
Nova CEO, Mr Christopher Gerteisen commented: “Momentum continues to build as the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project gains significant strategic recognition. My recent meeting with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy confirmed that our long-term vision for Estelle is well aligned with the State’s infrastructure and economic development goals — particularly regarding the West Susitna Access Road, Port MacKenzie, and Alaska LNG. These initiatives, reinforced by recent U.S. Presidential Executive Orders, position Estelle as a potential key contributor to strengthening domestic resource security. With the February 2025 RFC Ambrian report naming Estelle as one of only nine global projects with near-term antimony production potential, alongside our rapidly expanding gold resource, we believe Estelle is emerging as a rare and valuable dual-commodity asset.
We are also encouraged by growing interest from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Government. As an active member of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium, Nova is advancing applications for potential non-dilutive funding that could significantly accelerate development. While we’re not in a position to share full details just yet, the discussions underway extend far beyond traditional exploration support. Estelle is evolving from a single project into a strategic mineralized district — potentially critical to Western efforts to secure supply chains and reduce reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. With all key elements now appearing to converge, we believe a major inflection point is approaching.”
Meeting with Alaksa State Governor
Nova’s CEO, Christopher Gerteisen, was invited to meet with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to discuss the Estelle Project’s progress and key infrastructure requirements (Figure 2) for it including:
• West Susitna Access Road – Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)-supported infrastructure project which when completed will provide year round all weather road access to the Estelle Project. AIDEA, recently submitted a permit application for its 78.5 miles of proposed public and industry road (see AIDEA’s news release here) which will connect Estelle with existing road, rail, port, and energy infrastructure.
• Port MacKenzie Upgrade and Economic Zone - Enhancements to logistics and export capacity critical for scaling Estelle.
• Alaska LNG (AKLNG) - A vital energy infrastructure component to support mineral processing and sustainable project development.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has provided strong support for the West Susitna Access Road previously stating, “AIDEA’s West Susitna Road holds significant value for Alaskans, especially local residents seeking better access to hunting, fishing, recreation, and potential opportunities in mining, processing, and manufacturing. My administration and AIDEA are continually exploring ways to boost our economy and create well-paying jobs for families. This project presents a fantastic opportunity for Alaska to expand and generate revenue. I am dedicated to this initiative and to unlocking resources that will benefit all Alaskans.”
Figure 1. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (Left) with Nova’s CEO Christopher Gerteisen (Right)
These initiatives are directly aligned with two pivotal Presidential Executive Orders, which prioritize domestic mineral supply chains and Alaska’s resource potential:
- Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” (Jan 2025)
- Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production” (Mar 2025)
Nova continues close collaboration with state and federal partners with a goal of fast-track permitting, infrastructure integration, and project development toward large-scale production.
Figure 2. Proposed route for the West Susitna Access Road. Source AIDEA.
Australian Consular-General Site Visit
Following an enquiry from the Australian Consulate in Los Angeles, Nova Minerals was pleased to host Australian Consul-General Tanya Bennett at the Estelle Project site. As a dual-listed company on the NASDAQ and ASX, Nova is actively progressing the exploration and development of gold, antimony, and other critical minerals—key resources for global supply chain resilience and national security. The visit highlighted Estelle as an example of growing Australia–U.S. collaboration in the strategic minerals sector. While in Alaska, the Consul-General also met with Governor Mike Dunleavy and various state agencies, reinforcing diplomatic support for the continued advancement of the Estelle Project. To see video of the site visit click here, and for LinkedIn post of the subsequent meeting with Alaska State officials click here.
Figure 3. Nova CEO Christopher Gerteisen (Left) with Australian Consular General Tanya Bennett (Right) at the RPM deposit
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
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 management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued exploration activities, Gold and other metal prices, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labor costs, the estimation of mineral reserves and resources, assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, receipt of required regulatory approvals, the availability of necessary financing for the Project, the availability of funding sources, the availability of collaborative relationships, permitting and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Apparent inconsistencies in the figures shown in the MRE are due to rounding.
Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks related to changes in Gold prices; sources and cost of power and water for the Project; the estimation of initial capital requirements; the lack of historical operations; the estimation of labor costs; general global markets and economic conditions; risks associated with exploration of mineral deposits; the estimation of initial targeted mineral resource tonnage and grade for the Project; risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of exploration; risks associated with currency fluctuations; environmental risks; competition faced in securing experienced personnel; access to adequate infrastructure to support exploration activities; risks associated with changes in the mining regulatory regime governing the Company and the Project; completion of the environmental assessment process; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; risks related to potential conflicts of interest; the reliance on key personnel; financing, capitalization and liquidity risks including the risk that the financing necessary to fund continued exploration and development.
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 Bentley
Director of Finance & Compliance & Investor Relations
E: craig@novaminerals.com.au
M: +61 414 714 196
FAQ
What major government support has Nova Minerals (NVA) received for the Estelle Project?
What key infrastructure developments will benefit Nova Minerals' Estelle Project?
Why is Nova Minerals' Estelle Project considered strategically important?
What potential funding opportunities is Nova Minerals (NVA) pursuing for the Estelle Project?
How does the Estelle Project align with U.S.-Australia collaboration?
