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Highlights
Ore sorting trials from Styx confirm high-grade antimony concentrate viability using XRT technology
Test results reveal separation pathways for antimony and gold circuits with improved grades
Nova joins key US defence initiatives, enhancing critical mineral supply chain objectives
Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA) (NASDAQ:NVA) (OTC:NVAAF), part of the Asx 200, continues advancing its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska. Recent ore sorting tests from the Styx prospect confirm promising outcomes for on-site production of high-grade antimony concentrate.
Ore sorting results underscore processing efficiency
The company, in collaboration with METS Engineering and Steinert Mining, applied X-ray transmission technology to evaluate the antimony-rich ore from Styx. A bulk sample produced a high-grade antimony concentrate with reduced mass, indicating that the ore body responds well to sensor-based sorting.
Following initial success, a second ore sorter pass was included to recover additional concentrate from middling material, enhancing the total recovery. The stagewise rejection of mass illustrates an efficient process that maximises the value of contained minerals while maintaining low energy and capital intensity.
Synergies between antimony and gold processing circuits
Asx 200 company Nova Minerals identified a key outcome during testing — the enrichment of gold in the tailings stream. This separation allows gold and antimony circuits to function independently while supporting integrated development at Estelle. The gold-rich tailings align with the nearby RPM deposit’s processing capabilities, potentially enabling feed optimisation through carbon-in-leach and carbon-in-pulp plants.
Conceptual flowsheet designed for scalable onsite operations
A high-level conceptual flowsheet outlines a scalable model for ore sorting and downstream processing at Estelle. The model includes early-stage production of a premium-grade direct shipping ore for antimony, enabling near-term cash generation. The approach also involves stockpiling lower-grade material for later treatment in a proposed plant capable of processing middlings and fines.
The strategy supports a phased implementation plan, beginning with ore sorting and shipment, while advancing test work and engineering studies for future facility development. The configuration is designed to support long-term operational flexibility and regional supply integration.
Strategic alignment with US supply chain initiatives
Nova has joined the Defense Industrial Base Consortium and is actively progressing grant applications with the US Department of Defense. Through these affiliations, the company seeks to reinforce its role in re-establishing a secure domestic antimony supply chain. Recent sampling across the Styx and Stibium prospects further validates the project’s critical mineral profile with grades above common commercial ranges.
The company aims to position itself as a vertically integrated supplier, from initial ore sorting to downstream processing within the United States. This vision aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependency on restricted global sources of critical inputs vital to defence and technology sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What mineral is Nova Minerals producing?
Nova Minerals is focusing on antimony and gold from the Estelle Project. - Where is the Estelle Project located?
The Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project is based in Alaska. - Is Nova Minerals part of any stock index?
Nova Minerals is listed on the Asx 200 index.
