Nova Minerals Ltd (NASDAQ: NVA) saw its stock surge over 100% on Tuesday following news that the company was approached by the Australian Ambassador to the United States to brief officials on its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska.
The briefing is scheduled ahead of a high-level meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump on October 20, 2025, where critical minerals cooperation is expected to be a key discussion point.
Estelle project
Nova Minerals’ ADR experienced a sharp increase, rising as much as 103.9% to $69.67.
At the time of writing, the stock was trading at $66.
The dramatic move reflected investor confidence in Nova’s strategic positioning as it prepares to engage with US and Australian government officials.
The Estelle Project, located in Alaska’s Tintina Gold Belt, has gained attention due to its significant gold and antimony resources.
It spans 514 km² and includes multi-million-ounce gold resources alongside several drill-ready antimony prospects with outcropping stibnite veins.
This combination of assets positions Nova Minerals as an emerging player in North America’s critical minerals and gold sectors.
Government engagement strengthens strategic position
The company’s engagement with government officials began with a site visit by the Australian Consular-General in August, which recognized the Estelle Project as central to US-Australia collaboration.
Following this, the Australian Ambassador to the United States, Dr Kevin Rudd, requested a briefing on the project.
The presentation will precede the upcoming US-Australia Critical Minerals Summit and underscores Nova Minerals’ growing role in bilateral cooperation on secure and resilient critical mineral supply chains.
Nova Minerals has demonstrated strong operational readiness through regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and ongoing engagement with federal, state, and local US agencies.
This support has reinforced the company’s strategic standing and positions it as a leading emerging antimony producer in the US market.
Funding and infrastructure to bolster antimony supply
Nova Minerals recently secured a US$43.4 million award from the US Department of War through its subsidiary, Alaska Range Resources LLC.
This funding aims to accelerate the establishment of a fully integrated domestic antimony supply chain by 2026–27, covering production for both defense and industrial applications.
Antimony was recently added to the US Draft 2025 Critical Minerals List, highlighting its importance in energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The company has also obtained a 42.81-acre land use permit for its proposed antimony refinery at Port MacKenzie.
The refinery will produce antimony trisulfide, antimony trioxide, and refined metal, contributing to US efforts to reduce reliance on imported antimony.
Nova Minerals’ timeline for production aligns with growing domestic demand, reinforcing the company’s role in ensuring sustainable resource independence and strengthening strategic ties between Australia and the United States.
With its Estelle Project gaining international attention and government backing, Nova Minerals is well-positioned to capitalize on rising demand for critical minerals while supporting strategic defense and industrial initiatives.
The stock’s surge reflects both market optimism and the company’s emerging geopolitical significance in the critical minerals space.
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