Quarterly Activities and Cashflow Report - March 2026
Operational Momentum at Estelle: Advancing Gold Exploration, Antimony Development, and US Redomiciliation
Melbourne, Australia, April 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nova Minerals Limited ("Nova" and the "Company")(NASDAQ: NVA) (ASX: NVA), (FRA: QM3), a gold and critical minerals exploration and development stage company focused on advancing the Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska, U.S.A. provides its quarterly activities and cashflow report for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Highlights
On the quarter, Nova CEO, Mr Christopher Gerteisen, commented:
"The March quarter delivered strong operational progress at Estelle, with drilling at RPM Valley continuing to demonstrate the scale and continuity of the mineralised system, including the highest-grade intercept recorded at the project to date. These results reinforce the potential for both large-scale bulk-tonnage mineralisation and higher-grade zones within the broader RPM deposit.
"Importantly, we also advanced preparations for our antimony initiative during the quarter, with the successful establishment of the winter access snow road enabling the delivery of key equipment to site, a critical step in positioning Nova to evaluate near-term production opportunities.
"In parallel, surface sampling programs expanded the exploration pipeline across the Estelle corridor, identifying additional anomalies that highlight the significant discovery potential across the broader project area.
"We also announced our intention to redomicile to the United States, a strategic step to better align Nova with its predominantly U.S. shareholder base and enhance access to U.S. capital markets as we advance Estelle toward development.
"Looking ahead, our focus remains on integrating these results into the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study, progressing the antimony opportunity, and executing the redomiciliation process to position the Company for continued growth and value creation."
Gold Assets
Nova is rapidly advancing one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world, consisting of over 20 prospects, including four already defined multi-million-ounce gold deposits.
2025 Drill Program
During the quarter, Nova reported additional results from the 2025 drill program across the Estelle Project, including RPM Valley, RPM North and Korbel, further demonstrating the scale and continuity of the broader gold system.
Drilling at RPM Valley delivered multiple broad zones of continuous gold mineralization, confirming the scale and continuity of the system. Key intercepts included 65m @ 3.6 g/t Au from 83m (including a high-grade interval of 36m @ 5.5 g/t Au and a peak result of 0.5m @ 364 g/t Au), alongside 155m @ 0.9 g/t Au from 71m and 172m @ 0.8 g/t Au from 352m, each hosting higher-grade internal zones.
Additional wide intercepts, including 289m @ 0.7 g/t Au from 62m and 152m @ 0.9 g/t Au from 82m, further demonstrate the extensive nature of mineralisation at RPM, with multiple zones of higher-grade material within broader mineralised envelopes.
The 0.5m @ 364 g/t Au intercept represents the highest-grade gold intercept recorded at the Estelle Project to date, with visible gold observed in core. These results confirm the presence of high-grade shoots within the broader bulk-tonnage system and support the potential for both open-pit and higher-grade zones within the RPM Valley deposit.
Infill drilling undertaken during the program was designed to support conversion of existing resources to Measured and Indicated categories, with the aim of incorporating RPM Valley into the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
Figure 1. RPM Valley Pad 25-2
Additional results from RPM North extended the mineralised footprint and confirmed broad zones of near-surface gold mineralisation typical of the Estelle intrusive-related gold system, with strong lateral and vertical continuity and several holes extending mineralisation below the current conceptual pit shell.
Figure 2. RPM North hole RPM-080 2.4m @ 19.7g/t Au from 15.2m
At Korbel, drilling results continued to demonstrate wide zones of near-surface gold mineralisation, reinforcing its position as a large-scale bulk-tonnage deposit and a key contributor to the overall Estelle mineral resource. Results highlighted consistent grade distribution and continuity across the deposit, supporting ongoing resource growth and future development studies.
Collectively, these results continue to support the potential for large-scale bulk-tonnage gold development at Estelle, which remains one of the most significant undeveloped gold systems globally.
Surface Sampling Program
Surface sampling results announced during the quarter identified multiple new mineralised systems across key prospects, further reinforcing the district-scale potential of the broader project area.
At West Wing, rock chip sampling defined a coherent gold-copper anomaly extending approximately 1.5km by 0.8km. Of 46 soil samples collected within the vicinity, 16 were greater than 1.0 g/t Au, and five were greater than 2.0 g/t Au. Of the 30 rock samples, 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. 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.
The anomaly is supported by consistent multi-element geochemical signatures and elevated pathfinder elements and represents a previously unrecognised target area within the Estelle district. The style and distribution of mineralisation indicate potential for a linked gold-copper system, warranting follow-up geological and geophysical work.
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
At RPM, surface sampling returned several high-grade gold results, including values up to 24.6 g/t Au, with mineralisation defined along the ridgeline and extending westward. These results expanded the known footprint of gold anomalism in the area and highlighted multiple priority zones for drill testing, with a focus on structurally controlled mineralisation and continuity along interpreted trends.
Figure 5. Sample E409201 - 24.6 g/t Au; Sample E405227 - 11.7 g/t Au
Post-period, surface sampling at Portage Pass identified a significant new gold anomaly supported by seven rock samples grading >2 g/t Au, including a high of 14.3 g/t Au, and 10 soil samples grading >0.5 g/t Au with a peak of 1.8 g/t Au. The anomaly extends across a broad, coherent target area and is associated with favourable lithological and structural settings, including similarities to the nearby Korbel deposit style of mineralisation.
A detailed soil sampling grid is planned across the valley in 2026. Subject to the results, a ground-based induced polarization (IP) geophysical survey will be undertaken, following a similar exploration pathway to that which led to the discovery at Korbel. While stronger geochemical anomalies are present elsewhere at Estelle, Portage Pass represents a compelling target given its proximity to Korbel and the associated proposed infrastructure.
Feasibility Studies
PFS-level studies are ongoing, with METS Engineering undertaking additional metallurgical test work to build on the high gold recoveries achieved at RPM to date (ASX Announcement: 5 August 2025), Rough Stock Mining is conducting mining studies, and Whittle Consulting is completing optimization studies.
Antimony Assets
Following the award of US$43.4 million from the U.S. Department of War (DoW), Nova initiated its plan to develop antimony production in Alaska. The company is fully funded to establish a U.S. domestic antimony supply chain that would support U.S. military and consumer markets from late 2026 to early 2027.
With seven antimony prospects identified across the Estelle Project to date, permitted industrial land, government support, and plans for critical infrastructure in place, Nova is positioned to become a key supplier to the U.S. antimony market.
Winter Freight Delivery
During the quarter, the mobilization of equipment to the Estelle Project occurred via the Company's snow road, 150km from Willow, Alaska. Construction of the winter road commenced in early December, enabling the development of thick ice bridges capable of supporting freight loads in excess of 100,000 lb (45,000 kg).
Following receipt of the DoW Award in late 2025, Nova sought to procure equipment required for trail construction, airstrip expansion, and antimony ore extraction and processing activities.
Equipment was delivered to the Company's freight staging yard and logistics centre in Willow, where the major of mining and processing equipment has now been received. Equipment is being transported to site via ski-trailers using low ground pressure vehicles or is self-driven along the winter trail. To date, most of the equipment has departed the staging yard for delivery to the Estelle Project site.
Figure 6. Heavy machinery delivered to site via the winter snow road
Figure 7. Screener plant being delivered to site via the winter snow road
Corporate
Redomiciliation to the United States
Material Post-Quarter Events
Next Steps
New videos released during the March 2026 quarter
Major ASX Announcements during the March 2026 quarter
Estelle Gold Project Discussion and Analysis
Further discussion and analysis of the Estelle Gold Project is available through the interactive Vrify 3D animations, presentations and videos, all available on the Company's website. www.novaminerals.com.au
This announcement has been authorized for release by the Executive Directors.
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 mineralised 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.
Competent Person Statements
Mr Vannu Khounphakdy P.Geo., who is an independent consulting geologist of a number of mineral exploration and development companies, reviewed and approves the technical information in this release and is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), which is ROPO accepted for the purpose of reporting in accordance with ASX listing rules. Mr Vannu Khounphakdyhas sufficient experience relevant to the gold deposits under evaluation to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the 'Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Vannu Khounphakdy is also a Qualified Person as defined by S-K 1300 rules for mineral deposit disclosure. Mr Vannu Khounphakdy consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.
The information in the announcement dated today that relates to exploration results and exploration targets is based on information compiled by Mr. Hans Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman, Owner of First Tracks Exploration, LLC, who is providing geologic consulting services to Nova Minerals, compiled the technical information in this release and is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), which is ROPO, accepted for the purpose of reporting in accordance with ASX listing rules. Mr. Hoffman has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the 'Australian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr. Hoffman consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears.
The Exploration results were reported in accordance with Clause 18 of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (2012 Edition) (JORC Code).
The Company is also listed on the NASDAQ in the United States and, as a result, is required in respect of its exploration and resource reporting to comply with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements in respect of resource reporting in the USA. This requires compliance with the SEC's S-K 1300 resource regulations. Investors accessing the Company's NASDAQ press releases should be aware that S-K 1300 statements made in those releases are not JORC Code compliant statements.
Nova Minerals confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the relevant market announcements, and in the case of the exploration results, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the results in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, any statements that are not historical facts may contain forward-looking information, and forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget" "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or indicates that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be" taken, "occur" or "be achieved." Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and 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, 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 activities at the Project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all; the risk of potential dilution through the issuance of additional common shares of the Company; the risk of litigation.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward looking information is made as of the date of this announcement and the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information which is included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All drilling and exploration activities is subject to no unforeseen circumstances.
Tenement Holdings as at 31 March 2026
A list of Nova's Tenement Holdings, as at the end of the Quarter, is presented in the schedules below, with additional notes.
Appendix 5B
Mining exploration entity or oil and gas exploration entity
quarterly cash flow report
Compliance statement
1 This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.
2 This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed.
Date: ...29 April 2026.................................
Authorised by: ...Board of Directors..................................
(Name of body or officer authorising release - see note 4)
Notes