In view of recent geopolitical shifts, Nova Minerals Ltd (ASX:NVA, OTCQB:NVAAF) has started bulk testing of stibnite – antimony – material at its flagship Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals District in Alaska.
Near-term antimony production
The move is part of the company's strategic preparation for near-term antimony production, as it aims to capitalise on the demand for domestic antimony supply in the United States.
A total of 2,500 kilograms of antimony-rich stibnite material has been collected from the Stibium prospect, while an additional 500 kilograms was sourced from Styx.
These bulk samples will undergo metallurgical test work to develop a process flow sheet and plant design.
The company is considering a fast-track, standalone antimony production scenario, with the potential for gold credits as an added benefit.
Numerous additional antimony-rich samples have been sent to ALS laboratory for analysis with results anticipated in the coming weeks.
Nova Minerals has engaged with METS Engineering and the University of Alaska-Fairbanks CORE-CM group for the studies and expects to receive critical insights from the initial stibnite samples already submitted.
US Government funding
Following China's recent export restrictions on antimony, Nova is positioning itself to establish a domestic supply chain for antimony in the US.
NVA is working closely with various US Government agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), on potential grant funding to fast-track Estelle antimony production.
The company has submitted a proposal to DoD for grant funding, aimed at accelerating production, and believes the timing is right for the grant to be successful given the recent Chinese announcement.
As surface mapping and sampling continue at both Stibium and Styx, drilling is planned to further explore significant stibnite vein zones, with high-grade results already reported.
Nova CEO Christopher Gerteisen said: “The initial antimony discovery results at Stibium last year were very encouraging.
Widespread nature of mineral
“Now, with the 2024 follow-up field programs well advanced we can confirm the presence and widespread nature of significant antimony in the form of massive stibnite vein zones across numerous prospects at Estelle, including Stibium and Styx.
“With serious efforts underway in the US to establish and fully secure domestic antimony supply chains, these significant at-surface antimony discoveries put the company in a strong position to fast track these prospects towards development.
“Bulk sampling has been conducted for metallurgical test work on Stibium and Styx material to develop a process flow sheet and plant design with the aim to produce saleable antimony products as soon as possible.
“The company is aggressively pursuing this potential early cash flow opportunity as a stand-alone small footprint antimony operation containing gold credits, that is separate from the larger RPM and Korbel gold project that it continues to progress concurrently.”
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