TLDR
- Nova Minerals (NVA) stock jumped 110% Tuesday after U.S. Ambassador to Australia requested briefing on Alaska mining project
- Briefing scheduled before October 20 meeting between President Trump and Australian PM Anthony Albanese
- Estelle Project holds estimated 9.9 million ounces of gold worth $41 billion at current prices
- Department of Defense invested $43.4 million in Nova subsidiary for antimony development in early October
- Stock reflects growing government focus on U.S.-Australia critical mineral supply chain security
Nova Minerals experienced a massive rally Tuesday with shares climbing 110% following a briefing request from the Australian Ambassador to the United States.
Dr. Kevin Rudd asked the mining company to present information on its Estelle Gold and Critical Minerals Project in Alaska. The presentation will happen before a scheduled meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Donald Trump.
The high-level meeting is set for October 20, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Nova’s American depositary receipts closed up 110.30% but declined 16% in after-hours trading. Australian-listed shares gained over 80% during local market hours.
Alaska Mining Project Details
The Estelle Project is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Anchorage, Alaska. Nova calls it one of the world’s largest undeveloped gold assets.
Current projections show the site contains more than 9.9 million ounces of gold across four primary deposits. Using Tuesday’s gold price of $4,140 per troy ounce, the holdings are valued at roughly $41 billion.
The site also contains antimony deposits. This critical mineral is used in defense manufacturing and battery technology.
The Department of Defense announced a $43.4 million investment in a Nova Minerals subsidiary at the start of October. The funding aims to develop domestic antimony production capabilities.
An Australian Consul-General visited the Estelle location in August. The visit positioned the project as a cornerstone of U.S.-Australia cooperation on critical minerals.
Government Support and Market Impact
The Trump administration has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains for critical minerals. This policy shift has benefited multiple mining operations across the United States.
MP Materials runs the only active rare earth mine in America. The company’s stock has climbed more than 500% year-to-date.
Trilogy Metals owns 50% of a developing mineral project in Alaska. Shares have increased over 490% in 2025.
Lithium Americas is building what may become the Western Hemisphere’s largest lithium mine. The stock has risen more than 180% this year.
Other Australian mining companies traded higher following Nova’s announcement. Fortescue Metals Group, Australian Mines, and Rio Tinto all saw gains.
White House Meeting Preparations
The formal briefing request places Nova Minerals in the spotlight ahead of important diplomatic discussions. The company will present information on both gold and critical mineral operations at Estelle.
Federal, state, and local agencies have provided support for Nova’s strategic initiatives. Government backing has increased visibility for the Alaska operations.
The briefing will inform conversations between U.S. and Australian leaders about securing critical mineral supply chains. Nova’s antimony and gold resources figure into broader strategic planning between the two nations.
The October 20 meeting between Trump and Albanese will address multiple topics. Nova Minerals’ Estelle Project is expected to feature in discussions about resource cooperation and supply chain security.
