The Estelle gold and critical minerals project, owned by ASX-listed Nova Minerals, is set to play a key role in the upcoming meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.
The Alaska-based project is being presented as a leading example of the deepening Australia-US collaboration on critical minerals and strategic resource development. Nova will provide a briefing on the mine’s production and development as part of the October 20 meeting between the Australian prime minister and US president.
The briefing, requested by Australian ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd, will provide details on Nova Resources’ US investments including an overview of the Estelle project. It will outline the key minerals identified, planned expansion activities, and the company’s ongoing engagement with US government agencies.
The invitation to brief follows on from a $US43.4 million funding award from the US Department of War. This injection was made in support of the accelerated development of a fully integrated US antimony supply chain, targeting production of military-spec antimony by the 2026-2027 financial year.
Antimony is used for hardening lead in ammunition, and as a flame retardant in military equipment and clothing. It has recently been included on the US critical minerals list, amplifying the strategic importance of the Estelle project.
Nova Minerals chief executive officer Christopher Gerteisen said the invitation to brief was a testament to the strategic importance of the Estelle project.
“With antimony recognised as a critical mineral and our gold resources adding significant value, Nova is well-positioned to contribute to both US and Australian critical minerals strategies,” he said.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with both governments as we advance the Estelle Project toward production.”