Nova Minerals Corp ( ASX:NVA , NYSE-A:NVA ) has secured final regulatory approvals for its Alaska antimony project, clearing the way for construction and development as the company targets production in 2027.
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has approved the project's Plan of Operations and Reclamation Plan, completing the permitting process for the Department of War-funded development.
Nova said all required permits were secured within about three months of submission, allowing it to move Phase 1 from development planning into execution.
Integrated pathway from mine to refinery
The approvals cover the project's full development pathway, including stibnite mining at the Styx and Stibium prospects, ore sorting and processing at the Whiskey Bravo concentration site within the Estelle Project and downstream processing and refining at Port Mackenzie.
The initial approvals authorise construction and operating activities for a three-year term.
Phase 1 is backed by US$43.4 million in funding from the US Department of War to support the development of domestic antimony production capacity.
Nova has also completed metallurgical test work and process plant engineering, establishing a flowsheet designed to produce military-grade antimony trisulfide and standard grade II antimony metal grading more than 99.65% antimony.
All major long-lead and critical mining and processing equipment has already been procured and delivered to project locations, positioning the company to advance construction.
Chief executive Christopher Gerteisen said securing the final permits represented a major milestone in moving the project toward construction and targeted production in 2027.
"Securing our final permits is a major milestone for Nova, moving our Alaska antimony project from development planning toward construction and targeted production in 2027.
"In a relatively short period, we have secured US$43.4 million in Department of War funding, completed the permitting process, advanced engineering and metallurgical test work, and delivered critical equipment to our project locations.
"With these key milestones achieved, our focus is now on execution. We believe the Project has the potential to contribute to a more secure U.S. domestic antimony supply chain, while creating a meaningful new growth opportunity for Nova and our shareholders."
Focus shifts to 2027 production
With permitting, funding, engineering and equipment procurement largely in place, Nova is now focused on executing the project development schedule.
The company believes the project could help establish a more secure domestic US supply chain for antimony, a critical mineral used in defence and industrial applications.
The development forms part of Nova's broader strategy to advance an integrated US antimony supply chain alongside its gold assets in Alaska.
