Nova Minerals (ASX:NVA) said a "potentially significant" new gold anomaly was defined at Portage Pass from field observations and 2025 surface assays at its Estelle gold and critical minerals project in Alaska, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.

The company said the anomaly is supported by seven rock samples grading above 2 grams per tonne grade of gold, including a high of 14.3 g/t gold, and 10 soil samples grading above 0.5 g/t gold with a peak of 1.8 g/t gold.

The geochemical signature is comparable to the multi-million ounce Korbel gold deposit across the ridgeline to the north, with mineralization appearing more consistent and higher grade, and strong potential for a valley-scale extension.

The company has planned a 2026 soil sampling program, with a follow-up induced polarization geophysical survey to be undertaken in line with the exploration approach that led to the Korbel discovery.

The company's shares rose 9% in recent Tuesday trade.