Nova Minerals Announced That The Alaska Industrial Development And Export Authority Has Submitted Its Application To The U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers For The Permitting Of The West Susitna Access Road

Author: Benzinga Newsdesk | July 28, 2025 05:32am

he permitting process for the all-weather public and industrial road will occur in 2025-2026 and further strengthens Nova's momentum as it advances the Estelle Project.

The proposed 78.5-mile long road will begin approximately 1.4 miles west of Alexander Creek and extend to the Whiskey Bravo airstrip and mineral exploration camp (Figure 1). Following the Skwentna River's northern edge before crossing to its southern side, the route is designed to allow year-round public access to lands that are currently difficult to reach except by air or water.

As a company deeply committed to advancing responsible exploration and unlocking Alaska's critical mineral potential, Nova Minerals sees this project as essential infrastructure for future development in the region. With this road in place, not only will essential logistics and access be significantly improved, but new opportunities are expected to also arise for Alaskan families, local businesses, and resource developers alike.

Highlights

• The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) has submitted its application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the permitting of the West Susitna Access Road, which will occur in 2025/2026.
• The West Susitna Access Road is a critical infrastructure project, consisting of a 78.5-mile all-weather road for both public and industrial use (Figure 1). It is intended to support the Estelle Project and the surrounding region and is expected to lower barriers to resource development, substantially reduce the cost of mining in the West Susitna region, and enhance local access and economic opportunities.
• The road will connect to a separate road project being led by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) that will extend 22-miles of new public and industry road surface west from the existing road system and will include a large bridge across the Susitna River.
• The ADOT&PF project is scheduled to begin construction in late 2025 and to be fully constructed by 2026/2027.
• Pursuant to Executive Order 14153, the Governor of Alaska has requested that the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works render "all assistance" required to obtain the necessary approvals for the project.
• Pursuant to Executive Order 14241, the Governor has also requested that the project be deemed a "priority project" and placed on an expediated permitting schedule, as well as emergency approval pursuant to section 2 of Executive Order 14156, as the project is important to Alaska, the Nation, and the future of the Nation's energy dominance and national security.

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