HIGHLIGHTS

  • A six-hole, 2,529 m, diamond drill program has been completed at the Belltopper Gold Project in Victoria.
  • Significant intercepts include:
    • 5.6 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m and 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (including 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au) and 1.94 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 230 m in BTD001 on the Leven Star Reef.
    • 2 m @ 15.18 g/t Au from 9 m in BTD004 on a newly discovered reef.
    • 12.26 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from 185 m (including 4.6 m @ 2.64 g/t Au) in BTD005 on the Missing Link Reef.
    • 7 m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 179 m (including 3.19 m @ 3.42 g/t Au) in BTD006 on the Piezzi Reef, a parallel structure to the O’Connors Reef.
  • New gold reefs have been delineated, and extension potential demonstrated on several key historic reefs. A new high-priority north-west trending target corridor was also defined.
  • Hole BTD001 extended mineralisation up to 120 m down-dip on the Leven Star Reef in an emerging high-grade zone.   
  • Anomalous gold in BTD003 indicates a potential north-east extension to the Leven Star Reef in addition to evidence for a prospective parallel structure (the Butchers Gully Fault).
  • Hole BTD002 intersected the Hanover Reef, and discovered an additional, parallel reef (the Welcome Fault) returning 4.1 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m. BTD002 is the only hole drilled into this developing target corridor.
  • Structural logging has confirmed the geometry and position of major anticline corridors which remain priority targets for structurally controlled high-grade gold events such as those seen at the nearby Fosterville gold mine.
    • Work during Q3, 2024 will focus on reviewing and re-logging key historic drill holes from the developing target corridors at Belltopper and will include a detailed review of the Leven Star mineral resource.

Novo Executive Co-Chairman and Acting CEO Mike Spreadborough said.

“It is exciting to see promising results in the Belltopper drill results and identifying new gold reefs. Our team is focussed on determining the best way forward following the results received.

Our exploration activity across key assets continues to deliver exciting results and importantly, we are well-funded to continue our strong exploration program throughout 2024.”

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Resources Corp. (Novo or the Company) (ASX: NVO) (TSX: NVO) (OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to report significant assays received from a six-hole (2,529 m) diamond drilling program completed at the Belltopper Gold Project (“Belltopper”) in Victoria (Figure 1).

The Belltopper Gold Project location map with focus area for recent completed drilling.

Figure 1: The Belltopper Gold Project location map with focus area for recent completed drilling.

SUMMARY

Recently completed drilling at Belltopper has delivered multiple new significant gold intercepts across a wide range of targets and includes the discovery of two new independent reefs with significant strike potential.

Highlights include:

  • 2 m @ 15.18 g/t Au from 9 m in BTD004.
  • 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (inc. 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m) in BTD001.
  • 12.26 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from 185 m (inc. 4.6 m @ 2.64 g/t Au from 185 m) in BTD005.
  • 5.6 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m (inc. 3.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m) in BTD001.
  • 7 m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 179 m (inc. 3.19 m @ 3.42 g/t Au from 182.81 m) in BTD006.
  • 19.15 m @ 0.68 g/t Au from 216 m (inc. 1.45 m @ 1.82 g/t Au from 233.7 m) in BTD002.

The mineralisation presented in the body of this news release is not necessarily representative of mineralisation throughout the Belltopper Gold Project. Intercepts are expressed as down-hole intersections and should not be presumed to represent true widths, which vary from hole to hole and between reefs (refer JORC Table 1).

Significant gold results span a range of mineralisation styles; including oblique to stratigraphy high-grade shear or fault related mineralisation analogous to that at Costerfield or Stawell mines; layer-parallel laminated gold-bearing quartz, quartz breccia, and west-dipping mineralised faults analogous to high-grade Victorian deposits such as at Fosterville mine; and broad, low-grade mineralisation associated with the anticline saddle reef-style that has contributed so significantly to the historical gold endowment of the nearby Bendigo and Castlemaine goldfields.

The recent drilling continues momentum garnered from current exploration efforts and the 2021 - 2022 diamond program which discovered and delineated a gold-bearing felsic porphyry with clear IRG characteristics (confirming a new but hypothesised mineralisation style in the region); in addition to highlighting several underexplored, kilometre-scale, high-grade gold reefs with emerging shoot potential, that have in many cases only been tested by a handful of scout or reconnaissance holes at best.

The diamond drilling program was executed with a strong focus on safety, environment, and community engagement with no incidents. All drill sites used during the program have been rehabilitated.

Photos of the diamond drill rig used in the program and a typical drill site.

Photos of the diamond drill rig used in the program and a typical drill site.

PREVIOUS RECENT EXPLORATION

Previous (2021 – 2022) drilling at Belltopper returned significant results from underexplored historic gold reefs, including: the Missing Link, O’Connor’s, Queens Birthday, Panama, and Never Despair reefs; in addition to the more advance-drilled Leven Star Reef, with a current reported inferred resource of 0.82 Mt @ 3.95 g/t Au for 104 koz AU (JORC 2012)1.

Previously reported2 highlight results included:

  • 14 m @ 6.1 g/t Au from 120 m (MD16, Leven Star Reef).
  • 10 m @ 4.9 g/t Au from 173 m (MD16, Leven Star Reef).
  • 8.1 m @ 5.79 g/t Au from 131.9 m (MD21, Leven Star Reef).
  • 6.2 m @ 3.92 g/t Au from 144.6 m (MD21, Leven Star Reef).
  • 7.8 m @ 3.6 g/t Au from 32.2 m (MD13, Leven Star Reef).
  • 3.1 m @ 9.27 g/t Au from 400.9 m (MD20 Queens Birthday Reef).
  • 9.1 m @ 2.4 g/t Au from 65.4 m (MD14 Leven Star / Missing Link intersection)
  • 9 m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 257 m (MD19 O’Connor’s Reef)

Drill holes MD17 and MD22 from the 2021 - 2022 program additionally confirmed the sub-surface potential of a gold-bearing porphyritic felsic intrusive discovered and mapped in outcrop with IRG-characteristics (“the Missing Link Granite”). Previously reported3 results testing the gold-bearing felsic porphyry returned:

  • 79.9 m @ 0.26 g/t Au from 197 m (MD17).
  • 45 m @ 0.23 g/t Au from 134 m (MD22).
  • 23 m at 0.46 g/t Au from 18 m (DDHMA3, historic hole infill assayed in 2022).

The 2021 – 2022 drilling demonstrated the potential for high-grade mineralisation on multiple prospective epizonal gold-reefs, in addition to confirming the potential for intrusive hosted or IRG mineralisation at Belltopper. The current program aimed to further test the potential at Belltopper to host occurrences of very-high-grade, world-class, epizonal-style mineralisation.

RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION FROM THE CURRENT PROGRAM

The six-hole (2,529 m) diamond drilling program (Figure 2) was completed at Belltopper between December 2023 and March 2024 with all results recently returned (including required, additional infill assays). The drill program was designed to test various structural, geochemical, and geophysical (IP) targets across a range of geological settings within the 22 sq km Belltopper tenements.

Table 1 presents all (+2-gram x metre) significant intersections returned from the six-hole program. Refer to Appendices for a full listing of all anomalous (> 0.3 gram x metre) intersections.

Drill hole BTD001 returned significant results on the Leven Star Reef within an emerging high-grade zone, reporting 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (includes 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m) (Figure 3); 5.6 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m (Figure 4); and 1.94 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 230 m (Table 1). Drilling extended mineralisation up to 120 m down-dip of previously reported results and confirm a structural repeat (or overlap) of a high-grade segment of the Leven Star Reef in this zone (Figure 5). The Reef remains open at depth.

Collar location map and drill azimuth for six recently completed diamond drill holes with key significant intervals highlighted. Projected mining infrastructure in addition to key target mineralised reefs (red lines) also depicted.

Figure 2: Collar location map and drill azimuth for six recently completed diamond drill holes with key significant intervals highlighted. Projected mining infrastructure in addition to key target mineralised reefs (red lines) also depicted.

Table 1: Significant (+ 2-gram x metre) intersections reported for recent drilling at Belltopper (holes BTD001 through BTD006). Intercepts calculated with 0.3 g/t Au cut-off and 2 m internal dilution. High grade included intercepts calculated with 1.0 g/t Au and no internal dilution. All significant intersections from recent BTD series Belltopper drilling reported.

Drill HoleIncludingFrom
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
^
Au
(g/t)
Au
g*m ^^
Intersection
BTD001 219.80225.405.603.1417.65.60 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m
BTD001inc.222.36225.403.044.9715.13.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m
BTD001 230.00231.941.942.374.61.94 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 230 m
BTD001 241.30244.303.001.163.53.00 m @ 1.16 g/t Au from 241.3 m
BTD001 274.75279.004.255.8825.04.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m
BTD001inc.277.00279.002.0011.1522.32.00 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m
BTD002 36.1040.204.102.379.74.10 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m
BTD002 216.00235.1519.150.6813.019.15 m @ 0.68 g/t Au from 216 m
BTD002inc.233.70235.151.451.822.61.45 m @ 1.82 g/t Au from 233.7 m
BTD003 168.40177.609.200.676.29.20 m @ 0.67 g/t Au from 168.4 m
BTD003 318.41321.413.001.003.03.00 m @ 1.00 g/t Au from 318.41 m
BTD004 9.0011.002.0015.1830.42.00 m @ 15.18 g/t Au from 9 m
BTD004 90.5892.001.421.612.31.42 m @ 1.61 g/t Au from 90.58 m
BTD004 136.87138.671.801.292.31.80 m @ 1.29 g/t Au from 136.87 m
BTD005 1.105.904.800.783.84.80 m @ 0.78 g/t Au from 1.1 m
BTD005 145.33147.201.871.172.21.87 m @ 1.17 g/t Au from 145.33 m
BTD005 164.11167.283.171.073.43.17 m @ 1.07 g/t Au from 164.11 m
BTD005inc.165.29166.291.002.082.11.00 m @ 2.08 g/t Au from 165.29 m
BTD005 185.00197.2612.261.4517.712.26 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from 185 m
BTD005inc.185.00189.604.602.6412.14.60 m @ 2.64 g/t Au from 185 m
BTD005 290.90297.706.800.986.76.80 m @ 0.98 g/t Au from 290.9 m
BTD005inc.290.90291.590.693.342.30.69 m @ 3.34 g/t Au from 290.9 m
BTD005inc.294.52295.521.002.622.61.00 m @ 2.62 g/t Au from 294.52 m
BTD006 163.38165.061.682.183.71.68 m @ 2.18 g/t Au from 163.38 m
BTD006 179.00186.007.001.8813.17.00 m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 179 m
BTD006inc.182.81186.003.193.4210.93.19 m @ 3.42 g/t Au from 182.81 m
BTD006 296.42298.181.761.172.11.76 m @ 1.17 g/t Au from 296.42 m

^ All width and intercepts are expressed as metres downhole rather than true width. Most intersections tabulated above will have an oblique component. Refer to drill cross sections. Calculated as length weighted averages. ^^ Au g/t multiplied by metres.

BTD001 from 276.26 m – 279.13 m. Structural repeat (or overlap) of Leven Star Reef at depth returning 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (including 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m).

Figure 3: BTD001 from 276.26 m – 279.13 m. Structural repeat (or overlap) of Leven Star Reef at depth returning 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (including 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m).

BTD001 from 220.03 m – 225.67 m. Leven Star hanging wall splay structure returning5.60 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m (including 3.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m).

Figure 4: BTD001 from 220.03 m – 225.67 m. Leven Star hanging wall splay structure returning 5.60 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m (including 3.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m).

Drill holes BTD001 and MD16  on section with updated geological interpretation. Of note are the lowermost modelled high-grade zones in MD16 and BTD001 which are interpreted to represent fault repetition (i.e. structural thickening) of the Leven Star mineralisation. The Leven Star is lightly drilled at this RL, remains open at depth, and requires further drilling to evaluate mineralisation potential, and the extent of the local structurally overlapping portion of the reef in this developing high grade zone.

Figure 5: Drill holes BTD001 and MD164 on section with updated geological interpretation. Of note are the lowermost modelled high-grade zones in MD16 and BTD001 which are interpreted to represent fault repetition (i.e. structural thickening) of the Leven Star mineralisation. The Leven Star is lightly drilled at this RL, remains open at depth, and requires further drilling to evaluate mineralisation potential, and the extent of the local structurally overlapping portion of the reef in this developing high grade zone.

Drill hole BTD002 tested one of two high-order IP chargeability anomalies across a key anticline corridor and a potential SE extension of the historic NE-dipping Hanover Reef (Figure 6). A broad zone of mineralisation returning 19.5 m @ 0.68 g/t Au from 216 m in line with the modelled position for the Hanover Reef and nearby position of historic workings strongly suggests this reef was successfully intersected.

BTD002 on section with significant (

Figure 6: BTD002 on section with significant (>5-gram x metre) intersections. The Welcome Fault represents a newly discovered NE-dipping gold reef that is parallel to, and in the hanging-wall of, the targeted Hanover Reef. The anticline is occupied by a significant, gold anomalous quartz saddle reef as intersected by BTD002 (peak intersection of 2.22 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 467.4 m).

An additional parallel reef “the Welcome Fault,” was discovered in the hanging-wall position of the Hanover Reef and returned 4.1 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m (Figure 7). Both the Hanover Reef and Welcome Fault are relatively closely spaced, parallel targets with a potential strike length exceeding 800 m based on historic workings and mapping.

BTD002 from 32.47 m – 39.20 m across the Welcome Fault returning 4.10 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m. This zone is characterised by abundant blebs and veinlets of sulphide (pyrite + arsenopyrite) up to 15% locally. Pervasive sericite alteration with kaolinite gives the altered siltstone and fine sandstone a characteristic bleached appearance.

Figure 7: BTD002 from 32.47 m – 39.20 m across the Welcome Fault returning 4.10 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m. This zone is characterised by abundant blebs and veinlets of sulphide (pyrite + arsenopyrite) up to 15% locally. Pervasive sericite alteration with kaolinite gives the altered siltstone and fine sandstone a characteristic bleached appearance.

Up to 15% arsenopyrite and pyrite were logged in the Welcome Fault near surface; and up to 5% in the underlying Hanover Fault indicating a potential source for the IP Chargeability anomaly (Figure 8). This zone is interpreted to trend NW and parallel to both structures and remains mostly untested. BTD002 is the first hole drilled into this high priority, developing NW-trending structural and IP target corridor.

An interpreted saddle reef characterised by a wide intersection of quartz veining was also encountered between 464 – 515 m in BTD002 across an anticline (Figure 6). Anomalous gold averaging >0.1 g/t Au; with a peak intercept of 2.22 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 467.4 m demonstrate gold fertility and highlight the anticlines as key target features with the potential to host multiple mineralisation styles.

A potential NE extension to the Leven Star and a parallel structure expressed at surface by a historically exploited alluvial gold channel known as Butchers Gully was targeted in BTD003. Two distinct, narrow (< 1 m) sulphide-breccias within wider (> 5 m) zones of intense sericite and clay alteration were encountered at 107.05 m and 132.6 m respectively, with the latter returning a narrow result of 0.3 m @ 3.71 g/t Au from 132.6 m, and the former returning an anomalous result of 0.90 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 107 m; providing evidence that the Butchers Gully target is mineralised at depth. An intersection of 3.00 m @ 1.00 g/t Au from 318.41 m in BTD003 characterised by increased silica with disseminated chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and pyrite is interpreted as a potential Leven Star Reef extension.

The second high-order chargeability anomaly was tested on section by holes BTD004 and BTD005 (Figure 8), in addition to several known and interpreted reef positions. Multiple gold occurrences were intersected across both holes (Table 1) with peak result of 2 m @ 15.18 g/t Au from 9 m associated with a thin limonitic tectonic breccia. This new high-grade intercept is flagged for follow up.

Oblique view of IP lines showing chargeability anomalies and key reefs tested as part of current program.

Figure 8: Oblique view of IP lines showing chargeability anomalies and key reefs tested as part of current program.

Drill hole BTD005 has intersected the Missing Link Reef, returning 12.26 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from 185 m (includes 4.6 m @ 2.64 g/t Au from 185 m) and extends this prospective reef an additional ~200 m to the north from previous drilling (MD18)5. BTD005 is drilled oblique to the Missing Link Reef and is not considered true width.

Drill hole BTD006 (Figure 9) targets a strong geochemical anomaly immediately adjacent the Taradale Fault. Several mineralised structures were intersected, with the most significant returning 7 m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 179 m (includes 3.19 m @ 3.42 g/t Au from 182.81 m). This intersection likely represents an extension to the Piezzi-Stackyard Reef that was historically mined and explored adjacent the larger O’Connor’s reef. The O’Connor’s Reef and Piezzi-Stackyard Reef represent a priority target that extends over a 1.8 km strike and is open in all directions. Only three diamond holes drilled to date test these reefs.

BTD006 has also demonstrated that the regionally significant Taradale Fault and associated splays are mineralised, albeit to lower levels, returning a peak result of 1.42 m @ 1.23 g/t Au from 150.43 m along the main Taradale structure.

BTD006 on section testing the regionally significant Taradale Fault and associated splay structures. A significant (

Figure 9: BTD006 on section testing the regionally significant Taradale Fault and associated splay structures. A significant (>5-gram x metre) intersection along the east-dipping Piezzi Reef Fault returned 7 m @ 1.88 g/t Au and anomalous gold is present across the O’Connors Reef. Both the Piezzi and O’Connor’s reefs are interpreted as “Blind Targets,” on this section, occurring in the footwall of the Taradale Fault and not daylighting at surface.

BELLTOPPER FORWARD PROGRAM

Work is currently focussed on reviewing and re-logging historic drill holes relevant to current targets at Belltopper. Several historic holes intersect known or modelled reef occurrences, but in many cases the reefs are either unsampled, partially sampled or niche-sampled only. Where these unsampled prospective reefs are confirmed, they are infill sampled as part of the current program. Assays from infill sampling of historic core are predominantly still outstanding.

Information from the historic core re-logging and infill sampling program forms an important component of a detailed review of the Leven Star mineral resource, which is currently underway.

An expanded spectral logging program on pulps from key historic and recent drill hole samples has also commenced. In conjunction with detailed multi-element data for the corresponding pulps, this will provide another critical layer to be integrated into the targeting model to help vector into the most prospective areas for high-grade mineralisation.

It is anticipated that the remaining data from the current historic core logging and sampling program, in addition to data and interpretation from the hyperspectral sampling program, will be fully integrated into the evolving 3D targeting model at Belltopper by Q3, 2024. At that point, planning for the next phase of drilling and further exploration activities can be executed.    

Mapping and surface sampling is additionally planned to follow up significant new reef discoveries in drilling that warrant investigation at surface, in addition to expanding the exercise across priority areas that have yet to be mapped and sampled at Belltopper.

ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY

Diamond Core

The diamond drill core was sampled by cutting the core in half longitudinally. Samples were cut to geological boundaries or to a preferred length of 1.0 m. The core was halved along the plane of orientation using a diamond saw and the upper half of the core dispatched for analysis and the lower half returned to the core tray in its original orientation. Sampling interval lengths range from 0.3 m up to 1.3 m. Core loss zones greater than or equal to 0.2 m are recorded. Sampling does not cross core loss zones of greater than or equal to 0.3 m. Depending on their relationship to potential mineralization, zones with core loss less than 0.3 m and greater than 0.1 m can terminate a sampling sequence or be included within a sample interval with the percentage of sample recovery recorded. Where core loss cannot be specifically attributed, the percentage of sample recovery is recorded.

All core samples were crushed and pulverised at ALS Limited in Adelaide, Australia (ALS CRU-21/PUL-23) and sub-sampled for fire assay and multi-element analysis at ALS Limited in Perth, Australia (ALS Au-AA26, ME-MS61).

Drill core duplicates are inserted at a rate of one sample every 25. To produce a duplicate sample, the whole core sample is first cut in half, with half of the core returned to the tray. The other half is then quartered with one quarter used as a primary sample and the other as the duplicate.

Blanks and standards are inserted at a rate of eight samples in 100, with three OREAS CRM standards (OREAS 232, OREAS 239, OREAS 264) and one blanks (OREAS C26d) systematically repeated.

No QAQC issues were detected. All relevant data was verified by a qualified person/competent person (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) respectively) by reviewing analytical procedures undertaken by ALS Limited.

Authorised for release by the Board of Directors.

CONTACT

Investors:
Mike Spreadborough
+61 8 6400 6100
info@novoresources.com
North American Queries:
Leo Karabelas
+1 416 543 3120
leo@novoresources.com
Media:
Cameron Gilenko
+61 466 984 953
c.gilenko@morrowsodali.com
 


QP STATEMENT

Dr. Christopher Doyle (MAIG), is the qualified person, as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Doyle is Novo’s Exploration Manager – Victoria.

JORC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

The information in this report that relates to new exploration results at the Belltopper Gold Project is based on information compiled by Dr. Christopher Doyle, who is a full-time employee of Novo Resources Corp. Dr. Christopher Doyle is a Competent Person who is a member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Dr. Christopher Doyle has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and the type of deposits under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Dr. Christopher Doyle consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on her information in the form and context in which it appears.

The information in this news release in relation to previous exploration results at Leven Star and other prospects on the Belltopper Gold Project (Belltopper) is extracted from various news releases as referenced herein and Novo's Prospectus dated 2 August 2023 (which includes an Independent Geologist's Report at Annexure 1) that was released to ASX on 7 September 2023 and which is available to view on www.asx.com.au. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some statements in this news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian and Australian securities law and regulations. In this news release, such statements include but are not limited to planned exploration activities and the timing of such. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, customary risks of the resource industry and the risk factors identified in Novo’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 (which is available under Novo’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.asx.com.au) in the Company’s prospectus dated 2 August 2023 which is available at www.asx.com.au. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Novo assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Novo updates any forward-looking statement(s), no inference should be drawn that the Company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

ABOUT NOVO

Novo is an Australian based gold explorer listed on the ASX and the TSX focused on discovering standalone gold projects with > 1 Moz development potential. Novo is an innovative gold explorer with a significant land package covering approximately 7,000 square kilometres in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, along with the 22 square kilometre Belltopper project in the Bendigo Tectonic Zone of Victoria, Australia.

Novo’s vanguard Project is the Egina Gold Camp, where De Grey is farming-in at Becher and surrounding tenements through exploration expenditure of A$25 million within 4 years for a 50% interest. Significant gold mineralisation has also been identified at Nunyerry North, this area is part of the Croyden JV (Novo 70%: Creasy Group 30%).

With a dedicated and disciplined acquisition program in place to identify value accretive opportunities and via its exposure to non-core minerals and metals through joint partnerships, Novo is focused on building further value for shareholders.

APPENDIX 1: BELLTOPPER 2024 DRILL COLLARS

Hole IDHole TypeDepth (m)EastingNorthingRL AHD
(m)
Lease IDCollar
Dip
Collar
Azimuth
(MGA94 55) (°)
Collar
Azimuth
(Mag) (°)
BTD001DD323.7263866.025880369.85524.18RL006587-66128.5119.0
BTD002DD594263701.315881202.77457.18RL006587-60145.1135.6
BTD003DD389.7264162.295880827.97489.97RL006587-50.05135.1125.6
BTD004DD521263530.065880820.71471.69RL006587-4590.280.7
BTD005DD299.9263394.655880825.96471.94RL006587-5090.581.0
BTD006DD400.6263263.535880606.13470.22RL006587-37.88144.5135.0

All drill collars are reported in MGA94 Zone 55

APPENDIX 2: BELLTOPPER 2024 SIGNIFICANT INTERSECTIONS

Intercepts calculated with 0.3 g/t Au cut-off and 2 m internal dilution. High grade included intercepts calculated with 1.0 g/t Au and no internal dilution. All significant intersections from recent BTD series Belltopper drilling reported.

^ All width and intercepts are expressed as metres downhole rather than true width. Calculated as length weighted averages.

^^ Au g/t multiplied by metres.

Logged core loss treated as 0 g/t Au grade in all calculations. The gold assay of a primary sample from a duplicate pair will be used in all calculations. Any isolated gold intersections separated by internal dilution must independently be above the average cut-off grade when including the grades of the internal dilution.

Drill HoleIncludingFrom
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
^
Au (g/t)Au g*m ^^Intersection
BTD001 27.0027.800.800.530.40.80 m @ 0.53 g/t Au from 27 m
BTD001 54.3055.301.000.951.01.00 m @ 0.95 g/t Au from 54.3 m
BTD001 73.1574.151.000.340.31.00 m @ 0.34 g/t Au from 73.15 m
BTD001 80.4580.800.350.370.10.35 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 80.45 m
BTD001 90.5091.501.000.340.31.00 m @ 0.34 g/t Au from 90.5 m
BTD001 95.6195.950.340.620.20.34 m @ 0.62 g/t Au from 95.61 m
BTD001 100.95101.951.000.370.41.00 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 100.95 m
BTD001 119.18119.800.620.870.50.62 m @ 0.87 g/t Au from 119.18 m
BTD001 137.10138.101.000.520.51.00 m @ 0.52 g/t Au from 137.1 m
BTD001 146.50147.501.000.700.71.00 m @ 0.70 g/t Au from 146.5 m
BTD001 152.65154.151.500.901.41.50 m @ 0.90 g/t Au from 152.65 m
BTD001 166.85167.300.453.381.50.45 m @ 3.38 g/t Au from 166.85 m
BTD001 186.15186.500.353.261.10.35 m @ 3.26 g/t Au from 186.15 m
BTD001 189.50190.501.000.470.51.00 m @ 0.47 g/t Au from 189.5 m
BTD001 219.80225.405.603.1417.65.60 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m
BTD001inc.222.36225.403.044.9715.13.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m
BTD001 230.00231.941.942.374.61.94 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 230 m
BTD001 238.50239.300.800.350.30.80 m @ 0.35 g/t Au from 238.5 m
BTD001 241.30244.303.001.163.53.00 m @ 1.16 g/t Au from 241.3 m
BTD001 246.30247.301.000.790.81.00 m @ 0.79 g/t Au from 246.3 m
BTD001 254.95257.002.050.941.92.05 m @ 0.94 g/t Au from 254.95 m
BTD001 274.75279.004.255.8825.04.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m
BTD001inc.277.00279.002.0011.1522.32.00 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m
BTD002 36.1040.204.102.379.74.10 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m
BTD002 127.80128.901.101.291.41.10 m @ 1.29 g/t Au from 127.8 m
BTD002 197.35199.001.650.360.61.65 m @ 0.36 g/t Au from 197.35 m
BTD002 216.00235.1519.150.6813.019.15 m @ 0.68 g/t Au from 216 m
BTD002inc.217.60218.250.652.001.30.65 m @ 2.00 g/t Au from 217.6 m
BTD002inc.219.15220.050.901.081.00.90 m @ 1.08 g/t Au from 219.15 m
BTD002inc.231.75232.801.051.021.11.05 m @ 1.02 g/t Au from 231.75 m
BTD002inc.233.70235.151.451.822.61.45 m @ 1.82 g/t Au from 233.7 m
BTD002 237.40238.801.400.791.11.40 m @ 0.79 g/t Au from 237.4 m
BTD002 319.80320.350.550.440.20.55 m @ 0.44 g/t Au from 319.8 m
BTD002 367.50369.001.500.470.71.50 m @ 0.47 g/t Au from 367.5 m
BTD002 441.15441.450.300.730.20.30 m @ 0.73 g/t Au from 441.15 m
BTD002 443.35444.250.900.910.80.90 m @ 0.91 g/t Au from 443.35 m
BTD002 448.02448.400.380.350.10.38 m @ 0.35 g/t Au from 448.02 m
BTD002 457.05458.051.000.380.41.00 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 457.05 m
BTD002 462.63462.950.320.420.10.32 m @ 0.42 g/t Au from 462.63 m
BTD002 464.77465.170.401.220.50.40 m @ 1.22 g/t Au from 464.77 m
BTD002 467.40469.622.220.431.02.22 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 467.4 m
BTD002 485.40486.901.500.340.51.50 m @ 0.34 g/t Au from 485.4 m
BTD002 500.30501.190.890.770.70.89 m @ 0.77 g/t Au from 500.3 m
BTD002 502.70503.000.300.480.10.30 m @ 0.48 g/t Au from 502.7 m
BTD002 557.23557.620.390.610.20.39 m @ 0.61 g/t Au from 557.23 m
BTD002 573.38573.760.380.310.10.38 m @ 0.31 g/t Au from 573.38 m
BTD003 4.105.101.000.870.91.00 m @ 0.87 g/t Au from 4.1 m
BTD003 7.008.001.000.580.61.00 m @ 0.58 g/t Au from 7 m
BTD003 14.4515.250.800.550.40.80 m @ 0.55 g/t Au from 14.45 m
BTD003 24.5025.050.550.380.20.55 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 24.5 m
BTD003 50.2852.001.720.430.81.72 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 50.28 m
BTD003 107.00107.900.900.370.30.90 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 107 m
BTD003 132.60132.900.303.711.10.30 m @ 3.71 g/t Au from 132.6 m
BTD003 147.85148.550.700.360.30.70 m @ 0.36 g/t Au from 147.85 m
BTD003 168.40177.609.200.676.29.20 m @ 0.67 g/t Au from 168.4 m
BTD003inc.171.30172.401.101.361.51.10 m @ 1.36 g/t Au from 171.3 m
BTD003inc.174.30175.000.701.020.70.70 m @ 1.02 g/t Au from 174.3 m
BTD003 179.93180.700.770.580.50.77 m @ 0.58 g/t Au from 179.93 m
BTD003 192.45196.454.000.502.04.00 m @ 0.50 g/t Au from 192.45 m
BTD003 199.30200.100.800.550.40.80 m @ 0.55 g/t Au from 199.3 m
BTD003 201.80203.571.770.530.91.77 m @ 0.53 g/t Au from 201.8 m
BTD003 226.45226.920.470.380.20.47 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 226.45 m
BTD003 314.65315.651.000.350.41.00 m @ 0.35 g/t Au from 314.65 m
BTD003 318.41321.413.001.003.03.00 m @ 1.00 g/t Au from 318.41 m
BTD003inc.320.41321.411.001.931.91.00 m @ 1.93 g/t Au from 320.41 m
BTD003 334.94335.760.820.530.40.82 m @ 0.53 g/t Au from 334.94 m
BTD003 354.17354.560.390.380.20.39 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 354.17 m
BTD004 9.0011.002.0015.1830.42.00 m @ 15.18 g/t Au from 9 m
BTD004 90.5892.001.421.612.31.42 m @ 1.61 g/t Au from 90.58 m
BTD004inc.90.5891.000.424.020.40.42 m @ 4.02 g/t Au from 90.58 m
BTD004 110.71112.151.440.691.01.44 m @ 0.69 g/t Au from 110.71 m
BTD004 129.65130.811.161.131.31.16 m @ 1.13 g/t Au from 129.65 m
BTD004 133.55133.870.321.550.50.32 m @ 1.55 g/t Au from 133.55 m
BTD004 136.87138.671.801.292.31.80 m @ 1.29 g/t Au from 136.87 m
BTD004inc.136.87137.820.951.271.20.95 m @ 1.27 g/t Au from 136.87 m
BTD004inc.138.20138.670.471.800.90.47 m @ 1.80 g/t Au from 138.2 m
BTD004 157.83158.750.920.740.70.92 m @ 0.74 g/t Au from 157.83 m
BTD004 174.02174.940.920.890.80.92 m @ 0.89 g/t Au from 174.02 m
BTD004 178.95179.300.351.860.70.35 m @ 1.86 g/t Au from 178.95 m
BTD004 199.00199.400.400.630.30.40 m @ 0.63 g/t Au from 199 m
BTD004 227.22229.001.780.631.11.78 m @ 0.63 g/t Au from 227.22 m
BTD004inc.227.22227.520.302.190.70.30 m @ 2.19 g/t Au from 227.22 m
BTD004 241.00242.001.000.420.41.00 m @ 0.42 g/t Au from 241 m
BTD004 242.80244.301.500.751.11.50 m @ 0.75 g/t Au from 242.8 m
BTD004 250.00251.001.001.841.81.00 m @ 1.84 g/t Au from 250 m
BTD004 255.81256.300.491.000.50.49 m @ 1.00 g/t Au from 255.81 m
BTD004 270.67271.200.531.500.80.53 m @ 1.50 g/t Au from 270.67 m
BTD004 312.28312.950.670.690.50.67 m @ 0.69 g/t Au from 312.28 m
BTD004inc.312.64312.950.311.060.30.31 m @ 1.06 g/t Au from 312.64 m
BTD004 314.67315.040.370.490.20.37 m @ 0.49 g/t Au from 314.67 m
BTD004 319.15319.550.401.800.70.40 m @ 1.80 g/t Au from 319.15 m
BTD004 328.15328.570.420.410.20.42 m @ 0.41 g/t Au from 328.15 m
BTD004 352.30352.650.350.370.10.35 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 352.3 m
BTD004 360.45360.790.340.340.10.34 m @ 0.34 g/t Au from 360.45 m
BTD004 384.34384.640.300.310.10.30 m @ 0.31 g/t Au from 384.34 m
BTD004 390.69391.030.340.300.10.34 m @ 0.30 g/t Au from 390.69 m
BTD004 396.00396.300.300.670.20.30 m @ 0.67 g/t Au from 396 m
BTD004 399.00400.001.000.600.61.00 m @ 0.60 g/t Au from 399 m
BTD004 405.50405.800.300.900.30.30 m @ 0.90 g/t Au from 405.5 m
BTD004 415.53416.030.501.480.70.50 m @ 1.48 g/t Au from 415.53 m
BTD004 433.60434.400.800.510.40.80 m @ 0.51 g/t Au from 433.6 m
BTD004 435.00436.001.000.550.61.00 m @ 0.55 g/t Au from 435 m
BTD004 466.81467.280.470.430.20.47 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 466.81 m
BTD004 469.20469.600.400.470.20.40 m @ 0.47 g/t Au from 469.2 m
BTD004 474.08474.830.750.730.60.75 m @ 0.73 g/t Au from 474.08 m
BTD004 478.15479.000.850.370.30.85 m @ 0.37 g/t Au from 478.15 m
BTD004 492.02492.530.510.380.20.51 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 492.02 m
BTD005 1.105.904.800.783.84.80 m @ 0.78 g/t Au from 1.1 m
BTD005inc.5.005.900.901.851.70.90 m @ 1.85 g/t Au from 5 m
BTD005 13.0016.003.000.511.53.00 m @ 0.51 g/t Au from 13 m
BTD005 37.0038.001.000.400.41.00 m @ 0.40 g/t Au from 37 m
BTD005 145.33147.201.871.172.21.87 m @ 1.17 g/t Au from 145.33 m
BTD005inc.145.33146.200.871.521.50.87 m @ 1.52 g/t Au from 145.33 m
BTD005 156.84157.240.400.770.30.40 m @ 0.77 g/t Au from 156.84 m
BTD005 164.11167.283.171.073.43.17 m @ 1.07 g/t Au from 164.11 m
BTD005inc.165.29166.291.002.082.11.00 m @ 2.08 g/t Au from 165.29 m
BTD005 185.00197.2612.261.4517.712.26 m @ 1.45 g/t Au from 185 m
BTD005inc.185.00189.604.602.6412.14.60 m @ 2.64 g/t Au from 185 m
BTD005inc.190.76191.060.303.110.90.30 m @ 3.11 g/t Au from 190.76 m
BTD005inc.193.06194.261.201.111.31.20 m @ 1.11 g/t Au from 193.06 m
BTD005 230.60231.000.400.310.10.40 m @ 0.31 g/t Au from 230.6 m
BTD005 243.00243.340.340.380.10.34 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 243 m
BTD005 245.00245.400.400.380.20.40 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 245 m
BTD005 260.53262.001.470.500.71.47 m @ 0.50 g/t Au from 260.53 m
BTD005 264.48265.501.020.890.91.02 m @ 0.89 g/t Au from 264.48 m
BTD005 268.50269.290.791.180.90.79 m @ 1.18 g/t Au from 268.5 m
BTD005 281.41281.800.394.011.60.39 m @ 4.01 g/t Au from 281.41 m
BTD005 288.88289.080.200.550.10.20 m @ 0.55 g/t Au from 288.88 m
BTD005 290.90297.706.800.986.76.80 m @ 0.98 g/t Au from 290.9 m
BTD005inc.290.90291.590.693.342.30.69 m @ 3.34 g/t Au from 290.9 m
BTD005inc.294.52295.521.002.622.61.00 m @ 2.62 g/t Au from 294.52 m
BTD006 81.9082.931.030.380.41.03 m @ 0.38 g/t Au from 81.9 m
BTD006 95.5896.000.420.680.30.42 m @ 0.68 g/t Au from 95.58 m
BTD006 123.46123.800.340.970.30.34 m @ 0.97 g/t Au from 123.46 m
BTD006 150.43151.851.421.231.81.42 m @ 1.23 g/t Au from 150.43 m
BTD006inc.151.00151.850.851.621.40.85 m @ 1.62 g/t Au from 151 m
BTD006 163.38165.061.682.183.71.68 m @ 2.18 g/t Au from 163.38 m
BTD006 179.00186.007.001.8813.17.00 m @ 1.88 g/t Au from 179 m
BTD006inc.181.60182.290.691.030.70.69 m @ 1.03 g/t Au from 181.6 m
BTD006inc.182.81186.003.193.4210.93.19 m @ 3.42 g/t Au from 182.81 m
BTD006 189.00190.071.070.320.31.07 m @ 0.32 g/t Au from 189 m
BTD006 193.81194.110.300.770.20.30 m @ 0.77 g/t Au from 193.81 m
BTD006 238.14239.701.560.550.91.56 m @ 0.55 g/t Au from 238.14 m
BTD006inc.238.14238.600.461.120.50.46 m @ 1.12 g/t Au from 238.14 m
BTD006 248.51248.890.381.090.40.38 m @ 1.09 g/t Au from 248.51 m
BTD006 256.68257.000.320.710.20.32 m @ 0.71 g/t Au from 256.68 m
BTD006 296.42298.181.761.172.11.76 m @ 1.17 g/t Au from 296.42 m
BTD006inc.296.42297.360.941.921.80.94 m @ 1.92 g/t Au from 296.42 m
BTD006 370.80371.100.300.650.20.30 m @ 0.65 g/t Au from 370.8 m


JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1 Belltopper Gold Project

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

CriteriaJORC Code explanationCommentary
Sampling techniques
  • Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
  • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
  • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.
  • In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.
  • All holes recently drilled by Novo at the Belltopper Project were drilled as standard HQ diamond drilling (DD) core.
  • HQ drill core was sawed longitudinally in half for primary samples or quarter cored for duplicate samples.
  • Samples were bagged into calico bags and sent to ALS Adelaide, which prepared the samples using industry standard procedures for Fire Assay and Multi-element analysis.
  • Samples were coarse crushed (CRU-21) then pulverise up to 3 kg to 85% passing 75 microns (PUL-23).
  • Gold was analysed with a 50 g ore grade Au fire assay and an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish (Au-AA26).
  • 48 element multielement geochemistry was obtained by a four acid digestion with ICP-MS Finish on 0.25 g pulp sample (ME-MS61).
 
Drilling techniques
  • Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
  • Diamond drilling utilised standard wireline drilling methods. All drill core was drilled as conventional HQ core (63.5 mm diameter) from surface.
  • Downhole surveying of diamond drilling was carried out at a nominal 6 m, then every 25 m from thereon and at end of hole using a REFLEX EZ-TRAC™ digital magnetic hole survey system.
  • All drill hole runs were measured for orientation using a REFLEX ACT III™ digital core orientation system
  • Diamond drilling in the December 2023 – March 2024 drill program was completed to a maximum depth of 594 metres in BTD002.
Drill sample recovery
  • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.
  • Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.
  • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
  • Diamond core recovery was recorded in diamond drill logs run by run and core loss greater than or equal to 0.2 m was recorded in geological logs.
  • Recovery was excellent throughout the duration of the recent drill program with only a small selection of core loss experienced. Recovery for the program equated to close 99.9 % recovery.
  • The sampling method used (DD half core) was appropriate and representative and no sample bias has been observed.
Logging
  • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
  • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.
  • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
  • All diamond drill core was washed and metre-marked, orientated, and then selectively logged for geotechnical parameters (RQD, rock strength), lithology, mineralisation, weathering, alteration, quartz vein style and percentage and number of quartz veins per metre, magnetic susceptibility, and representative density measurements. Additional comments relating to specific mineralised intervals were added once assays were received.
  • All drill core was photographed both wet and dry.
  • The logging is of a standard that allows identification and interpretation of key geological features to a level appropriate to support mineral resource estimation.
 
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation
  • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.
  • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
  • For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
  • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.
  • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.
  • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.
  • The diamond drill core was sampled by cutting the core in half longitudinally. Samples were cut to geological boundaries or to a preferred length of 1.0 m. The core was halved along the plane of orientation using a diamond saw and the upper half (left side of the tray when looking down hole) of the core dispatched for analysis and the lower half returned to the core tray in its original orientation.
  • Sample intervals ranged from 0.3 m to 1.3 m.
  • All samples were crushed and pulverized (ALS CRU-21/PUL-23) and sub-sampled for Fire Assay and Multi-Element analysis.
  • The sampling methods and sample sizes are appropriate to the style of mineralisation (fine-grained free gold, fine grained disseminated auriferous sulphides or the oxidized equivalents).
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests
  • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total.
  • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.
  • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.
  • ALS Laboratories Au-AA26 (50 g Fire Assay): A prepared sample is fused with a mixture of lead oxide, sodium carbonate, borax, silica and other reagents as required, inquarted with 6 mg of gold-free silver and then cupelled to yield a precious metal bead. The bead is digested in 0.5 mL dilute nitric acid in the microwave oven. 0.5 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid is then added and the bead is further digested in the microwave at a lower power setting. The digested solution is cooled, diluted to a total volume of 10 mL with de-mineralized water, and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy against matrix-matched standards.
  • ALS Laboratories ME-MS61; a 0.25g sample is subjected to near-total digestion by a four-acid mixture and finished with a combination of ICP Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES).
  • No handheld laboratory tools were used (e.g. Niton) with all assays performed at external laboratories.
  • Laboratory QAQC involves the use of internal lab standards using certified reference material, blanks, splits and replicates as part of the in-house procedures.
  • Novo staff used an industry accepted QAQC methodology incorporating blind field duplicates, blanks, and certified reference materials (CRM) standards. Standards and blanks were inserted at a rate of four each per hundred samples (see Standard ID table) and field duplicates were inserted at a nominal rate of four per hundred with geologist discretion for duplicate placement. 
  Table of CRM standard insertion rate
  Standard IDSample ID
ending in
  OREAS 23233, 83
  OREAS 239 or 
OREAS 232b
58
  OREAS 26408
  BLANK
OREAS C26d
OrOREAS C26e
16, 41, 66, 91
  
  • No issues of concern were identified in a comprehensive review of QAQC data associated with the BTD series holes.
Verification of sampling and assaying
  • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel.
  • The use of twinned holes.
  • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
  • Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
  • All significant intersections were checked and verified internally by senior qualified Novo staff.
  • Twinned holes were not completed.
  • All primary drill core data was documented, verified (including QAQC analysis) and stored within an industry-standard SQL database.
Location of data points
  • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation.
  • Specification of the grid system used.
  • Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
  • All drill hole collars were initially surveyed by Novo staff using a hand-held GPS. At the completion of the program all collars were surveyed by a licensed contractor using a Differential GPS system (DGPS).
  • Downhole surveying of diamond drilling was carried out at a nominal 6 m, then every 25 m from thereon and at end of hole using a Relex EZ-TRAC™ digital magnetic hole survey system.
Data spacing and distribution
  • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
  • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.
  • Whether sample compositing has been applied.
  • Drilling on the Leven Star lode (BTD001) was located on existing drill pad within the current resource area along an existing drill section (same drill section as MD16 was drilled in 2022).
  • Intersections on the Leven Star lode will be at spacing sufficient for Inferred Resource classification (nominal 50 m along strike and down-dip spacing).
  • Drilling outside the Leven Star lode resource area was of a scout nature testing narrow lode mineralization styles.
  • Samples were not physically composited.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure
  • Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
  • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
  • BTD001 intersects Leven Star at a shallow angle. True widths for these intersections will be between 50 % and 60 % lower than the reported downhole widths.
  • BTD002 was drilled shallow along the strike of geology with the aim of increasing potential of intersecting anticline related mineralisation. The two most elevated intersection in BTD002 were Welcome Fault (4.1 m @ 2.4 g/t Au from 36.1 m) and Hanover fault (19.15 m @ 0.7 g/t Au from 216 m in BTD002).  BTD002 intersected both structures at a shallow angle and the true width of these structures are likely to be around 40% less than the reported down hole width.
  • Cross section interpretation of BTD003 indicates that BTD003 intersected Butcher Gully fault at a high angle, while other key intersections from this hole were likely intersected at a shallower angle, and the true width of these structures are likely to be around 20% to 30 % less than the reported down hole width.
  • Cross section interpretation of BTD004 and BTD005 indicate most drill intersections were at a high angle to intersected reefs with the notable exception of the Missing Link (12.26 m @ 1.4 g/t Au from 185 m) and Missing Link Footwall (3.17 m @ 1.1 g/t Au from 164.11 m) which were both intersected at a shallow angle of around 30 degrees.  True widths for these intersections will be approximately 40 % less than the reported downhole widths.
  • BTD006 intersected Piezzi Reef Fault (7 m @ 1.9 g/t Au from 179 m) at a shallow angle.  The true width of this intersection is likely to be between 50 % and 40 % less than the reported downhole width.
  • No sampling bias is considered to have been introduced by the drilling orientation.
Sample security
  • The measures taken to ensure sample security.
  • All samples were transported by a commercial courier directly to ALS Laboratories in Adelaide for Novo core facility in Castlemaine, Victoria.
  • Core, coarse rejects and pulps are stored at the Novo core facility in Castlemaine, Victoria.
Audits or reviews
  • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
  • No audits of either the data or the methods used in this program have been undertaken to date.


Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

CriteriaJORC Code explanationCommentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status
  • Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
  • The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
  • The Belltopper Project is enclosed within retention license RL006587 (Originally granted on 23rd September 2020 for a period of 10 years) and EL007112 (Originally granted on 3rd of July 2020 for a period of 5 years). All BTD series drilling was located on RL006587
  • The rights, title and interest of RL006587 and EL007112 are held under Rocklea Gold Pty Ltd (100% subsidiary of Novo resources Corp.)
  • Part of retention license RL006587 is located within the Fryers Ridge Conservation Reserve. The Reserve is classified as ‘restricted Crown land’ under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1990 and may be used for mineral exploration and mining, subject to the approval of the Minister for Environment and Conservation.
  • Novo has accepted the Schedule 4 conditions of the Land Use Activity Agreement between the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the State of Victoria applying to all Crown land including road reserves within the retention license.
Exploration done by other parties
  • Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.
  • The project area has been explored by several companies since the 1970s. In 1987 Paringa drilled 3 DD holes for 741.55m. In 1990-92 Pittson drilled 16 DD holes for 2245.8m. In 1994 Eureka drilled 15 RC holes for 1682.1m and 2 RC holes with DD tails for a further 185.1m.
  • GBM Resources drilled 12 DD holes (MD01 to MD11 including MD08A) for 3694 m in 2008 followed by a single 999.8 m hole (MD12) which was drilled in March 2010).
  • In joint venture with GBM Resources, Novo Resources drilled 3161.7 m of HQ and NQ diamond core across 11 holes (MD13 to MD22 including MD18A).
Geology
  • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.
  • The geology within the RL area consists of a series of Early Ordovician turbidites that form part of the Castlemaine Supergroup within the Ballarat-Bendigo Structural Zone of the Lachlan Fold Belt. The sediments comprise of a very uniform and well-bedded sequence of marine sandstone and mudstone interbedded with fossiliferous black shale. The Drummond North goldfield is a north-trending belt of fault-related mineralised zones, extending from the Humboldt reef in the north to the Queen’s Birthday reef in the south, a distance of around 4 kilometres.
  • Historically two styles of mineralisation have been investigated at Belltopper Hill, located within the Drummond North Goldfield. One comprises steeply dipping, north-west to north-trending quartz veins with associated stockwork zones (e.g. Panama and Missing Link) that were worked to shallow depths in the late 1800s. The other is a northeast-striking zone that cuts obliquely across bedding in the Ordovician sedimentary rocks and was worked for a short time in the 1930s as Andrews Lode but more recently as the Leven Star Zone. Most modern exploration has targeted the Leven Star lode with only modest attention paid to the other reefs on Belltopper or to the reef lines south of the hill where the bulk of historical production occurred.
  • Recent drilling has also highlighted the potential of saddle reef style mineralisation within the Belltopper corridor.
  • At Leven Star, the GBM 2008 resource work determined that the reef, up to 8m wide, follows a narrow, brittle fault zone with associated intense fracturing and quartz vein development in the country rock. Deformity and reef width are controlled by lithology with the best development in coarser-grained sandstone units. Sulphide mineralisation occurs as; fine-grained pyrite/stibnite/bismuth-telluride/bismuthinite in quartz veins and country rock fractures, disseminated clots of pyrite-arsenopyrite-stibnite-pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite, and as fine needles and radial clots associated with sericite. Pyrite is most widespread while stibnite-arsenpyrite are restricted to stockwork veins and larger-scale quartz veins. Alteration is dominated by sericite, within quartz veins and as vein selvedge. Carbonate/sulphide alteration is extensive as haloes around breccia zones. Skarn-like assemblages of scheelite/fluorite/cassiterite with coarse bladed calcite and muscovite are also present.
  • The Drummond/Belltopper mineralisation shares similarities with the Fosterville gold field; mapped distribution and scale of workings, reef geometry, gold in arsenopyrite disseminated in country rocks, sulphide-carbonate alteration and gold antimony association, and mineralisation age (370 Ma).
  • Mineralisation may be associated with buried intrusion(s) of IRG or porphyry affinity. Evidence for intrusion-related mineralisation includes; outcropping auriferous and altered porphyritic monzogranite with overprinting gold-bearing sheet veins, a Falcon gravity low anomaly spatially associated with the hill and mineralisation, presence of Mo-Bi-W-Te-Sb in soils and rocks on Belltopper, and anomalous Mo-Bi-Sn-W-Cu-Sb-Zn to significant depth in the deep exploration hole MD12.
Drill hole Information
  • A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:
    • easting and northing of the drill hole collar
    • elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
    • dip and azimuth of the hole
    • down hole length and interception depth
    • hole length.
  • If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.
  • Detailed drill hole information is provided in the accompanying table.
Data aggregation methods
  • In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
  • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.
  • The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.
  • Reported gold intersections have been calculated using length-weighted averages using the following parameters:
    • 0.3 g/t Au cut-off and 2 m internal dilution.
    • High grade included intercepts calculated with 1.0 g/t Au and no internal dilution. All significant intersections from recent BTD series Belltopper drilling reported.
    • All width and intercepts are expressed as metres downhole. Calculated as length weighted averages.
  • Logged core loss treated as 0 g/t Au grade in all calculations.
  • The gold assay of a primary sample from a duplicate pair will be used in all calculations.
  • Any isolated gold intersections separated by internal dilution must independently be above the average cut-off grade when including the grades of the internal dilution.
  • Metal equivalents were not reported.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
  • These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.
  • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
  • If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’).
  • Reported gold intersections from drilling represent apparent downhole widths.
Diagrams
  • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
  • Collar plans showing drill collar locations, and drilling cross-sections of reported intersections are included.
Balanced reporting
  • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
  • A table of all significant intersections calculated with the above parameters is presented within this report.
Other substantive exploration data
  • Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
  • No other exploration data.
Further work
  • The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
  • Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
  • Work by Novo has identified strong potential for the discovery of additional resource ounces within the Drummond and Belltopper Hill goldfields.
  • Potential targets can be classified into categories based on structural domains and target models;
    1. Incremental increases to the current Leven Star mineral resource where shoots are open at depth and along strike.
    2. Step over or repeat of Leven Star parallel structures defined by geophysics, mapping, and soils data.
    3. Intersection between key mineralised structures (including Leven Star reef, the Missing Link, Hanover Reef, and Welcome Fault structures) and project scale anticlines (Mostly notably, Belltopper Anticline)
    4. Blind mineralisation associated with north-northwest trending mineralised structures including;   Piezzi Reef Fault and O'Connors Fault under the west dipping regional Taradale Fault.
    5. Poorly tested 1.5+ km system strike length from Queen’s Birthday to O’Connor’s Reefs.
    6. Further investigation of IRGS model; mineralisation in sheeted veins, breccias or disseminations at margin or within near-surface dykes or deeper-seated intrusion(s).

1 GBM has reported that its Leven Star Reef at the Malmsbury Project is comprised of Inferred Mineral Resources of 0.82 Mt @ 3.95 g/t Au for 104 koz Au, as those categories are defined in the JORC Code (as defined in NI 43-101). Refer to GBM’s public disclosure record for further details. Such mineralisation is not necessarily representative of mineralisation throughout the Belltopper Gold Project.
2 Refer to the Company’s news releases dated May 10, 2022, June 21, 2022, September 6, 2022, and November 18, 2022
3 Refer to the Company’s news releases dated December 16, 2021, June 21, 2022, and November 18, 2022
4 Refer to the Company’s news releases dated May 10, 2022
5 Refer to the Company’s news releases dated September 6, 2022.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77a5cbd4-0112-4d06-aeaf-d5a8c12566f0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9680f36-7bdf-41e7-9cf7-047f220b819b

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7648951d-4968-4701-80a3-817e273147dd

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8cb7f42-77d3-4a4e-8bbb-49d1ab2b36f0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d94b2c9-9296-492a-9165-6a7b3344c3ca

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54e58ad7-ad34-4e68-a42f-51fb3d366565

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3cc62395-5382-437d-8b4e-85d928ffe621

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52ade2d5-2bd7-44ce-94d9-60cdb82a3e84

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/981cbf79-226a-42ad-84af-97d3d3cff29f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b7a076a-fe4e-4674-9729-3dea41c36b10


Primary Logo

Figure 1

The Belltopper Gold Project location map with focus area for recent completed drilling.
Photos

Photos of the diamond drill rig used in the program and a typical drill site.
Figure 2

Collar location map and drill azimuth for six recently completed diamond drill holes with key significant intervals highlighted. Projected mining infrastructure in addition to key target mineralised reefs (red lines) also depicted.
Figure 3

BTD001 from 276.26 m – 279.13 m. Structural repeat (or overlap) of Leven Star Reef at depth returning 4.25 m @ 5.88 g/t Au from 274.75 m (including 2 m @ 11.15 g/t Au from 277 m).
Figure 4

BTD001 from 220.03 m – 225.67 m. Leven Star hanging wall splay structure returning5.60 m @ 3.14 g/t Au from 219.8 m (including 3.04 m @ 4.97 g/t Au from 222.36 m).
Figure 5

Drill holes BTD001 and MD16 on section with updated geological interpretation. Of note are the lowermost modelled high-grade zones in MD16 and BTD001 which are interpreted to represent fault repetition (i.e. structural thickening) of the Leven Star mineralisation. The Leven Star is lightly drilled at this RL, remains open at depth, and requires further drilling to evaluate mineralisation potential, and the extent of the local structurally overlapping portion of the reef in this developing high grade zone.
Figure 6

BTD002 on section with significant (>5-gram x metre) intersections. The Welcome Fault represents a newly discovered NE-dipping gold reef that is parallel to, and in the hanging-wall of, the targeted Hanover Reef. The anticline is occupied by a significant, gold anomalous quartz saddle reef as intersected by BTD002 (peak intersection of 2.22 m @ 0.43 g/t Au from 467.4 m).
Figure 7

BTD002 from 32.47 m – 39.20 m across the Welcome Fault returning 4.10 m @ 2.37 g/t Au from 36.1 m. This zone is characterised by abundant blebs and veinlets of sulphide (pyrite + arsenopyrite) up to 15% locally. Pervasive sericite alteration with kaolinite gives the altered siltstone and fine sandstone a characteristic bleached appearance.
Figure 8

Oblique view of IP lines showing chargeability anomalies and key reefs tested as part of current program.
Figure 9

BTD006 on section testing the regionally significant Taradale Fault and associated splay structures. A significant (>5-gram x metre) intersection along the east-dipping Piezzi Reef Fault returned 7 m @ 1.88 g/t Au and anomalous gold is present across the O’Connors Reef. Both the Piezzi and O’Connor’s reefs are interpreted as “Blind Targets,” on this section, occurring in the footwall of the Taradale Fault and not daylighting at surface.