Alabama Tantalum Project

History of Tantalum Mining in Alabama

Alabama has a long but largely overlooked history of tantalum and tin mining, with the McAllister Deposit emerging as the most significant known source of tantalum production in the United States. Between 1989 and 1992, the operation produced approximately 500,000 pounds of tantalum concentrate, supplying both the U.S. National Defense Stockpile and domestic industry. The project utilized a simple Dense Media Separation (DMS) processing plant that remains a key strategic asset today.

Mining ceased after the shallow, high-grade ore zones were exhausted, despite little exploration being conducted beyond the original workings. The broader district remained largely underexplored, leaving significant untapped potential. Today, Nova Resources is building on this historic foundation with the goal of restoring domestic tantalum production from the last known significant U.S. tantalum mine.

Our Work to Date

Nova Resources has assembled a strategic land position across Alabama's emerging critical minerals district, securing more than 5,000 acres and access to extensive historical exploration data. The company has completed large-scale mapping, trenching, sampling, and geochemical programs that have confirmed the presence of a major lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite system extending across more than 230 square kilometers.

Initial drilling programs have successfully confirmed both lithium and tantalum mineralization, including multiple spodumene-bearing intercepts at the historic McAllister area. Combined with proprietary geological datasets and strong relationships with local landowners, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, Nova has established a strong platform for resource growth and future mine development.

Our Strategy Going Forward

Nova's near-term focus is to advance exploration, expand its land position, and acquire the historic tantalum processing facility. Planned activities include airborne geophysical surveys, additional diamond drilling, and the advancement of engineering and feasibility studies designed to support the restart of tantalum production. The company is also actively pursuing government partnerships and funding opportunities that support domestic critical mineral supply chains.

Over the next two years, Nova intends to define a maiden resource, secure all necessary permits, complete a feasibility study, and recommission the historic tantalum mill. By combining tantalum production with the district's emerging lithium and tin potential, Nova aims to establish a long-term domestic source of critical minerals that supports U.S. defense, technology, and energy security objectives.