Sirius Resources' Nova nickel discovery keeps on giving - helping the company raise more than $8 million in the past month alone.

The discovery of the Nova deposit in late July threw the spotlight on the exploration junior, which immediately went out and raised $7.6 million through a placement of 10 million shares at 76 cents per share.

But investors holding options have been keen to take advantage of the increasing share price; prior to the discovery shares were around 6 cents each. They're now worth $2.47 (12:58 WST).

That's prompted a flood of share options being exercised and has provided Sirius with an additional $8.29 million in the past month alone. It takes the total amount raised following the discovery to more than $24 million - including the placement.

The boost to the company's bank balance has helped it fast-track an exploration programme in order to firm up the Nova resource and get on the road to production.

Managing director Mark Bennett has indicated to WA Business News he'd like to see the resource defined next year, and a decision made on whether to proceed with the project and financing arrangements being made in 2014.