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First Atlantic Nickel Intersects 0.23% Nickel and 0.31% Chromium Over 366 Meters in Third Drill Hole at RPM Zone, Confirming at Least 500-Meter Mineralized Width
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from drill hole AN-24-04, the third drill hole at the RPM Zone and the fourth in the Phase 1 drilling program at its 100%-owned Atlantic Nickel Project in central Newfoundland. The 366-meter hole intersected an average of 0.23% nickel and 0.31% chromium over its entire length, from surface to the end of hole, confirming a significant mineralized width of at least 500 meters wide within the RPM Zone (see Figure 1). These assay results follow initial visual observations, which identified large-grain, visibly disseminated awaruite (a sulfur-free naturally occurring nickel metal) mineralization, in all drill holes completed within the RPM Zone.
Drill hole AN-24-04, a 200-meter step-out to the east from drill hole AN-24-03 and drilled eastward toward Chrome Pond, has confirmed consistent nickel mineralization across at least a 500-meter width of the RPM Zone (see Figure 1). The first four holes have returned an average grade of approximately 0.24% nickel. Drill hole AN-24-04 ended in mineralization, indicating that the zone remains open for expansion along strike, as well as in width and depth. These results further reinforce the RPM Zone discovery as a major new nickel system within the Company’s district-scale, 30-kilometer-long ultramafic ophiolite trend.
HIGHLIGHTS
Consistent & Disseminated Mineralization: Drill hole AN-24-04, the third hole drilled in the RPM Zone, intersected 0.23% nickel and 0.31% chromium over its entire 366-meter length. This result demonstrates remarkable consistency along with previous holes in the RPM Zone, where all drill holes have averaged approximately 0.24% nickel.
Confirmed 500-Meter Width: Assays results confirm the visually identified, open-ended, 500-meter-wide mineralized zone, with drill hole AN-24-04 drilled eastward ending in mineralization.
Large-Grain Awaruite: Visible, coarse-grained awaruite, frequently exceeding 500 microns and reaching up to 1,000 microns, was observed throughout the hole, making it well suited for effective magnetic separation processing.
Metallurgical Testing Underway: Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) testing is currently underway for drill holes AN-24-04 and AN-24-05 to evaluate magnetically recoverable nickel content and assess the material’s suitability for commercial-scale magnetic separation processing.
Expanded RPM Zone Potential: Phase 1 drilling at the RPM Zone has defined an initial 400m x 500m mineralized zone. All four initial drill holes began and ended in mineralization, confirming that the system remains open for further expansion along strike, as well as in width and depth.
Phase 2 Drilling: Expanding RPM Zone: Phase 2 drilling will target large-scale step-outs to expand the known dimensions of the RPM Zone and evaluate continuity with the nearby Chrome Pond area, potentially defining a larger, contiguous mineralized system.
For further information, questions, or investor inquiries, please contact Rob Guzman at First Atlantic Nickel by phone at +1-844-592-6337 or via email at rob@fanickel.com.
RPM ZONE: DRILL HOLE AN-24-04 OVERVIEW
Drill hole AN-24-04, also referred to as RPM-DDH003 (See Figure 3 and 4), was a 200-meter step-out hole to the east and drilled eastward from the initial discovery hole, AN-24-02 (RPM-DDH001). The hole reached a depth of 366 meters and intersected serpentinized peridotite ultramafic rock hosting disseminated awaruite (a naturally occurring sulfur-free nickel metal) mineralization from surface to end of the hole. Assay results confirmed an average of 0.23% nickel and 0.31% chromium over the entire 366-meter interval, with peak values reaching up to 0.28% nickel and 0.86% chromium. The hole ended in mineralization, suggesting the system remains open for further extension both eastward and at depth.
Large-grain awaruite, ranging from 100 to 600 microns (see Figure 3 and 4) was visually observed disseminated throughout the drill core. Notably, elongated awaruite grains measuring up to 1,000 microns were recorded at a depth of 180 meters, further reinforcing the zone’s potential for cost-effective processing through magnetic separation. The demonstrated consistency of mineralization across the RPM zone has already defined an initial open-ended mineralized area measuring approximately 500 m wide x 400m long, based on just 4 drill holes.
The fully funded Phase 2 drilling program is set to start soon, with Phase 2 equipment now arriving following the successful completion of road access. This phase will employ a higher-powered drill rig equipped with NQ/HQ core capabilities and will focus on the following key objectives:
Expand the open 500-meter by 400-meter mineralized footprint through large-scale step-out drilling.
Test deeper mineralization to better define the vertical extent of the RPM Zone.
Investigate continuity between the RPM Zone and the nearby Chrome Pond area to determine whether they form a single, larger mineralized system.
Explore additional targets along the 30-kilometer ultramafic ophiolite trend.
Building on the success of the Phase 1 program, which delineated an open-ended mineralized area measuring approximately 500 meters in lateral width and 400 meters in length, Phase 2 is designed to significantly advance the geological understanding and resource potential of the RPM Zone. Awaruite (a natural nickel metal) mineralization has been confirmed in all four Phase 1 drill holes, with assays returning an average of approximately 0.24% nickel. Importantly, all holes began and ended in mineralization, underscoring the open nature of the system along strike, at depth, and laterally, offering strong potential for further expansion in Phase 2.
Figure 1:
Figure 1: Cross-sectional view of RPM drill holes AN-24-02, AN-24-03, and AN-24-04, displaying downhole assay values for nickel and chromium. All reported holes terminate in mineralized rock, showing a mineralized width averaging 0.24% Nickel over 500m indicating potential for further expansion.
Figure 2:
Figure 2: Map of the 30-kilometer-long nickel trend, showing the locations of Phase 1 drill holes and associated nickel and chromium assay results for AN-24-01, AN-24-02, AN-24-03, and AN-24-04.
Figure 3:
Figure 3: Core sample from drill hole RPM-DDH003 (AN-24-04) at a depth of 100 meters, showing visible awaruite mineralization. The lower images detail magnified views of awaruite grains, which exhibit both smooth and grooved surface textures, with grain sizes ranging from 422 to 651 microns.
Figure 4:
Figure 4: Core sample from drill hole RPM-DDH003 (AN-24-04) at a depth of 180 meters, featuring visible awaruite mineralization. The lower images showcase magnified views of the awaruite grains, displaying smooth and grooved surface textures. An elongated awaruite nickel-alloy grain, measuring up to 1,000 microns in size, is observed forming as a fracture filling, while average visible grain sizes range from 100 - 600 microns.
METALLURGICAL PROGRAM
Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) testing is underway for drill holes AN-24-04 and AN-24-05 to quantify the magnetically recoverable nickel content and assess the project’s suitability for commercial-scale magnetic separation. These results will form the foundation of a broader metallurgical program aimed at developing a process flowsheet. The planned program will incorporate pilot-scale magnetic separation as the primary beneficiation method, followed by gravity separation or flotation to produce a saleable nickel concentrate. The presence of large-grain awaruite, frequently exceeding 500 microns, supports the potential for cost-effective, smelter-free processing. This approach aligns with the Company’s strategy to advance environmentally responsible development while contributing to the strengthening of North America’s critical minerals supply chain.
Awaruite (Nickel-iron alloy Ni₂Fe, Ni₃Fe)
Awaruite, a naturally occurring sulfur-free nickel-iron alloy composed of Ni₃Fe or Ni₂Fe with approximately ~75% nickel content, offers a proven and environmentally safe solution to enhance the resilience and security of North America's domestic critical minerals supply chain. Unlike conventional nickel sources, awaruite can be processed into high-grade concentrates exceeding 60% nickel content through magnetic processing and simple floatation without the need for smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching1. Beginning in 2025, the US Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) $7,500 electric vehicle (EV) tax credit mandates that eligible clean vehicles must not contain any critical minerals processed by foreign entities of concern (FEOC)2. These entities include Russia and China, which currently dominate the global nickel smelting industry. Awaruite's smelter-free processing approach could potentially help North American electric vehicle manufacturers meet the IRA's stringent critical mineral requirements and reduce dependence on FEOCs for nickel processing.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlighted awaruite's potential, stating, "The development of awaruite deposits in other parts of Canada may help alleviate any prolonged shortage of nickel concentrate. Awaruite, a natural iron-nickel alloy, is much easier to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel"3. Awaruite's unique properties enable cleaner and safer processing compared to conventional sulfide and laterite nickel sources, which often involve smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching that can release toxic sulfur dioxide, generate hazardous waste, and lead to acid mine drainage. Awaruite's simpler processing, facilitated by its amenability to magnetic processing and lack of sulfur, eliminates these harmful methods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and risks associated with toxic chemical release, addressing concerns about the large carbon footprint and toxic emissions linked to nickel refining.
Figure 5:
Figure 5: Quote from USGS on Awaruite Deposits in Canada.
The development of awaruite resources is crucial, given China's control in the global nickel market. Chinese companies refine and smelt 68% to 80% of the world's nickel4 and control an estimated 84% of Indonesia's nickel output, the largest worldwide supply5. Awaruite is a cleaner source of nickel that reduces dependence on foreign processing controlled by China, leading to a more secure and reliable supply for North America's stainless steel and electric vehicle industries.
Investor Information
The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FAN", the American OTCQB Exchange under the symbol “FANCF” and on several German exchanges, including Frankfurt and Tradegate, under the symbol "P21".
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: First Atlantic Investor Relations Robert Guzman Tel: +1 844 592 6337 rob@fanickel.com
Disclosure
Adrian Smith, P.Geo., is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person is a member in good standing of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed herein.
Analytical Method & QAQC
Samples were split in half on site with one half remaining in the core box for future reference and one half packaged in secure bags. QAQC method included the use of blanks, duplicates and certified reference material (standards) with one being inserted once in every 20 samples in order to test the precision and accuracy of the lab. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab, and all company inserted standards and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits.
Samples were sent to Activation Laboratories LTD (“Actlabs”) in Fredericton, NB. Actlabs is an ISO 17025 certified lab, accredited and acting independently from First Atlantic Nickel. Each sample was crushed, with a 250 g sub-sample pulverized to 95% - 200 mesh. A portion of the sample is fused with a lithium metaborate/tetraborate flux and analyzed by ICP-OES for major oxides and elements including cobalt, chromium and nickel.
True widths are currently unknown. However, the nickel bearing ultramafic ophiolite and peridotite rocks being targeted and sampled in the Phase 1 drilling program at the Atlantic Nickel Project are mapped as several hundred meters to over 1 kilometer wide and approximately 30 kilometers long.
About First Atlantic Nickel Corp.
First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) is a Canadian mineral exploration company developing the 100%-owned Atlantic Nickel Project, a large-scale nickel project strategically located near existing infrastructure in Newfoundland, Canada. The Project's nickel occurs as awaruite, a natural nickel-iron alloy containing approximately 75% nickel with no-sulfur and no-sulfides. Awaruite's properties allow for smelter-free magnetic separation and concentration, which could strengthen North America's critical minerals supply chain by reducing foreign dependence on nickel smelting. This aligns with new US Electric Vehicle US IRA requirements, which stipulate that beginning in 2025, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any critical minerals processed by a FEOC (Foreign Entities Of Concern)6.
First Atlantic aims to be a key input of a secure and reliable North American critical minerals supply chain for the stainless steel and electric vehicle industries in the USA and Canada. The company is positioned to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced nickel that complies with the critical mineral requirements for eligible clean vehicles under the US IRA. With its commitment to responsible practices and experienced team, First Atlantic is poised to contribute significantly to the nickel industry's future, supporting the transition to a cleaner energy landscape. This mission gained importance when the US added nickel to its critical minerals list in 2022, recognizing it as a non-fuel mineral essential to economic and national security with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements:
This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, expectations regarding the timing, scope, and results from the Phase 1 work and drilling program; results from the Phase 2 work and drilling program, future project developments, the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, and estimates of market conditions. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company’s disclosure documents which can be found under the Company’s profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.
The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
