RPM(US:RPM) Globenewswire·2025-09-24 10:00Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has renamed its flagship Atlantic Nickel Project to Pipestone XL, highlighting its 100% ownership of the 30-kilometer Pipestone Ophiolite Ultramafic Complex and its district-scale potential for nickel alloy mineralization [1][6] - The company aims to double the strike length and expand the width of the awaruite mineralization at the RPM Zone through the newly designated Phase 2X drilling program [1][11] - The project emphasizes clean energy potential, including ongoing research into geologic hydrogen in collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines [1][3] Company Overview - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on developing the Pipestone XL project, which is strategically located near existing infrastructure in Newfoundland [36] - The project features awaruite, a naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, which allows for smelter-free magnetic separation, enhancing North America's critical minerals supply chain [36][37] - The company is positioned to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced nickel, particularly in the context of U.S. critical mineral requirements for electric vehicles [37] Geological Insights - The Pipestone XL project comprises a continuous 30 km belt of serpentinized ultramafic rocks enriched in nickel and chromium, characterized by a strong magnetic anomaly [3][8] - The Phase 1 drilling program at the RPM Zone delineated a 400m x 500m area of disseminated awaruite mineralization, with the highest grades drilled to date [3][10] - Historical drilling in the Atlantic Lake zone revealed 0.22% nickel over 87.15 meters, indicating untested potential at depth [9] Exploration and Drilling Programs - The Phase 2X program aims to systematically expand the known mineralized area using step-out holes, targeting large volumes of disseminated awaruite suitable for bulk mining [12][13] - The company has identified that nickel grades vary by rock type, with broader peridotite units containing higher grades of 0.10-0.17% DTR nickel [14] - The RPM Phase 2X drilling program will utilize an optimal primary orientation from east to west to better intersect mineralized zones [12] Mining Jurisdiction and Infrastructure - Newfoundland and Labrador ranks among the world's top 10 mining jurisdictions, offering streamlined permitting and a skilled workforce [20][24] - The province's efficient regulatory environment has enabled First Atlantic to advance from acquisition to drilling in under 12 months [20] - Recent successful projects, such as Equinox Gold's Valentine Lake Mine, demonstrate Newfoundland's capability to support major mining operations [23]