First Atlantic Nickel Reports Phase 2X Results from Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project: Drilling Proves 800 Meters of Newly Expanded 4km Target at RPM Zone, Doubling Strike Length

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has announced significant results from its Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project, particularly from drill hole AN-25-08, which has doubled the confirmed strike length of the RPM Zone to 800 meters and confirmed the continuity of awaruite nickel mineralization [1][4][13]. Group 1: Drill Results and Geological Insights - Drill hole AN-25-08 achieved an average of 1.35% nickel over 480 meters with a mass pull of 8.79%, resulting in a magnetically recoverable nickel grade of 0.12% [1][4][12]. - The RPM Zone now spans a 4-kilometer continuous target area, with 800 meters confirmed through Phase 2X drilling, indicating significant expansion potential [2][5][13]. - Drill hole AN-25-07, despite sub-optimal orientation, returned 0.97% nickel over 486 meters, providing valuable geological information about the westward-dipping system [6][21][22]. Group 2: Structural Understanding and Future Drilling - The refined understanding of the westward-dipping ultramafic body will optimize future drilling orientations, particularly emphasizing the need for eastward drilling to effectively test the mineralized structure [7][9][10]. - The systematic DTR surface sampling program has outlined multiple priority expansion opportunities within the 4-kilometer target area, including a 2-kilometer northern extension and a 1-kilometer southern extension [8][10][13]. Group 3: Metallurgical Testing and Critical Minerals - DTR testing has shown that chromium and cobalt are magnetically recovered alongside nickel, with chromium values ranging from 1.27% to 2.3% across drill holes, enhancing the project's strategic value [10][29][31]. - The ongoing metallurgical development program aims to optimize the recovery of these critical minerals, contributing to North American supply-chain security [10][31][41]. Group 4: Project Overview and Strategic Importance - The Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project is located within a 30-kilometer-long ultramafic ophiolite trend, characterized by disseminated awaruite mineralization, with only 20% of the target area currently drill-tested [37][38][41]. - The project aligns with North American critical mineral objectives, positioning it as a strategic asset for the domestic battery supply chain [38][43].