First Atlantic Nickel Expands Phase 2X Drilling at Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project: Four Additional Holes Targeting 1.4 Kilometer Strike Length and 850-Meter Width at RPM Zone

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has successfully confirmed magnetically recoverable awaruite nickel alloy in all ten discovery holes at the RPM Zone, maintaining a 100% success rate in drilling [1][4][9] - The company is expanding its drilling program with four additional holes to explore the eastern, northern, and southern extensions of the RPM Zone, aiming to increase the drill-confirmed strike length to approximately 1.4 kilometers and width to 850 meters [2][9][10] Summary by Sections Discovery Success - All ten discovery holes at the RPM Zone intersected large-grain visible awaruite and returned positive magnetically recoverable nickel results, covering an area of approximately 800 meters in strike length by 750 meters in width [4][9] - Every hole has ended in mineralization, confirming that the system remains open in all directions [4] Expansion Drilling - Four additional drill holes (AN-25-11 to AN-25-14) have been added to the Phase 2X drilling program to test expansion potential in multiple directions [2][4] - The eastern expansion will focus on areas that have consistently returned the best magnetically recoverable nickel grades, particularly near Chrome Pond [3][9] - Hole AN-25-13 will test a 400-meter northern extension, while Hole AN-25-14 will explore a 200-meter southern step-out [2][10] Metallurgical and Processing Advantages - Awaruite, containing approximately 77% nickel, can be concentrated through magnetic separation and flotation, positioning the Pipestone XL Project as a potential secure input to a North American nickel supply chain [3][15] - The project supports a mine-direct-to-battery-refinery pathway, bypassing energy-intensive processes like smelting, which enhances environmental sustainability [3][16] - Magnetic separation achieves a 90% mass reduction, allowing for the recovery of nickel, chromium, and cobalt while minimizing waste [9][10] Future Prospects - The ongoing metallurgical program aims to create a marketable direct-to-refinery awaruite concentrate containing nickel and cobalt, with potential for high-grade chromium recovery as a byproduct [17] - Updates on recovery, separation, and preliminary concentrate products for nickel, chromium, and cobalt are anticipated in early 2026 [17]