Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has successfully closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of approximately $3.07 million through the issuance of 17,036,609 common shares at a price of $0.18 per share [2][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The first tranche of the LIFE Offering involved the issuance of 17,036,609 common shares, resulting in gross proceeds of $3,066,589.62 [2]. - The Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Smith, participated in the offering by purchasing 1,000,000 common shares for a total of $180,000 [2]. - The company utilized the listed issuer financing exemption under National Instrument 45-106 for this issuance, allowing the shares to be freely tradeable under Canadian securities laws [3]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be allocated to advance the company's projects, including Pipestone XL and Ophiolite-X, fulfill option payment obligations, manage mineral claims, and cover general administrative expenses for the next twelve months [4]. Group 3: Related Party Transaction - Adrian Smith's participation in the LIFE Offering is classified as a related party transaction, and the company is relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements due to the common shares trading on the TSX Venture Exchange [5]. Group 4: Future Plans - The company plans to close a second tranche of the LIFE Offering and will provide updates in due course [6].

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has announced an increase in its non-brokered private placement due to strong investor demand, reflecting confidence in the company's growth strategy and long-term prospects [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The private placement will consist of up to 21,666,667 common shares at a price of $0.18 per share, aiming for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3,900,000 [2]. - The strategic investor's participation will allow them to maintain an ownership interest of up to 9.99% [2]. - The first tranche of the offering is expected to close on or about February 18, 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals [5]. Group 2: Regulatory Compliance and Offering Document - The shares will be offered to purchasers in all provinces of Canada except Quebec, under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption [3]. - An amended and restated offering document related to the LIFE Offering is available on the company's profile and website [4]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The gross proceeds from the offering will be used to advance the company's projects, including Pipestone XL and Ophiolite-X, satisfy option payment obligations, manage mineral claims, and cover general administrative expenses [6]. Group 4: Acquisition of Mineral Claims - The company has closed asset purchase agreements to acquire mineral claims in the Blow Me Down and Lewis Hills massifs, branding this strategic land position as the "Ophiolite-X" project [8]. - The acquisition includes 500 mineral claims and the issuance of 4,710,000 common shares as consideration, with specific net smelter returns royalties attached to the licenses [8]. Group 5: Company Overview - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. focuses on the discovery and development of awaruite, a rare nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, at its Pipestone XL Project in Newfoundland [11]. - The project spans the 30-kilometer Pipestone Ophiolite Complex, containing multiple zones of awaruite mineralization [11].

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has successfully raised a total of $1,977,600 through the exercise of warrants and finder's units, significantly reducing the dilutive overhang for shareholders following the expiration of unexercised warrants [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Activities - The company received gross proceeds of $1,886,000 from the exercise of 9,430,000 warrants, with 6,810,000 warrants exercised in January 2026 alone, contributing $1,362,000 [2]. - Additionally, 332,000 finder's units were exercised for gross proceeds of $33,200, leading to the issuance of 332,000 common share purchase warrants [2]. - The total gross proceeds from all warrant, finder's units, and finder's warrants exercises amounted to $1,977,600 [2]. Group 2: Upcoming Offerings - The company has arranged a non-brokered private placement of common shares at a price of $0.18 per share, aiming to raise up to $3,000,000 [3]. - The offering is expected to consist of approximately 16,666,667 shares [3]. - Proceeds from the offering will be used to advance projects, satisfy option payment obligations, manage mineral claims, and cover general administrative expenses [4]. Group 3: Regulatory Compliance - The shares will be offered to purchasers in Canada (excluding Quebec) under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, which is expected to exempt the shares from a statutory hold period [5]. - The offering is subject to regulatory approvals, including that of the TSX Venture Exchange, and is expected to close in tranches by February 27, 2026 [7].

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, Newfoundland and Labrador, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce positive assays and Davis Tube Recovery ("DTR") metallurgical results from the final four drill holes (AN-25-11 to AN-25-14) of the RPM Zone Phase 2X drilling program at its Pipestone XL Nickel-Cobalt Alloy Project in central Newfoundland. Results have increased the RPM Zone strike length by 50% to great ...

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has made a significant discovery of awaruite, a rare nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, which is relevant to the vulnerabilities in the critical mineral supply chain highlighted in a recent White House proclamation [1][2][3] Industry Context - The White House proclamation emphasizes that the import of processed critical minerals and their derivatives poses a potential threat to national security, identifying nickel and cobalt as essential for critical infrastructure and defense applications [2][3] - The proclamation also notes that despite having domestic mining capacity for minerals like cobalt and nickel, the U.S. lacks sufficient domestic processing capacity, leading to reliance on foreign sources [3] Awaruite Discovery - First Atlantic's Pipestone XL discovery is the first large-scale drilled discovery of awaruite in the Western Hemisphere since the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identified it as a potential solution to nickel concentrate shortages in 2012 [4][5] - Awaruite can be processed using magnetic separation and flotation, bypassing the conventional smelting and permitting challenges associated with nickel sulfide and laterite deposits [9][10] Processing Advantages - Awaruite's magnetic properties allow for easier concentration and processing, resulting in lower electricity requirements and reduced emissions compared to traditional nickel processing methods [10] - The absence of sulfur in awaruite reduces the risk of acid mine drainage and other permitting challenges commonly associated with sulfide mineralization [10] North American Processing Capacity - North America currently has limited nickel smelting capacity, with only two operational pyrometallurgical nickel smelters in Ontario and no operating domestic nickel smelters in the U.S., highlighting a key vulnerability in the supply chain [11] - Awaruite's processing method may provide an alternative pathway that reduces reliance on constrained or foreign-controlled processing infrastructure [11] Metallurgical Testing - Preliminary metallurgical testing at Pipestone XL has shown a magnetic concentrate averaging approximately 1.3% nickel, with ongoing work aimed at upgrading this to around 60% through flotation [12][13] - The potential for awaruite concentrate to be directly converted to nickel sulfate positions it favorably within the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit framework [14] Additional Mineral Recovery - The company's metallurgical program is now evaluating chromium, which has been confirmed in the awaruite-bearing magnetic concentrate, representing an additional opportunity in the critical mineral supply chain [16] Future Exploration Plans - First Atlantic anticipates updates on its drilling program and is evaluating targets for a new winter drill program to further delineate and expand the Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project [17]

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of $2,619,316 to advance its Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project in Newfoundland, focusing on exploration and drilling activities [1][2][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Offering included 3,201,220 charity flow-through common shares at $0.2432 each and 8,765,618 flow-through common shares at $0.21 each [1]. - A strategic investor exercised its top-up rights to maintain a 9.99% ownership interest in the Company [1]. - The Company will renounce all qualifying expenditures to subscribers effective December 31, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Project Overview - The Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project spans a 30-kilometer area in Newfoundland, containing multiple discovery zones rich in awaruite, a nickel-iron-cobalt alloy with approximately 75% nickel content [4][19]. - Awaruite's unique properties allow for simpler processing methods, reducing environmental impacts and eliminating the need for energy-intensive smelting [6][11][12]. - The project benefits from year-round road access and proximity to hydroelectric power, enhancing its logistical advantages for exploration and development [7][20]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - Awaruite's sulfur-free composition mitigates risks associated with acid mine drainage and reduces reliance on overseas processing infrastructure, positioning the project as a key contributor to North America's nickel supply chain [11][19]. - The U.S. Geological Survey has recognized the strategic importance of awaruite deposits, suggesting they may alleviate prolonged nickel concentrate shortages [20].

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. is conducting a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $2,944,780 through the sale of flow-through common shares to fund its Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project in Newfoundland, which focuses on nickel exploration and development [1][2][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Offering consists of up to 4,971,219 charity flow-through common shares priced at $0.2432 each and up to 8,265,618 flow-through common shares priced at $0.21 each [1]. - Proceeds from the Offering will be allocated to eligible Canadian exploration expenses that qualify as flow-through mining expenditures, with all qualifying expenditures to be renounced in favor of subscribers by December 31, 2025 [2][20]. Group 2: Project Overview - The Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project spans a 30-kilometer area in the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex, which contains multiple discovery zones including RPM Zone, Super Gulp, Atlantic Lake, and Chrome Pond, all rich in awaruite, a nickel-iron-cobalt alloy [4][17]. - Awaruite has a nickel content of approximately 75% and offers advantages over conventional nickel deposits, such as simpler processing methods that reduce environmental impacts and eliminate the need for smelting [6][10][17]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The project is positioned to contribute to a secure North American nickel supply chain, essential for industries such as stainless steel, electric vehicles, aerospace, and defense [6][18]. - The U.S. Geological Survey has recognized the strategic importance of awaruite deposits, noting their potential to alleviate nickel concentrate shortages due to their easier concentration compared to typical nickel sulfides [9][18].

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has entered into agreements to acquire a 100% interest in 18 mineral licenses covering 500 mineral claims (12,500 hectares) in the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex, branding it as the "Ophiolite-X" project, which has multi-commodity potential including hydrogen, carbon capture, and various metals [1][8][42] - The Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex (BOIC) is recognized for its geological significance, with studies indicating its potential for natural hydrogen generation and carbon dioxide storage, making it a strategic area for exploration [2][3][5] Geological and Mineral Potential - The BOIC consists of four major ophiolite massifs, with the Blow Me Down Mountain and Lewis Hills being significant for their mineralization potential, including nickel, chromium, and platinum group elements [2][28] - Research indicates that the BOIC has a theoretical CO₂ storage capacity of 5.1 × 10^11 tonnes, equivalent to over 13 years of global CO₂ emissions based on 2022 data [5][23] - The presence of brucite, formed during serpentinization, is highlighted as the most efficient mineral for CO₂ capture, requiring only ~2.5 tonnes of mineral to sequester 1 tonne of CO₂ [5][9][18] Hydrogen Generation and Carbon Capture - Active serpentinization within the BOIC generates dissolved hydrogen in ultrabasic springs, with pH values up to 12.3, indicating ongoing natural hydrogen production [3][12][13] - The BOIC is identified as an optimal geological setting for both natural and stimulated geological hydrogen production, with studies suggesting that ultramafic rocks can produce 2-4 kg of hydrogen per cubic meter [17][26] - Historical chromite occurrences in the BOIC are associated with significant hydrogen discoveries, suggesting a correlation between chromite mineralization and hydrogen generation potential [35][36] Strategic Agreements and Future Plans - The company has entered into three agreements to acquire additional mineral licenses, with consideration involving the issuance of common shares and subject to net smelter returns royalties [37][38] - The exploration programs will include systematic sampling to evaluate the occurrence of awaruite, a nickel-iron alloy, which serves as both a potential resource and an indicator of hydrogen generation potential [27][42] - The strategic location of the Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project near existing infrastructure enhances the company's position in the North American nickel market, particularly in light of the U.S. critical minerals list [42][44]

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has entered into agreements to acquire a 100% interest in 18 mineral licenses covering 500 mineral claims within the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex, branded as the "Ophiolite-X" project, which has multi-commodity potential including hydrogen, carbon capture, and various minerals [1][39] Geological and Resource Potential - The Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex (BOIC) is recognized for its well-preserved ophiolite sequences, with significant geological features that support natural hydrogen generation and carbon capture [2][30] - A study indicates that the BOIC has a theoretical CO₂ storage capacity of 5.1 × 10 billion tonnes, equivalent to over 13 years of global CO₂ emissions based on 2022 data [5][23] - The presence of brucite, formed during serpentinization, is highlighted as the most efficient mineral for CO₂ capture, requiring only approximately 2.5 tonnes of mineral to sequester 1 tonne of CO₂ [5][21] Hydrogen Generation and Exploration - Active serpentinization within the BOIC produces dissolved hydrogen in ultrabasic springs, with conditions conducive to ongoing natural hydrogen production [3][12] - The BOIC is identified as a key area for geological hydrogen exploration, with documented occurrences of strongly alkaline and highly reducing water sources containing dissolved hydrogen [3][30] - Historical chromite occurrences in the BOIC are associated with significant hydrogen discoveries, suggesting potential for economically useful accumulations of hydrogen gas [37][38] Strategic Agreements and Future Plans - The company has entered into three agreements to expand its mineral holdings, involving the issuance of common shares as consideration and subject to net smelter returns royalties [39][40] - The exploration programs will include systematic sampling to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of awaruite, which serves as both a potential nickel-iron resource and an indicator of hydrogen generation potential [29][44]

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]