Core 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]

Core Insights - Nickel Industries Limited reported a strong safety performance with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) of 0.05 at the end of June, with no lost time injuries during the quarter and a total of 4.6 million work hours registered [3] - The company released its 2024 sustainability report, aligning with IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and Australian Accounting Standards Board Guidance [4] - The establishment of the Nickel Industries Foundation marks a significant milestone, aimed at enhancing community programs in education, health, and environmental conservation [5] Safety Performance - The LTIFR at the end of June was 0.05, with no lost time injuries recorded during the quarter [3] - For the 12 months ending June 30, the company registered 18.6 million work hours with only one lost time injury [3] - The company-wide 12-month rolling Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) was 1.29 at the end of June [3] Sustainability Initiatives - The 2024 sustainability report was released, indicating progress towards compliance with international and national sustainability standards [4] - The Nickel Industries Foundation was formally established to support community engagement in education, health, and environmental conservation [5] - The company successfully established a biodiversity area near its mining operations, a rare achievement among mining companies [5]

Core Insights - Nickel Industries Limited reported a strong focus on safety and sustainability during the December 2024 quarter, achieving significant operational milestones [2][3][4] Safety Performance - The company worked 17.4 million man hours across all operations with only two Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) recorded, indicating a commitment to safety despite the incidents [3] - The Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) and Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) were reported at 0.11 and 1.43 respectively, both significantly below the world steel averages of 0.64 and 3.46 [3] Sustainability Achievements - Nickel Industries was shortlisted for a Green PROPER rating for the third consecutive year, aiming to become the first nickel mining company to achieve a Gold rating [4] - The company achieved the highest MSCI rating among Indonesian metals and mining companies and improved its S&P rating from seven in 2021 to 37 for 2024, surpassing global industry standards [4]

Group 1: Report Investment Rating - No information provided on the industry investment rating Group 2: Core Views - Macro aspect: US non - farm employment data was significantly revised downward, with obvious signs of a weakening labor market. Inflation pressure eased, and the market's expectation of a Fed rate cut in September was almost fully priced in, with a more optimistic view on the subsequent rate - cut path. The ECB kept interest rates unchanged for two consecutive periods, and Lagarde sent hawkish signals, indicating that Europe's fight against inflation might be temporarily over, and trade friction risks should be watched out for [3]. - Fundamental aspect: The supply of nickel ore in Indonesia remained abundant. APNI slightly lowered the domestic trade benchmark price of Indonesian nickel ore by 0.75 percentage points, and the spot premium was stable. The price of ferronickel still had an upward trend, but steel mills' purchasing intensity was poor, and the upward process was slow. The pure nickel market was relatively quiet, with downstream buyers purchasing at low prices and strong market wait - and - see sentiment, and there was no obvious improvement in the fundamentals [3]. - Future outlook: With the warm macro - expectations and technical corrections, nickel prices are expected to rise. As the labor market weakens and inflation pressure eases, the market's expectation of a Fed rate cut in September continues to rise. Technically, the main contract has reached the lower limit of the range, showing bullish signals. The industrial side has no obvious driving force, and although there is an expectation of cost loosening, a significant decline is not likely. It is expected that nickel prices will fluctuate upward under the joint drive of macro and technical factors [3][11][12]. Group 3: Summary by Directory 1. Market Data Summary - SHFE nickel price on September 12, 2025, was 121,980 yuan/ton, up 670 yuan/ton from September 5. LME nickel price was 15,391 dollars/ton, up 156 dollars/ton. LME inventory increased by 9,666 tons to 225,084 tons, and SHFE inventory increased by 1,851 tons to 23,529 tons. The premium of Jinchuan nickel increased by 200 yuan/ton, while that of Russian nickel decreased by 100 yuan/ton. The average price of high - nickel pig iron remained unchanged at 961 yuan/nickel point, and stainless steel inventory decreased by 26,400 tons to 834,000 tons [4]. 2. Market Review - **Macro**: On September 9, the US non - farm benchmark correction data showed a significant weakening of the labor market, and inflation pressure eased. The market almost surely expected the Fed to start cutting rates in September, with some expecting a 50 - basis - point cut [5]. - **Nickel ore**: The FOB price of 1.5% laterite nickel ore in the Philippines and Indonesia remained stable. The APNI lowered the domestic trade benchmark price of Indonesian nickel ore by 0.75 percentage points. Nickel iron plants were cautious in purchasing due to cost pressure, and the nickel ore price did not weaken significantly, with the spot premium remaining flat. Attention should be paid to the impact of the RKAB approval in October in Indonesia [6]. - **Pure nickel**: In August, China's refined nickel production was 35,200 tons, a year - on - year increase of 20.55%. The monthly production capacity was about 53,699 tons, and the operating rate increased by 4.92 percentage points. In July, China's refined nickel imports increased significantly by about 703% year - on - year, mainly from Russia and Norway. The export scale in July increased by 1.73% year - on - year. As of September 4, the average monthly export profit of refined nickel had further declined. Overall, the supply of refined nickel was abundant, but the recent price increase of MHP and high - grade nickel matte in Indonesia might limit the further increase in supply [7][8]. - **Ferronickel**: The price of high - nickel pig iron increased from 945.5 yuan/nickel point to 953.5 yuan/nickel point. In August, China's nickel pig iron production was 25,280 metal tons, a month - on - month increase of 11.77%, and Indonesia's production was 137,900 nickel tons, a year - on - year and month - on - month increase of 13.67% and 2.6% respectively. As of August 31, the ferronickel inventory decreased significantly. Although the ferronickel price continued to rise, the high - grade nickel matte price also strengthened, and it was expected that Indonesia's ferronickel production would remain stable month - on - month. In July, China's ferronickel imports increased by 1.83% year - on - year, mainly from Indonesia, and imports from Colombia decreased while those from New Caledonia increased [8]. - **Stainless steel**: In August, the production plan of 300 - series stainless steel in China increased year - on - year and month - on - month. In September, steel mills' production plans increased significantly month - on - month, but the increase in 300 - series stainless steel was limited, and it was difficult to drive a significant increase in ferronickel consumption [9]. - **Nickel sulfate**: The prices of battery - grade and electroplating - grade nickel sulfate increased. In August, the metal output of nickel sulfate decreased year - on - year but increased month - on - month. The production of ternary materials increased both year - on - year and month - on - month. As of September 5, the downstream and upstream inventory days of nickel sulfate remained stable. Overall, the supply and demand of the nickel sulfate market were both strong, but the growth rate of nickel sulfate production was lower than that of ternary materials, and the demand outlook was not optimistic [9]. - **New energy**: From September 1 - 7, the retail sales of new - energy passenger vehicles in China decreased year - on - year and month - on - month. The decline was due to the high sales base in August 2024, the concentrated settlement of pre - ordered orders in early August 2025, and the new subsidy policy focusing more on quality rather than quantity, with limited subsidy amounts and quantities, making it difficult to drive significant consumption growth [9]. - **Inventory**: The current six - location social inventory of pure nickel was 41,055 tons, an increase of 1,125 tons from the previous period. SHFE inventory increased by 1,851 tons to 23,529 tons, and LME nickel inventory increased by 9,666 tons to 205,084 tons. The total inventory of the two major global exchanges increased by 11,517 tons to 248,613 tons [10]. 3. Industry News - Indonesia seized part of the world's largest nickel mine due to violations of forestry license regulations, which was expected to affect the monthly nickel ore output by about 600 metal tons [13]. - The energy and mineral resources department of Indonesia granted an operation license to PT Gag Nikel in Raja Ampat, West Papua [13]. - The Indonesian Nickel Miners Association (APNI) announced the domestic trade benchmark price of nickel ore in September (first phase), which decreased by about 0.75% compared with the reference price in August (second phase) [13]. - First Atlantic Nickel expanded the mineralization zone of natural nickel - iron ore in its Atlantic nickel project in Canada, which is expected to provide a cleaner and more efficient nickel source for the North American market [13]. 4. Related Charts - The report includes charts on the price trends of domestic and foreign nickel, spot premium trends, LME 0 - 3 nickel premium, domestic - to - foreign nickel ratio, nickel futures inventory, nickel ore port inventory, high - nickel iron price, 300 - series stainless steel price, and stainless steel inventory [15][17][19][22]

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has reported a significant expansion of visible awaruite nickel-alloy mineralization at the RPM Zone, increasing the mineralized section's width to 750 meters, a 50% increase from the previous 500 meters established in Phase 1 [1][6][8] - The Phase 2 drilling program has successfully tested 800 meters of north-south strike length and aims to define over 1 kilometer of continuous awaruite mineralization [1][6][22] - Awaruite, a naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, offers advantages over traditional nickel ores, including a higher average nickel grade of approximately 76% and the elimination of conventional smelting processes [2][31] Company Developments - The RPM Zone has emerged as a significant discovery within First Atlantic's 30-kilometer Atlantic Nickel Project, with drilling confirming a mineralized footprint of approximately 750 meters in width and 400 meters in length [20][21] - The company has completed holes AN-25-08 and AN-25-09, further extending the tested strike length and demonstrating the scale potential of the RPM Zone [1][22] - The geological team's systematic approach has led to the recognition of awaruite mineralization that previous operators overlooked, contributing to the project's rapid advancement [5][31] Metallurgical Insights - The drilling at the RPM Zone has returned magnetically recoverable nickel averaging 1.38% in magnetic concentrate, with a mass pull of 9.08%, indicating the mineralization's amenability to simple magnetic separation processing [6][20] - Awaruite's properties allow for smelter-free processing, aligning with the company's vision of establishing a clean, onshore North American nickel supply chain [31][32] Future Outlook - The company anticipates providing additional updates on the Phase 2 drilling and exploration progress in the coming weeks, indicating ongoing developments in the RPM Zone [1][23]

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has reported a significant expansion of visible awaruite nickel-alloy mineralization at the RPM Zone, increasing the mineralized section to 750 meters in width, a ~50% increase from the previous 500-meter width established in Phase 1 [1][4][19] - The company is advancing its Phase 2 drilling program, which has tested 800 meters of north-south strike length and aims to define over 1 kilometer of continuous awaruite mineralization [1][20][21] - Awaruite's unique properties, including its sulfur-free nature and high nickel grade of approximately 76%, position it as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional nickel ores, eliminating the need for smelting and reducing environmental impacts [1][19][29] Company Developments - The RPM Zone now measures approximately 750 meters in width and 400 meters in length, with mineralization open in all directions, indicating potential for large-scale, bulk-tonnage nickel targets [19][20] - The drilling results from hole AN-25-07 confirmed the continuity of awaruite mineralization and ended in mineralization, suggesting further extensions are possible [6][7] - The company anticipates providing additional updates on the Phase 2 drilling and exploration progress in the coming weeks [21] Industry Context - Awaruite's properties allow for smelter-free magnetic separation, which could strengthen North America's critical minerals supply chain and reduce dependence on foreign nickel processing [29][30] - The U.S. has recognized nickel as a critical mineral essential to economic and national security, highlighting the importance of developing domestic sources like the Atlantic Nickel Project [30]

1. Report Industry Investment Ratings No specific industry investment ratings are provided in the report. 2. Core Viewpoints - The far - worse - than - expected US August non - farm payroll data makes a September interest rate cut almost certain, but the subsequent interest rate cut debate is more complex. The shift from full - time to part - time jobs indicates economic weakness [8][22]. - For the overall market, although the regulatory authorities have taken actions to cool down, the core drivers of the upward trend have not changed substantially, so the market is unlikely to have a trend - like callback. It is expected to show a volatile and slightly stronger trend later [11]. 3. Summary by Related Catalogs 3.1 US Economy and Interest Rate Expectations - US August non - farm employment increased by 22,000, far lower than the expected 75,000, and the unemployment rate was 4.3%, a nearly four - year high. The June employment data was revised down to negative growth, the first since 2020. The market expects a September interest rate cut, and there are debates about the magnitude and subsequent cuts [7][8][22]. 3.2 Sector - specific Analysis 3.2.1 Index Futures - The upward logic is gradually shifting to earnings. It is recommended to pay attention with a high attention index [9]. 3.2.2 Glass - Short - term rebound is difficult to continue, and it is more likely to have a weak and volatile market. The core pressure comes from the weak real estate background and the high premium of the futures main contract over the spot. It is a volatile market in the medium - term, and caution is needed at low levels [12]. 3.2.3 Natural Rubber - With macro and fundamental support, the market's bullish sentiment is rising. Overseas raw material prices are high, domestic inventory is slightly decreasing, and the price is expected to remain strong. Attention should be paid to arrival and inventory reduction [14]. 3.2.4 Copper - There is no trend - like opportunity, and the price will maintain a volatile trend. The supply of raw materials is tight, and the production of electrolytic copper is expected to be under pressure. The trading strategy is to buy at low prices [15][27]. 3.2.5 Other Commodities - Each commodity has different trends. For example, gold shows an upward trend due to the non - farm data; zinc, tin, etc. are in a range - bound state; aluminum needs to pay attention to the de - stocking inflection point; etc. Specific trends can be found in the corresponding commodity analysis parts [18][21][27].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Viewpoints of the Report - In the macro - level, during the reporting period, the expectation of interest rate cuts fluctuated. At the beginning of August, the labor market data pushed up the expectation of a 50bp rate cut in September. However, Fed officials later down - regulated this expectation. In terms of cost, nickel ore supply is becoming looser, with price changes in Indonesia and the Philippines. Fundamentally, nickel - iron imports shrank, prices rose, and steel mill production increases were poor. The sulfuric acid market maintained its heat, but the growth of supply was limited by raw materials. The pure - nickel market had average trading. Later, as the interest - rate cut approaches, the nickel price may rise, with steel mills expected to increase production and replenish raw materials in September [3]. Summary by Directory 1. Market Review - In August, the main contract of Shanghai nickel fluctuated around the interest - rate cut expectation. At the beginning of the month, the poor non - farm payrolls data and potential rate cuts pushed up nickel prices. In the middle, hawkish remarks from Fed officials led to a decline in nickel prices. At the end, dovish remarks from Powell restored nickel prices. Overall, the price fluctuations were limited. The spot premium and discount remained stable, with Jinchuan nickel in the 2100 - 2600 range and imported nickel in the 300 - 600 range [8][9]. 2. Macro Analysis Overseas - Trump's tariff diplomacy was widespread in August, with trade frictions between the US and many countries. The US Supreme Court's ruling on Trump's tariff policies may affect future tariff disturbances. The US economic data was not optimistic, with inflation rising, the labor market weakening, and consumer spending conservative. There was a risk of stagflation. However, the upcoming rate cut in September may boost market sentiment [13][14][15]. Domestic - China's economic data was relatively stable in August. The manufacturing PMI improved slightly, and demand showed signs of recovery. Inventory circulation was smooth. However, inflation data was mixed, and consumer spending was not strong. The domestic economy relied heavily on fiscal support, with government bond financing playing a major role in social financing. There were still structural risks [16][17]. 3. Fundamental Analysis Nickel Ore Supply and Cost - Overseas nickel ore supply is expected to be looser, with a decline in the Indonesian benchmark price in late August. In July, China's nickel ore imports increased significantly, and domestic port inventories rose. However, high - grade nickel ore remained in short supply [18][20]. Smelting Profit and Supply - In August, China's refined nickel production increased year - on - year. In July, the smelting profit of integrated electrowinning nickel improved, but it may decline in August due to rising costs and falling nickel prices. In July, imports increased significantly, mainly from Russia, while exports also increased. Currently, export profits are in a loss state, which may affect future exports [21][23]. Nickel - Iron Cost and Demand - In July, the price of high - nickel pig iron first fell and then rose. In August, the production of nickel - iron in China and Indonesia increased. The profit of nickel - iron plants improved, but cost pressure remained. In September, the production of stainless steel is expected to increase, which may improve the profit of nickel - iron smelting. In July, the import of nickel - iron increased slightly, and the import and export of stainless steel showed different trends [25][26][27]. Sulfuric Nickel Market - In August, the price of sulfuric nickel showed a differentiated trend. The production of sulfuric nickel decreased year - on - year but increased month - on - month. The production of ternary materials increased. The inventory of the industry chain decreased, indicating smooth resource circulation. The profit of high - ice - nickel to sulfuric nickel was positive, while other processes were in the red. In July, imports increased, and exports decreased slightly [30][31]. New Energy Vehicle Market - From January to July, the production and sales of new energy vehicles increased significantly, but the growth rate slowed down in July. In July, the export of new energy vehicles increased significantly. In the future, the growth rate of consumption will slow down, but there is still room for growth, and subsidy policies will play a supporting role [34][35]. Inventory Situation - As of August 29, domestic refined nickel social inventory increased, while SHFE inventory decreased, and LME inventory increased. In the future, with the import window open and limited domestic supply growth, and considering the production increase of steel mills and the seasonal peak of the power end, inventory may decrease during the "Golden September and Silver October" period [37][38]. 4. Market Outlook - Supply: There is no maintenance plan at home and abroad, but the smelting profit is expected to decline, and domestic production is expected to be stable but weak. The import window is open, and overseas resources may flow in [40]. - Demand: Steel mills' production is expected to increase, and the largest demand terminal may replenish inventory. The growth rate of the power terminal has slowed down but still has growth potential [40]. - Cost: Nickel ore supply is becoming looser, and the cost center is expected to move down [40]. - Macro: As the interest - rate cut approaches, the macro - expectation is positive, but tariff disturbances should be watched out for. Overall, the nickel price may rise as the interest - rate cut nears, with the replenishment expectation of steel mills and positive macro - sentiment [40].

Core Viewpoint - The Reid Project demonstrates significant potential for nickel mineralization, with results indicating a substantial resource size and the possibility of multiple projects in the Timmins Nickel District [1][4]. Reid Project Overview - The Reid Project features a large serpentinized ultramafic body with a geophysical footprint approximately 2.5 times larger than Crawford's, primarily composed of dunite and minor peridotite, with multiple intervals of higher-grade nickel mineralization [2]. Drilling Program and Results - A drill program consisting of 28 holes was completed in Q1-Q2 of 2025, aimed at infilling previous drill sections and producing an updated mineral resource by year-end 2025. The updated resource is expected to significantly increase the Inferred resource and upgrade the Indicated and Measured categories [3]. - The initial Reid Resource published on December 23, 2025, reported an Indicated Resource of 0.59 billion tonnes grading 0.24% nickel, containing 1.4 million tonnes of nickel, and an Inferred Resource of 0.99 billion tonnes grading 0.23% nickel, containing 2.2 million tonnes of nickel. An Exploration Target was defined for an additional 0.9-2.1 billion tonnes grading 0.20-0.22% nickel [4]. Drillhole Highlights - The last 20 drillholes intersected long intervals of mineralized dunite and minor peridotite, with specific holes such as REI25-82 and REI25-89 targeting shallow, higher-grade nickel mineralization [5][7]. - Notable assay results include: - REI25-82: 25.4m at 0.28% Ni, including 120.0m at 0.42% Ni [7]. - REI25-89: 33.7m at 0.25% Ni, including 33.7m at 0.31% Ni [7]. Company Background - Canada Nickel Company is focused on advancing nickel-sulphide projects to meet the growing demand for nickel in electric vehicles and stainless steel markets. The company is pursuing the development of processes for net zero carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products [14].

Core Viewpoint - Core Nickel Corp. has successfully completed property-wide airborne electromagnetic surveys on its Mel and Odei River Projects, providing valuable data for future exploration and target identification [1][2][3] Survey Results - The 2025 airborne survey covered 289 line-km for the Mel Project and 1,547 line-km for the Odei River Project, utilizing a 100-metre line spacing to refine historical EM survey results [3][4] - The surveys indicate a strong correlation between nickel sulphide mineralization and geophysical responses, highlighting new exploration targets at Mel, Hunter, and Odei River [2][4] Mel Project Insights - The Mel Deposit shows a historical mineral resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni and an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni [24] - Geophysical data suggests that mineralization at Mel is fault-controlled and extends beyond the currently defined resource area, with historical drillholes indicating potential for additional nickel sulphide lenses [12][15][24] Hunter and Odei River Properties - The Hunter block features two prominent magnetic trends associated with EM trends, suggesting potential nickel sulphide systems, with Hunter North being a 9.5 km long magnetic trend and Hunter Central a 12 km trend [20] - The VTEM survey has defined a robust target corridor across the Hunter and Odei River properties, warranting further drill testing [20] Management Update - Core Nickel announced the resignation of Caitlin Glew as Vice President, Exploration, effective August 31, 2025, acknowledging her contributions to the company's exploration strategies and technical understanding [21][22]