GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, Newfoundland and Labrador, Sept. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to report that drill hole AN-25-08 intersected 491 meters of large grain, visibly disseminated awaruite (Ni3Fe) mineralization at the RPM Zone within its Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project (formerly named the Atlantic Nickel Project) in Newfoundland. This significant intersection on Line S3, is the first reported dr ...

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 significant results from drill hole AN-25-06, marking the longest continuous mineralized intersection to date at the RPM Zone of the Atlantic Nickel Project, with an average of 1.27% nickel and 1.69% chromium over 447.35 meters [1][6][10] Summary by Sections Drill Results - Drill hole AN-25-06, located 200 meters east of AN-24-05, intersected visibly disseminated awaruite throughout its entire length, returning 0.22% total nickel and 0.31% total chromium over 447.35 meters [2][7] - The hole achieved a DTR nickel grade of 0.11% with a total nickel recovery averaging 51.84%, and peak recoveries reached up to 81.4% [1][6][10] Phase 2 Drilling Program - The Phase 2 drilling program aims to expand the mineralized zone beyond the previously established footprint, with ongoing drilling targeting extensions in multiple directions [12][13] - Drill holes AN-25-08 and AN-25-09 are currently testing the continuation of awaruite mineralization further north, contributing to a total north-south strike length of 800 meters at the RPM Zone [3][7] Metallurgical Performance - The DTR metallurgical test results from AN-25-06 are consistent with previous Phase 1 drilling, indicating a predictable metallurgical response across the RPM Zone, with an average nickel grade of 1.38% in magnetic concentrate across the first five holes [10][11] - The average mass pull for these holes is 9.08%, yielding an average DTR nickel grade of 0.12% [10][11] Awaruite and Market Context - Awaruite, a naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy, offers a cleaner processing alternative compared to conventional nickel sources, aligning with North America's critical minerals supply chain needs [23][24] - The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act emphasizes the importance of domestic sourcing of critical minerals, positioning awaruite as a viable option for electric vehicle manufacturers to meet stringent requirements [24][36] Exploration and Infrastructure - The district-wide exploration program has identified new occurrences of visible awaruite, which will help define larger zones for future drilling [6][12] - Significant infrastructure upgrades have been made to support the Phase 2 drilling program, enhancing road access and camp facilities [13][36]

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. announced positive Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) metallurgical test results from drill hole AN-24-04, indicating significant nickel and chromium grades in the RPM Zone of the Atlantic Nickel Project [1][6][7] - The results from the first three drill holes demonstrate consistent metallurgical performance, confirming a lateral width of at least 500 meters of disseminated awaruite mineralization [2][6][8] - Awaruite's unique properties allow for environmentally sustainable magnetic separation, eliminating the need for energy-intensive smelting processes, thus enhancing the potential for a secure domestic nickel supply chain [3][17][20] Summary by Sections Drill Results - Drill hole AN-24-04 returned 366 meters averaging 1.46% nickel and 1.56% chromium in magnetic concentrate, with peak grades reaching 2.42% nickel and 4.59% chromium [1][6][7] - The average mass pull for this hole was 9.53%, indicating effective magnetic separation [6][8] - The first three drill holes have shown consistent results, with grades of 1.37%, 1.32%, and 1.46% nickel, and mass pulls of 9.49%, 9.12%, and 9.53% respectively [2][6] Mineralization and Expansion Potential - The DTR results confirm a mineralized footprint of approximately 500 meters in width, with drill hole AN-24-04 establishing the eastern direction toward Chrome Pond as a high-priority target for further exploration [2][16] - The ongoing Phase 2 drilling program aims to expand the mineralization in all directions, supported by improved infrastructure and equipment optimizations [16][29] Awaruite Characteristics and Processing - Awaruite, a nickel-iron alloy with approximately 75% nickel, can be processed through magnetic separation, avoiding the costly and environmentally harmful smelting processes required for traditional nickel ores [3][17] - This processing method aligns with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's requirements for critical minerals, potentially benefiting North American electric vehicle manufacturers [17][20] Strategic Importance - The development of awaruite resources is crucial for reducing dependence on foreign nickel processing, particularly from countries like China, which dominate the global nickel market [20][29] - Awaruite's cleaner processing methods could enhance the resilience and security of North America's critical minerals supply chain, particularly for the stainless steel and electric vehicle industries [20][29]

Core Viewpoint - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has commenced Phase 2 drilling at the RPM Zone of its Atlantic Nickel Project in Newfoundland, aiming to expand the mineralized area and explore new nickel targets, leveraging the unique properties of awaruite for environmentally sustainable processing [1][4][19]. Phase 2 Drilling Program - The Phase 2 drilling program is designed to extend the mineralized area beyond the initial 400 meters by 500 meters defined in Phase 1, targeting high-priority areas to the north, east, and west [5][6]. - The program aims to outline a large-scale nickel system with the potential to host over one billion tonnes of mineralized material [5][6]. - New road access and a more powerful drill rig will enhance drilling speed, depth capacity, and cost efficiency [5][6]. Awaruite Characteristics - Awaruite is a naturally occurring nickel-iron alloy composed of approximately 75% nickel, offering significant processing advantages due to its native metallic state, which eliminates the need for energy-intensive smelting or roasting [2][14]. - The processing of awaruite results in a lower carbon footprint and is suitable for simple domestic processing, aligning with North America's critical minerals supply chain needs [2][14][16]. Phase 1 Results - Phase 1 drilling confirmed a significant awaruite-hosted nickel discovery, with consistent grades averaging approximately 0.24% nickel and strong metallurgical results [7][8]. - Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) metallurgical testing produced a magnetic concentrate with an average grade of approximately 1.35% nickel [5][7]. Strategic Acquisitions - The company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire eight mineral licenses totaling approximately 3,350 hectares around the Atlantic Nickel Project, which returned elevated magnetically recoverable nickel values [10]. - The acquisition will be financed through the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.205 per share [10]. Market Context - Awaruite's processing method aligns with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's requirements for electric vehicles, which mandate that eligible clean vehicles must not contain critical minerals processed by foreign entities of concern [14][19]. - The development of awaruite resources is crucial for reducing dependence on foreign nickel processing, particularly from China, which dominates the global nickel market [16][19].

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. is focused on developing its 100%-owned Atlantic Nickel Project in Newfoundland, which is strategically located near existing infrastructure and is gaining attention for its potential in the hydrogen economy [1][2][5] - The province's nickel resources are positioned to contribute to global clean energy transitions, particularly through green hydrogen production [2][3] - Awaruite, a nickel-iron alloy with approximately 75% nickel content, offers an environmentally safe solution for enhancing North America's critical minerals supply chain [6][18] Company Overview - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. trades on multiple exchanges, including TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FAN" and OTCQB under "FANCF" [9] - The company aims to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced nickel that complies with the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act's requirements for electric vehicles [18][19] - The Atlantic Nickel Project's nickel occurs as awaruite, allowing for smelter-free processing, which could reduce dependence on foreign entities for nickel processing [18][19] Industry Context - Nickel plays a crucial role in hydrogen production technology, making Newfoundland and Labrador a significant contributor to global decarbonization goals [3][5] - Awaruite's processing methods are cleaner and safer compared to conventional nickel sources, addressing environmental concerns associated with nickel refining [7][8] - The U.S. Geological Survey highlights the potential of awaruite deposits in Canada to alleviate nickel concentrate shortages, emphasizing its easier concentration compared to traditional nickel sulfides [7][8]