GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, Newfoundland and Labrador, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") reports assays and Davis Tube Recovery ("DTR") metallurgical test results from drill hole AN-25-06, the first hole reported in the Phase 2 drill program at the RPM Zone, part of the district-scale Atlantic Nickel Project (the "Project") in Newfoundland. Drill hole AN-25-06 is the deepest and the longest drilled to date at the ...

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]