US Battery Supply Chain: Talon Metals Announces Significant Increase to Mineral Resource Estimate at Tamarack Nickel Project

Talon Doubles Indicated Resource Tonnage, including 570% Increase in High-Grade Nickel

This news release constitutes a "designated news release" for the purposes of the Company's prospectus supplement dated December 16, 2021 to its short form base shelf prospectus dated December 7, 2021

Talon Metals Corp. (TSX: TLO) (OTC Pink: TLOFF) ("Talon" or the "Company") has updated its mineral resource estimate for the Tamarack Nickel Project located in central Minnesota.

The total indicated mineral resource estimate now stands at approximately 8.56 million tonnes grading 1.73% nickel plus by-products (2.34% NiEq) containing 148,000 tonnes of nickel (see Tables 1 and 2 below). This represents a 98% increase in the amount of contained nickel (in the indicated category) compared to the Company's previous indicated mineral resource estimate ("PEA #3")1. The total inferred resource estimate, which is in addition to the total indicated mineral resource, is now at approximately 8.46 million tonnes grading 0.83% nickel plus by-products (1.19% NiEq) containing 70,000 tonnes of nickel (see Tables 1 and 2 below).

The high-grade Massive Sulphide (MSU) or Mixed Massive Sulphide (MMS) now stands at 1.05 million tonnes grading 4.53% nickel plus by-products (5.76% NiEq) (in the indicated category) (see Table 3 below), containing 47,000 tonnes of nickel. This represents a 570%increase in the amount of contained nickel (MSU/MMS) compared to PEA #3.

The mineral resource update also sets out the estimated amount of recoverable iron (Fe in sulphides) given this is a payable by-product under the Tesla-Talon agreement entered into on January 7, 2022 ("Tesla-Talon Supply Agreement") (see Table 1 below). Nonetheless, to be conservative, the Company has excluded the iron (Fe in sulphides) from its calculation of nickel equivalent (NiEq).

A significant portion of the increase in the Company's updated mineral resource estimate is attributable to Talon's recent discoveries and exploration success in the shallow, high-grade CGO East and CGO West exploration areas. Drilling outside of the updated mineral resource area is already underway, as Talon continues to work to further expand the mineral resource.

"During the successful discovery and delineation of the high-grade nickel CGO East and CGO West ore bodies, our team of drillers, geophysicists, geologists, engineers and environmental scientists developed a proprietary, Advanced Exploration System (AES), which is a unique combination of equipment and methods for deployment along the 11-mile Tamarack Intrusive Complex and in Michigan," said Henri van Rooyen, CEO of Talon Metals. "The 11-mile Tamarack Intrusive Complex and Michigan represent extremely prospective and underexplored high-grade nickel districts, primarily due to a lack of the consistent deployment of tailor-made mineral exploration technologies. The AES is to US Midcontinent Rift nickel discovery and delineation what Tesla is to EV: A revolution in successful innovation and deployment."

Todd Malan, Chief External Affairs Officer and Head of Climate Strategy at Talon, commented: "The upgraded resource at the Tamarack Nickel Project combined with our acquisition of mineral rights in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and our partnership with Fleet Technologies to use their satellite technology to expedite the discovery of more high-grade nickel in the Lake Superior region are all part of Talon's strategy to become a domestic supplier of nickel and other critical ingredients to the US battery supply chain." Malan continued: "Selection of our Battery Minerals Processing Facility for $114.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) by the Department of Energy is a strong signal that the United States intends to harness its own mineral resources like the nickel, iron, cobalt and copper in the Lake Superior region to become 'mineral independent'. There is a clear bipartisan consensus that we must end America's dependence on China, Russia and other foreign sources for the raw materials required in the energy transition that is required to address climate change. Responsible domestic mining and battery recycling are the solution."

Table 1: Tamarack North Project Updated 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate (Effective Date: October 10, 2022)

Mineral Resource ClassificationTonnes (000)Ni
(%)
Cu (%)Co (%)Pt (g/t)Pd (g/t)Au (g/t)Fe in sulphides (%)NiEq (%)

Total Indicated8,5641.730.920.050.340.210.1782.34
Total Inferred8,4610.830.550.020.230.130.1331.19

 

Notes:

  • All resources are in situ and reported at a 0.50% Ni cut-off
  • Tonnage estimates are rounded down to the nearest 1,000 tonnes
  • Fe% in sulphides is based on sulphur concentration associated with sulphide minerals and a calculation of stoichiometric Fe concentration in Pentlandite and Pyrrhotite
  • NiEq grade based metal prices in U.S. dollars of $9.50/lb Ni, $3.75/lb Cu, $25.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $1,000/oz Pd and $1,400/oz Au using the following formula: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x $3.75/$9.50 + Co% x $25.00/$9.50 + Pt[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Pd[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Au[g/t]/31.103 x $1,400/$9.50/22.04. Fe is not included in the NiEq calculation
  • Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the estimates
  • No adjustments were made for recovery or payability

Table 2. Tamarack North Project Updated 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate In-Situ Metal (Undiluted) at a 0.50% Ni Cut-off (Effective Date: October 10, 2022)

ClassificationTonnes of Ni
In Situ
(in the ground)
Tonnes of NiEq(1)
In Situ
(in the ground)
Million lbs of Ni In Situ
(in the ground)
Million lbs of NiEq(1)
In Situ
(in the ground)

Indicated Resource148,000200,000326441
Inferred Resource70,000101,000154223

 

Notes:

  • All resources are in situ and reported at a 0.50% Ni cut-off
  • Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the estimates
  • NiEq based on metal prices in U.S. dollars of $9.50/lb Ni, $3.75/lb Cu, $25.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $1,000/oz Pd and $1,400/oz Au
  • No adjustments were made for recovery or payability

Talon will file an updated technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), which will include the material increases to the mineral resource estimate within 45 days. In addition, once a location for the Battery Minerals Processing Facility in North Dakota has been finalized (see the Company's press release dated October 19, 2022) and inputs, operating costs and construction estimates have been determined, Talon plans to update the economic parameters, including cut-off grade, in respect of the Tamarack Nickel Project.

Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at the Tamarack Nickel Project

The updated and significantly increased independent mineral resource estimate is largely the result of Talon's successful 2021-2022 development and deployment of Talon's Advanced Exploration System ("AES") that enables Talon to rapidly conduct in-house exploration programs at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Talon's AES resulted in two new high-grade nickel-copper discoveries, known as the high-grade CGO East and CGO West areas. These newly discovered mineralized zones lie north of the Company's previous mineral resource area (see Figure 1 for areas of significant nickel-copper mineralization). The shallow, high-grade mineralization found within the CGO East and CGO West areas not only provide for growth in the size of the mineral resource (and ultimately resulted in the Tesla-Talon Supply Agreement) but is also expected to result in an accelerated development pathway for an underground mine.

Talon's AES consists of a unified set of technologies assembled and operated safely and in an environmentally responsible manner by the Company's in-house team of drillers, geophysicists, geologists, engineers and environmental scientists. It is the synergy of Talon's interdisciplinary teams and technologies - from multiple surface detection methods that can cover large areas, to rapidly drilling anomalies, conducting downhole surveys, assessing drilled core, and then leveraging the combined data within days instead of months to plot the next drillholes - that makes Talon's AES extremely efficient at identifying nickel deposits with strong prospects for economic extraction.

Talon's AES is presently deployed to the north of the present mineral resource area, with a plan for drilling to the south of the mineral resource area during the winter period. Additionally, Talon is preparing for deployment of its AES in Michigan. Talon's Michigan roll-out will consist of the use of new and innovative surface geophysical techniques on the back of the Company's geological team's unique understanding of prospective, high-grade nickel targets. Additionally, the Company's expanded drilling capabilities will be utilized to rapidly drill pre-identified targets as well as new targets followed by the use of cross-hole seismic and selective borehole electromagnetic surveys (geophysics).

Through this well-planned deployment of Talon's unique AES, Talon is poised to become the US solution to onshoring nickel concentrate production for a US battery nickel and battery iron supply chain that will be leading in effectiveness, cost and environmental responsibility.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/141193_4e25fd7a04daf86e_001.jpg

Figure 1. Plan view of the expanded mineral resource area at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Coordinate system UTM-NAD 83

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2443/141193_4e25fd7a04daf86e_001full.jpg

Table 3: Tamarack North Project Updated 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate (Effective Date: October 10, 2022)

DomainTonnes (000)Ni (%)Cu (%)Co (%)Pt (g/t)Pd (g/t)Au (g/t)Fe in sulphides (%)NiEq (%)

CGO EAST MMS/MSU2282.841.190.090.310.200.21213.66
CGO EAST DISSEMINATED1,0830.640.440.020.210.110.1320.94
CGO WEST MMS/MSU3304.111.680.110.370.280.19275.22
CGO WEST DISSEMINATED5860.670.460.020.110.070.0720.96
MSU4905.602.440.120.680.460.26267.10
LSMSU2,5061.941.050.050.570.340.2682.68
USMSU3,3381.240.740.030.200.120.1251.70
Sub-total MSU/MMS1,0484.531.930.110.500.350.23255.76
Total Indicated
Mineral Resource
8,5641.730.920.050.340.210.1782.34
CGO EAST MMS/MSU1582.531.090.080.280.180.19193.29
CGO EAST DISSEMINATED8230.620.420.020.200.110.1220.91
CGO WEST MMS/MSU1073.511.450.100.310.220.17254.48
CGO WEST DISSEMINATED3200.660.440.020.100.060.0730.92
MSU395.942.530.110.540.450.23257.45
LSMSU1210.840.600.020.500.280.2321.31
USMSU2,9320.670.410.020.250.140.1220.96
138 Zone3,9570.820.630.020.210.120.1421.21
Sub-total MSU/MMS3043.311.400.090.330.230.19224.24
Total Inferred
Mineral Resource
8,4610.830.550.020.230.130.1331.19

 

Notes:

  • All mineral resources are in situ and reported at a 0.50% Ni cut-off
  • Tonnage estimates are rounded down to the nearest 1,000 tonnes and totals may not add up due to rounding
  • Fe% in sulphides is based on sulphur concentration associated with sulphide minerals and a calculation of stoichiometric Fe concentration in Pentlandite and Pyrrhotite
  • Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the estimates
  • NiEq grade based on metal prices in U.S. dollars of $9.50/lb Ni, $3.75/lb Cu, $25.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $1,000/oz Pd and $1,400/oz Au using the following formula: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x $3.75/$9.50 + Co% x $25.00/$9.50 + Pt[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Pd[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Au[g/t]/31.103 x $1,400/$9.50/22.04. Fe is not included in the NiEq calculation
  • No adjustments were made for recovery or payability

The updated mineral resources are derived from a Datamine constructed block model with a block size of 5m x 5m x 5m for the Lower and Upper Semi-Massive Sulphide Unit ("LSMSU" and "USMSU") and the 138 Mixed Zone ("138 Zone"), and a block size of 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.5m for the Massive Sulphide Unit ("MSU"), and the Coarse Grained Peridotite domains ("CGO West" and "CGO East").

All Domains utilized the Datamine RM® "unfold" process and had top cuts applied to restrict outlier assay values (Ni, Cu, Co, Pt, Pd and/or Au). The eight domains utilized either Ordinary Kriged or Inverse Distance methodology to interpolate grades (Nickel ("Ni"), Copper ("Cu"), Cobalt ("Co"), Platinum ("Pt"), Palladium ("Pd") and Gold ("Au") from either 1.0 or 1.5 meter composited drill holes. Density estimates were based on specific gravity measurements and where absent, regression formulas were applied.

The mineral resources reported are based on a "blocks above a 0.5% Ni cut-off" basis and were then examined visually by Golder and found to have reasonable continuity suitable for underground selective and bulk mining methods. The proportion of Fe in sulphides was calculated stoichiometrically from Pyrrhotite and Pentlandite, using some basic mineralogical assumptions.

Table 4: Tamarack North Project Updated 2022 Mineral Resource Estimate Sensitivities with tonnages and grades at various Ni cut-offs (Effective Date: October 10, 2022)

Cut-Off (Ni %)Mineral Resource ClassificationTonnes (000)Ni (%)Cu (%)Co (%)Pt (g/t)Pd (g/t)Au (g/t)Fe in sulphides (%)NiEq (%)
0.4Indicated9,8911.560.840.040.310.190.1672.11
Inferred11,0790.740.490.020.210.120.1221.07
0.5Indicated8,5641.730.920.050.340.210.1782.34
Inferred8,4610.830.550.020.230.130.1331.19
0.6Indicated7,2151.961.030.050.360.230.1892.62
Inferred5,8240.960.640.030.250.150.1531.37
0.7Indicated6,1142.191.130.060.380.240.19102.92
Inferred3,8881.110.740.030.260.160.1641.58
0.8Indicated5,3772.391.210.060.390.250.20123.17
Inferred2,5901.290.850.040.260.160.1751.82
0.9Indicated4,8532.561.280.060.410.260.20133.38
Inferred1,7951.490.940.040.270.170.1872.08
1.0Indicated4,4232.711.340.070.410.270.21133.57
Inferred1,2381.741.050.050.300.190.1982.39
1.1Indicated4,1212.841.390.070.420.270.21143.72
Inferred8962.001.130.050.310.200.19102.71

 

Notes:

  • Official resources are in situ and reported at a 0.50% Ni cut-off and highlighted in bold
  • Tonnage estimates are rounded down to the nearest 1,000 tonnes
  • Fe% in sulphides is based on sulphur concentration associated with sulphide minerals and a calculation of stoichiometric Fe concentration in Pentlandite and Pyrrhotite
  • Mining recovery and dilution factors have not been applied to the estimates
  • NiEq grade based on metal prices in U.S. dollars of $9.50/lb Ni, $3.75/lb Cu, $25.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $1,000/oz Pd and $1,400/oz Au using the following formula: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x $3.75/$9.50 + Co% x $25.00/$9.50 + Pt[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Pd[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Au[g/t]/31.103 x $1,400/$9.50/22.04. Fe is not included in the NiEq calculation
  • No adjustments were made for recovery or payability
  • Resource estimate sensitivities stated below 0.5% Ni cut-off may not have reasonable prospects for economic extraction

QUALITY ASSURANCE, QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALIFED PERSON

The "Qualified Person", as such term is defined in NI 43-101, who prepared the mineral resource estimate presented in this news release is Mr. Brian Thomas (P.Geo.), who is a geologist independent of Talon and a Principal Resource Geologist at Golder Associates Ltd. ("Golder"). Mr. Thomas has reviewed and approved the technical information relating to the mineral resource estimate in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying such information and reviewed and verified the QA/QC procedures used at the Tamarack Nickel Project. Roger Jackson (P.Geo), an independent QP and employee of Golder, has visited the site and found the drilling, geological logging and sampling, and sample shipments to be consistent with the CIM Mineral Exploration Best Practice Guidelines (2018). Mr. Jackson constructed the mineral resource models used for this MRE following the CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Best Practice Guidelines (2019).

Dr. Etienne Dinel, Vice President, Geology of Talon, is a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101 and, other than the mineral resource estimate, is responsible for the technical information presented in this news release, including sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information. Dr. Dinel is satisfied that the analytical and testing procedures used are standard industry operating procedures and methodologies.

Where used in this news release: NiEq% = Ni%+ Cu% x $3.75/$9.50 + Co% x $25.00/$9.50 + Pt[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Pd[g/t]/31.103 x $1,000/$9.50/22.04 + Au[g/t]/31.103 x $1,400/$9.50/22.04. Dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars. Fe is not included in the NiEq calculation.

Please see the Company's technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) #3 of the Tamarack Nickel Project - Tamarack Minnesota" with an effective date of January 8, 2021 for information on the QA/QC, analytical and testing procedures at the Tamarack Project. The laboratory used for geochemical sample assay analysis is ALS Minerals which is independent of the Company.

ABOUT TALON

Talon is a TSX-listed base metals company in a joint venture with Rio Tinto on the high-grade Tamarack Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project located in central Minnesota. Talon's shares are also traded in the US over the OTC market under the symbol TLOFF. The Tamarack Nickel Project comprises a large land position (18km of strike length) with high-grade intercepts outside the current resource area. Talon has an earn-in right to acquire up to 60% of the Tamarack Nickel Project, and currently owns 51%. Talon is focused on (i) expanding and infilling its current high-grade nickel mineralization resource to shape a mine plan for submission to Minnesota regulators and (ii) following up on additional high-grade nickel mineralization in the Tamarack Intrusive Complex. Talon has an agreement with Tesla Inc. to supply it with 75,000 metric tonnes (165 million lbs) of nickel in concentrate (and certain by-products, including cobalt and iron) from the Tamarack Nickel Project over an estimated six-year period once commercial production is achieved. Talon has well-qualified experienced exploration, mine development, external affairs and mine permitting teams.

For additional information on Talon, please visit the Company's website at www.talonmetals.com or contact:

Media Contact:

Todd Malan
1 (202) 714-8187
malan@talonmetals.com 

Investor Contact:

Sean Werger
1 (416) 361-9636 x102
werger@talonmetals.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; the Tesla-Talon Supply Agreement, including the timing of development of a mine and production at the Tamarack Nickel Project; the timing, results and success of future exploration (including AES) and drilling, including expansion of the resource; the timing and results of a future technical report that includes economic parameters; US government support for building a domestic battery supply chain, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL); receipt of the of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant and timing thereof; the timing and outcome of the environmental review process; the planned deployment and success the AES; future discoveries of high grade nickel and other exploration results; ability of the Company to be produce and supply nickel and other critical metals; economic parameters; . Forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company which risks include (and are not limited to) the Company's ability to secure all necessary permits relating to the proposed operations, future exploration success, the Company's ability to design and construct an economically viable mine and processing plant as well as production risks. Other risks related to the Company and the Tamarack Nickel Project are set out in the Company's financial statements and Annual Information Form.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

The mineral resource figures disclosed in this news release are estimates and no assurances can be given that the indicated levels of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum, palladium gold and iron will be produced. Such estimates are expressions of judgment based on knowledge, mining experience, analysis of drilling results and industry practices. Valid estimates made at a given time may significantly change when new information becomes available. While the Company believes that the mineral resource estimates disclosed in this news release are reasonable, by their nature mineral resource estimates are imprecise and depend, to a certain extent, upon statistical inferences which may ultimately prove unreliable. If such estimates are inaccurate or are reduced in the future, this could have a material adverse impact on the Company. There is no certainty that mineral resources can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration.

____________________________

1 See the Company's technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) #3 of the Tamarack North Project - Tamarack, Minnesota" with an effective date of January 8, 2021.

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First Atlantic Nickel to Attend Benchmark Mineral Intelligence's GIGA USA 2025 Conference, Highlighting Atlantic Nickel Project's Smelter-Free Processing for North America's Critical Minerals Supply Chain

First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its participation at the Benchmark Mineral Intelligence GIGA USA 2025 conference, taking place June 3-4, 2025, in Washington, DC. The Company will participate in strategic meetings during this critical mineral conference to demonstrate how its Atlantic Nickel Project addresses the growing need for nickel mining that can be completely processed in North America. The Atlantic Nickel Project contains nickel in the form of awaruite, a naturally occurring, sulfur-free, highly magnetic mineral with approximately 75% nickel content. These unique properties enable direct processing through magnetic separation and flotation, eliminating reliance on foreign overseas smelting or roasting operations. This simplified mineral processing method significantly lowers energy requirements and reduces environmental impacts, strengthening the development of a resilient, domestic critical minerals supply chain.

The GIGA USA conference brings together key players from across the critical minerals sector for two days of networking, dealmaking, and policy discussions. Attendees include major automakers such as Tesla, Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen; battery manufacturers like LG Energy Solutions, Samsung SDI, and Panasonic Energy; and global mining companies including Rio Tinto, Vale, Glencore, South32, and Anglo American. Government representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, the Government of Quebec, the Embassy of Canada, and the Delegation of the European Union will also attend. Conference topics will address the expansion of the United States' lithium-ion battery gigafactory industry and the need to establish secure, sustainable supply chains for critical raw materials, including lithium, nickel, graphite, cobalt, manganese and rare earth elements.

The conference addresses key areas of focus including strengthening the U.S. critical minerals supply chain through domestic production and expanded gigafactory capacity, examining policy and trade impacts, such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and enhancing national security through critical mineral independence. The conference will also focus on investment and financing opportunities for next-generation mining projects, innovations in battery technology and sustainability, and the importance of global collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Company's Atlantic Nickel Project offers a secure and reliable solution for domestic nickel production. By leveraging awaruite's sulfur-free composition, high nickel content and magnetic properties, the project enables simple processing through magnetic separation and flotation without the need for secondary processing such as smelting or roasting. Unlike traditional nickel sulfide and laterite projects that undergo energy-intensive processes creating harmful waste and emissions, awaruite's metallurgical properties enable complete domestic nickel production while eliminating reliance on overseas processing. The lower energy requirements and sulfur-free nature of awaruite result in a reduced carbon and environmental footprint. The Company remains committed to strengthening North American critical minerals supply chains, with the Atlantic Nickel Project positioned to provide a secure, reliable nickel source for North American industries including electric vehicles, batteries, defense, and stainless steel manufacturing.

Conference Meeting Requests

First Atlantic welcomes the opportunity to meet with strategic partners, shareholders and investors during the GIGA USA 2025 conference. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Rob Guzman at rob@fanickel.com or by phone at 844-592-6337 to arrange meetings. The conference takes place June 3-4, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Phase 2 Drilling Update

The Phase 2 drilling program is currently underway and successfully expanding the awaruite mineralization identified in multiple drill holes during the Phase 1 campaign. Technical improvements, including optimized HQ/NQ drill configurations and enhanced drill bit selection, have enabled the current program to reach greater depths than previously achieved. The Company anticipated providing updates on the Phase 2 drill holes in the coming weeks.

For further information, questions, or investor inquiries, please contact Rob Guzman at First Atlantic Nickel by phone at +1-844-592-6337 or via email at rob@fanickel.com

Corporate Update

The Company also announces that on May 21, 2025 it closed the definitive agreement dated May 6, 2025 (the "Purchase Agreement") to acquire a 100% interest in eight mineral licenses totaling approximately 3,350 hectares. These licenses are strategically located around the Company's Atlantic Nickel Project in central Newfoundland, in the Cold Spring Pod and Coy Pond areas. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Company has issued 1,000,000 Shares at a deemed price of $0.205 per Share. These Shares are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. And further to its May 6, 2025 news release, it closed the previously announced settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") on May 22, 2025, to settle outstanding obligations totaling $202,950 owed to an arm's length creditor (the "Creditor") related to accounting services provided under a consulting agreement dating back to 2017. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has issued an aggregate of 312,500 common shares (each, a "Share") at a deemed price of $0.32 per Share. These Shares will be released in three equal tranches over a 12-month period and are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Awaruite (Nickel-iron alloy Ni₂Fe, Ni₃Fe)

Awaruite, a naturally occurring sulfur-free nickel-iron alloy composed of Ni₃Fe or Ni₂Fe with approximately ~75% nickel content, offers a proven and environmentally safe solution to enhance the resilience and security of North America's domestic critical minerals supply chain. Unlike conventional nickel sources, awaruite can be processed into high-grade concentrates exceeding 60% nickel content through magnetic processing and simple floatation without the need for smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching 1 . Beginning in 2025, the US Inflation Reduction Act's (IRA) $7,500 electric vehicle (EV) tax credit mandates that eligible clean vehicles must not contain any critical minerals processed by foreign entities of concern (FEOC) 2 . These entities include Russia and China, which currently dominate the global nickel smelting industry. Awaruite's smelter-free processing approach could potentially help North American electric vehicle manufacturers meet the IRA's stringent critical mineral requirements and reduce dependence on FEOCs for nickel processing.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) highlighted awaruite's potential, stating, "The development of awaruite deposits in other parts of Canada may help alleviate any prolonged shortage of nickel concentrate. Awaruite, a natural iron-nickel alloy, is much easier to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel." 3 Awaruite's unique properties enable cleaner and safer processing compared to conventional sulfide and laterite nickel sources, which often involve smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching that can release toxic sulfur dioxide, generate hazardous waste, and lead to acid mine drainage. Awaruite's simpler processing, facilitated by its amenability to magnetic processing and lack of sulfur, eliminates these harmful methods, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and risks associated with toxic chemical release, addressing concerns about the large carbon footprint and toxic emissions linked to nickel refining.

First Atlantic Nickel Corp.

Figure 1: Quote from USGS on Awaruite Deposits in Canada

The development of awaruite resources is crucial, given China's control in the global nickel market. Chinese companies refine and smelt 68% to 80% of the world's nickel 4 and control an estimated 84% of Indonesia's nickel output, the largest worldwide supply 5 . Awaruite is a cleaner source of nickel that reduces dependence on foreign processing controlled by China, leading to a more secure and reliable supply for North America's stainless steel and electric vehicle industries.

Investor Information

The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol " FAN ", the American OTCQB Exchange under the symbol " FANCF " and on several German exchanges, including Frankfurt and Tradegate, under the symbol " P21 ".

Investors can get updates about First Atlantic by signing up to receive news via email and SMS text at www.fanickel.com . Stay connected and learn more by following us on these social media platforms:

https://x.com/FirstAtlanticNi

https://www.facebook.com/fanickelcorp

https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstatlanticnickel/

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
First Atlantic Investor Relations
Robert Guzman
Tel: +1 844 592 6337
rob@fanickel.com

Disclosure

Adrian Smith, P.Geo., a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person is a member in good standing of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed herein.

About First Atlantic Nickel Corp.

First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) is a Canadian mineral exploration company developing the 100%-owned Atlantic Nickel Project, a large-scale nickel project strategically located near existing infrastructure in Newfoundland, Canada. The Project's nickel occurs as awaruite, a natural nickel-iron alloy containing approximately 75% nickel with no-sulfur and no-sulfides. Awaruite's properties allow for smelter-free magnetic separation and concentration, which could strengthen North America's critical minerals supply chain by reducing foreign dependence on nickel smelting. This aligns with new US Electric Vehicle US IRA requirements, which stipulate that beginning in 2025, an eligible clean vehicle may not contain any critical minerals processed by a FEOC (Foreign Entities Of Concern) 6 .

First Atlantic aims to be a key input of a secure and reliable North American critical minerals supply chain for the stainless steel and electric vehicle industries in the USA and Canada. The company is positioned to meet the growing demand for responsibly sourced nickel that complies with the critical mineral requirements for eligible clean vehicles under the US IRA. With its commitment to responsible practices and experienced team, First Atlantic is poised to contribute significantly to the nickel industry's future, supporting the transition to a cleaner energy landscape. This mission gained importance when the US added nickel to its critical minerals list in 2022, recognizing it as a non-fuel mineral essential to economic and national security with a supply chain vulnerable to disruption.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements:

This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: statements regarding: the timing, scope and results of the Company's Phase 1 and Phase 2 work and drilling programs; future project developments; the Company's objectives, goals, and future plans; statements and estimates of market conditions; the viability of magnetic separation as a low-impact processing method for awaruite; the strategic and economic implications of the Company's projects   ; and expectations regarding future developments and strategic plans;   Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining and clean energy industries. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no mineral reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws.

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