First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has advanced its nickel resource exploration by expanding its drilling program at the Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project in Newfoundland. The initiative includes four new drill holes, designated AN-25-11 through AN-25-14, as part of the ongoing Phase 2X drilling at the RPM Zone. This strategic move follows a successful initial phase, where all ten previously drilled holes confirmed the presence of magnetically recoverable awaruite nickel alloy.
With a 100% success rate, current drilling operations have delineated an area measuring 800 meters in strike length and 750 meters in width. This accounts for only 20% of the newly defined 4-kilometer target area within the RPM Zone, which is part of a larger 30-kilometer ultramafic nickel trend. The potential for further discoveries is considerable, as the company builds on insights gained from DTR surface sampling and geological mapping.
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New drilling targets for RPM Zone expansion
The newly planned drill holes aim to expand the RPM Zone in multiple directions. This will extend the drill-confirmed strike length to approximately 1.4 kilometers north-south, with an increased width of 850 meters. Notably, drill holes AN-25-11 and AN-25-12 will focus on the eastern section, targeting areas adjacent to the company’s top-performing hole, AN-25-10, which yielded impressive results, demonstrating the highest nickel grades recovered on the property.
Enhancing eastern exploration
The eastern extension seeks to investigate areas beyond the clay-filled fault zone that inhibited the drilling process for Hole AN-25-10. This zone has consistently returned strong magnetically recoverable nickel grades, establishing it as a prime exploration target. The new holes are expected to penetrate deeper, potentially revealing richer deposits as attention shifts toward Chrome Pond, where historical data indicates high concentrations of valuable minerals.
Confidence driven by consistent results
The company’s confidence in these expansion efforts is reinforced by consistent metallurgical results observed across the ten discovery holes. Each hole has intersected large-grain visible awaruite mineralization from near the surface to the end of the drilling. Awaruite (Ni₃Fe), a naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy containing about 77% nickel, can be effectively concentrated using magnetic separation techniques. This positions the Pipestone XL Project as a vital component in the North American nickel supply chain, creating a pathway that bypasses the energy-intensive processes typically associated with nickel extraction.
Environmental and logistical benefits
By employing direct mining techniques utilizing magnetic separation and flotation, the project aims to minimize environmental impact while providing a stable and reliable nickel source. This method lowers energy requirements and aligns with the growing demand for sustainable mining practices. Furthermore, the properties of awaruite support a mine-direct-to-battery-refinery model, enhancing supply chain efficiency while reducing reliance on traditional smelting processes.
As drilling progresses, the addition of four holes will expand the north-south drill-tested area to approximately 1.4 kilometers, significantly enhancing the project’s potential. The strategic focus on northern and southern extensions allows for comprehensive exploration of the RPM Zone, defined through extensive geological mapping.
Future outlook and exploration strategy
The company remains committed to its exploration strategy, incorporating ongoing metallurgical testing aimed at optimizing nickel recovery. Recent analyses show that magnetic separation can achieve a mass reduction of approximately 90%, leading to a high-grade concentrate that can be processed further on-site. This innovative approach supports nickel recovery and allows for the potential extraction of cobalt and chromium, marking a significant step toward a more integrated mining operation.
As First Atlantic Nickel continues to advance its drilling program, updates on progress and results will be communicated to stakeholders. The expanded drilling efforts at the RPM Zone indicate a promising future for the Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project, with expectations of uncovering additional valuable resources that could play a crucial role in North America’s growing demand for nickel and other critical minerals.
For more information, please contact First Atlantic Nickel’s Investor Relations.
