First Atlantic Nickel Doubles RPM Zone Strike Length to 800 Meters at Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project with 491 Meter Awaruite (Ni3Fe) Intercept in Phase 2X Drilling
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) has announced significant progress at its Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project, with drill hole AN-25-08 intersecting 491 meters of awaruite mineralization. This discovery has doubled the RPM Zone strike length to 800 meters, marking a major expansion from Phase 1 drilling.
The drill hole revealed the largest awaruite grains identified to date, reaching up to ~2,000 microns - twice the previous record. Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) testing has shown consistent metallurgical results with magnetic concentrate grades averaging 1.38% nickel and 1.67% chromium, yielding a weighted average DTR nickel grade of 0.12%.
The Phase 2X drilling program aims to extend beyond 1 kilometer strike length, with mineralization remaining open in all directions. The company has also identified a new geological model indicating a west-dipping mineralization system.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) ha annunciato progressi significativi al Progetto Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy, con il sondaggio AN-25-08 che ha intercettato 491 metri di mineralizzazione awaruite. Questa scoperta ha raddoppiato la lunghezza dello strike della RPM Zone a 800 metri, segnando una notevole espansione rispetto al drilling della Fase 1.
Il foro ha rivelato le più grandi particelle di awaruite mai identificate, fino a ~2.000 micron — il doppio del precedente record. I test Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) hanno mostrato risultati metallurgici costanti, con gradi del concentrato magnetico medi di 1,38% nichel e 1,67% cromo, generando una percentuale media di nichel DTR ponderata di 0,12%.
Il programma di trivellazione Phase 2X punta ad estendere la lunghezza dello strike oltre 1 chilometro, con la mineralizzazione ancora aperta in tutte le direzioni. L’azienda ha anche identificato un nuovo modello geologico che indica un sistema di mineralizzazione inclinato verso ovest.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) ha anunciado progresos significativos en su Proyecto Pipestone XL de Aleación de Níquel, con el pozo de perforación AN-25-08 que interceptó 491 metros de mineralización de awaruita. Este hallazgo ha duplicado la longitud de la falla RPM Zone a 800 metros, marcando una expansión importante respecto al barreno de la Fase 1.
El agujero de perforación reveló las mayores granos de awaruita identificados hasta la fecha, alcanzando ~2.000 micras, el doble del récord anterior. Las pruebas de Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) han mostrado resultados metalúrgicos consistentes, con grados de concentrado magnético promediando 1,38% de níquel y 1,67% de cromo, dando como resultado un grado de níquel DTR ponderado de 0,12%.
El programa de perforación Phase 2X busca extenderse más allá de 1 kilómetro de longitud de falla, con la mineralización abierta en todas direcciones. La empresa también ha identificado un nuevo modelo geológico que indica un sistema de mineralización con pendiente hacia el oeste.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF)가 Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy 프로젝트에서 중요한 진전을 발표했습니다. AN-25-08 시추구멍이 awaruite 광맥으로 491m를 교차했습니다. 이 발견은 RPM Zone의 연장 길이를 800m로 두 배로 늘려 1단계 시추에서의 확장을 의미합니다.
시추구멍은 지금까지 확인된 가장 큰 awaruite 입자를 보여주었고 최대 약 2,000 마이크론에 도달했습니다 — 이전 기록의 두 배입니다. Davis Tube Recovery(DTR) 테스트는 자성 집적광의 평균 등급이 니켈 1.38%, 크롬 1.67%로 나타나 일관된 금속학적 결과를 보였으며, 가중 평균 DTR 니켈 등급은 0.12%를 기록했습니다.
Phase 2X 시추 프로그램은 스트라이크 길이를 1km 이상으로 확장하는 것을 목표로 하며, 광물이 모든 방향에서 열려 있습니다. 또한 서쪽으로 경사지는 광물화 시스템을 나타내는 새로운 지질학적 모델도 확인했습니다.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) a annoncé des progrès significatifs sur le projet Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy, avec le puits AN-25-08 qui a croisé 491 mètres de minéralisation d’awaruite. Cette découverte a doublé la longueur de strike de la zone RPM à 800 mètres, marquant une expansion majeure par rapport au forage de la Phase 1.
Le forage a révélé les plus gros grains d’awaruite identifiés à ce jour, atteignant environ 2 000 microns, soit le double du record précédent. Les essais Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) ont montré des résultats métallurgiques constants avec des teneurs moyennes du concentré magnétique de 1,38 % de nickel et 1,67 % de chrome, donnant une teneur moyenne pondérée en nickel DTR de 0,12 %.
Le programme de forage Phase 2X vise à étendre la longueur du strike au-delà de 1 kilomètre, avec la minéralisation ouverte dans toutes les directions. L’entreprise a également identifié un nouveau modèle géologique indiquant un système de minéralisation qui s’incline vers l’ouest.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) hat bedeutende Fortschritte beim Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy-Projekt angekündigt, wobei Bohrloch AN-25-08 491 Meter Awurait-Mineralisierung durchbohrte. Diese Entdeckung hat die Strike-Länge der RPM Zone auf 800 Meter verdoppelt und markiert eine wesentliche Erweiterung gegenüber dem Phase-1-Bohrprogramm.
Das Bohrloch enthüllte die bislang größten Awurait-Körnchen mit einer Größe von bis zu ~2.000 Mikron – doppelt so groß wie der bisherige Rekord. Davis Tube Recovery (DTR)-Tests zeigten konsistente metallurgische Ergebnisse mit magnetischem Konzentrationsgrad von durchschnittlich 1,38% Nickel und 1,67% Chrom, was eine gewichtete DTR-Nickel-Gehalt von 0,12% ergibt.
Das Phase-2X-Bohrprogramm zielt darauf ab, die Strike-Länge auf über 1 Kilometer auszudehnen, wobei die Mineralisierung in alle Richtungen offen bleibt. Das Unternehmen hat zudem ein neues geologisches Modell identifiziert, das ein westlich geneigtes Mineralisierungssystem anzeigt.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) أعلنت عن تقدم ملحوظ في مشروع Pipestone XL لسبيكة النيكل، حيث intersect 491 مترًا من خام الأوارويت في البئر AN-25-08. هذا الاكتشاف ضاعف طول خط التحول في منطقة RPM إلى 800 متر، معبِّرًا عن توسيع كبير مقارنة بالحفر في المرحلة 1.
أظهر البئر أجود أكبر حبات أوارويت حتى الآن، يصل قطرها إلى نحو 2,000 ميكرون، وهو ضعف الرقم القياسي السابق. اختبارات Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) أظهرت نتائج معدنية-ميكانيكية متسقة بمتوسط درجات تركيز مغناطيسي بواقع 1.38% نيكل و1.67% كروم، مع معدل نيكل DTR وزني قدره 0.12%.
تهدف حملة الحفر Phase 2X إلى توسيع الامتداد إلى ما وراء كيلومتر واحد من الطول، مع Mineralization مفتوح في جميع الاتجاهات. كما حددت الشركة نموذجًا جيولوجيًا جديدًا يشير إلى نظام معدني مائل نحو الغرب.
First Atlantic Nickel (OTCQB: FANCF) 已宣布在 Pipestone XL 镍合金项目取得重要进展，钻孔 AN-25-08 发现了 491 米 awaruite 矿化带。此次发现将 RPM 区域的走向长度扩大到 800 米，较第一阶段钻探有显著扩张。
钻孔揭示了迄今为止发现的最大 awaruite 颗粒，最大达到 约 2,000 微米，是此前记录的两倍。Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) 测试显示金属性结果稳定，磁性精矿的平均含镍 1.38%、铬 1.67%，加权平均 DTR 镍品位为 0.12%。
Phase 2X 钻探计划目标是将走约扩展至超过 1 公里，矿化在各方向上仍未封闭。公司还识别出一个新的地质模型，指示一个向西倾斜的矿化系统。
- Doubled RPM Zone strike length to 800 meters, with potential to extend beyond 1 kilometer
- Discovered largest awaruite grains to date (~2,000 microns), 2X previous record
- Consistent metallurgical results with 1.38% nickel concentrate grades
- Sulfur-free awaruite composition eliminates need for costly smelting and reduces environmental impact
- Pending assay results for latest drill holes (AN-25-07 through AN-25-10)
- True widths of reported intervals currently unknown
Phase 2X Drilling Achieves 800 Meter Strike Length with First Hole on Line S3 Confirming Continuity of Awaruite Mineralization
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 drill hole from this section and extends the RPM Zone strike length to 800 meters north-south, doubling the strike length drilled during Phase 1. AN-25-08 confirmed visibly disseminated awaruite throughout the length of the drill core, supporting the continuity of nickel-iron-cobalt alloy mineralization across the expanding RPM Zone footprint.
Phase 2X drilling is expanding the RPM Zone at Pipestone XL with long intersections of visibly disseminated awaruite mineralization. Step-out drilling has now confirmed continuous awaruite mineralization across three drill sections (S1, S2, and S3), each spaced approximately 400 meters apart. RPM Zone awaruite nickel mineralization currently extends 800 meters along strike and remains open in all directions (see Figure 1).
Samples from Phase 2X drill holes have been submitted for whole-rock assay analysis and Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) metallurgical testing to evaluate magnetically recoverable nickel (DTR nickel grade). To date, DTR testing from the RPM Zone has returned magnetic concentrate grades averaging
HIGHLIGHTS:
- RPM Zone First Drill Hole on Line S3 Doubles Strike Length to 800 Meters: Drill hole AN-25-08 on Line S3 has successfully extended the RPM Zone up to 800 meters of continuous north-south strike length - a 2X increase from the original Phase 1 discovery.
- 491-meter mineralized interval with coarse awaruite grains up to ~2,000-micron: The largest awaruite grains intersected to date at RPM Zone - 2X the previous record of ~1,000 microns in AN24-04 - with distinctive chain formation and grains migrating into magnetite veining, indicating robust mineralization and enhanced magnetic recovery potential.
- Phase 2X Targeting 1 km (+) Strike Length: The Phase 2X program is designed to test beyond 1 kilometer.
- Consistent Metallurgical Results: DTR tests from all reported RPM Zone drill holes to date confirm average magnetic concentrate grades of
1.38% nickel and1.67% chromium, yielding a weighted average DTR nickel grade of0.12% calculated across the complete drill core length from all holes, representing the full mineralization profile. - Multiple Updates Expected: The Company anticipates providing additional updates on Phase 2X drilling and other project developments in the coming weeks.
For further information, questions, or investor inquiries, please call Rob Guzman at First Atlantic Nickel by phone at +1 844 592 6337 or via email at rob@fanickel.com.
AN-25-08 Drill Hole Details
Drill hole AN-25-08 was collared on Line S3, representing a 400-meter step-out from Line S2 and establishing 800 meters of drilled north-south strike length at the RPM Zone. The hole intersected 491 meters of serpentinized peridotite hosting visibly disseminated awaruite (nickel-iron-cobalt alloy) mineralization.
Notably, this intersection contains the largest disseminated awaruite grains identified to date in the project, with individual grains reaching up to ~2,000 microns in length - representing 2X the prior record of 1,000 microns. The mineralization also displays a distinctive awaruite chain formation, with awaruite grains observed migrating into magnetite veining, which could result in improved magnetic recovery characteristics.
Figure 1: Drill core from hole AN-25-08 (370 m) showing disseminated awaruite (nickel-iron alloy) in serpentinized peridotite with magnetite veining (top); photomicrographs of awaruite grains up to ~2,000 microns (bottom).
Figure 2: Drill core from hole AN-25-08 (332 m) showing unique chain formation of awaruite (nickel-iron alloy) mobilizing and concentrating along magnetite veins in serpentinized peridotite (top); photomicrographs of awaruite grains up to ~490 microns (bottom).
Figure 3: Drill core from hole AN-25-08 (105 m) showing disseminated awaruite (nickel-iron alloy) in serpentinized peridotite (top); photomicrographs of awaruite grains up to ~460 microns (bottom).
Figure 4: Drill core from hole AN-25-08 (280 m) showing disseminated awaruite (nickel-iron alloy) in serpentinized peridotite (top); photomicrographs of awaruite grains up to ~700 microns (bottom).
Figure 5: Drill core from hole AN-25-08 (432 m) showing disseminated awaruite (nickel-iron alloy) in serpentinized peridotite (top); photomicrographs of awaruite grains up to ~700 microns (bottom).
RPM Western Dipping Ultramafic System
Phase 2X drilling, combined with district-wide exploration mapping completed throughout 2025, has resulted in a new geological model that incorporates an interpretation of west-dipping mineralization. Based on this model, the optimal drill orientation is considered to be east-dipping at angles between 45-65 degrees, to better test the true thickness of the mineralized zones.
The geological model suggests that the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex is a wide west-dipping structure consisting of laterally extensive layers of peridotites or harzburgites that extend from the surface and dip to the west. This updated geological development indicates that east-dipping holes are best suited to test the true thickness of target horizons within the broader ultramafic complex.
Initial east-dipping drill holes have intersected serpentinized peridotite layers containing higher concentrations of awaruite nickel mineralization in harzburgites and lower mineralization in dunites, providing a more complete profile of the deposit. DTR testing has returned higher nickel grades in the main wider serpentinized harzburgite zone, compared to the less serpentinized dunite layers.
Figure 6: Pipestone XL RPM Zone Phase 2X program showing drill locations including location of drill hole AN-25-08 (blue circle) and underlying geology.
Table 1: Pipestone XL Project - RPM Zone Phase 2X Drill Results
| Drill Hole | Zone | Section | From meters | To meters | Interval meters | Magnetically Recovered (DTR) Nickel % | Magnetic Concentrate Nickel Grade (Ni %) | Mass Pull (%) | Comment |
| AN 24 - 02 | RPM | S1 | 11.0 | 394.1 | 383.1 | 0.13 | 1.37 | 9.50 | NR - March 12, 2025 |
| AN 24 - 03 | RPM | S1 | 18.0 | 234.0 | 216.0 | 0.11 | 1.32 | 9.12 | NR - April 15, 2025 |
| AN 24 - 04 | RPM | S1 | 12.0 | 378.0 | 366.0 | 0.14 | 1.46 | 9.53 | NR- June 24, 2025 |
| AN 24 - 05 | RPM | S2 | 6.0 | 357.0 | 351.0 | 0.12 | 1.47 | 8.21 | NR - July 9, 2025 |
| AN 25 - 06 | RPM | S2 | 5.65 | 453 | 447.35 | 0.11 | 1.27 | 9.02 | NR - August 12, 2025 |
| AN 25 - 07 | RPM | S2 | 495.0 | pending | pending | Awaruite - Visibly Disseminated | |||
| AN 25 - 08 | RPM | S3 | 491.0 | pending | pending | Awaruite - Visibly Disseminated | |||
| AN 25 - 09 | RPM | S3 | 480.0 | pending | pending | pending | |||
| AN 25 - 10 | RPM | S1 | 233.0 | pending | pending | pending |
Figure 7: Pipestone XL Map with RPM Phase 2X Drilling Area Labelled
AWARUITE - RARE & PURE NATURAL NICKEL-IRON-COBALT ALLOY MINERAL
The sulfur-free nature of awaruite (Ni3Fe), a naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy already in metallic form, eliminates the need for secondary processes such as smelting, roasting or acid leaching that are typical of sulfide or laterite nickel ores. Unlike sulfides, which are not natural alloys, awaruite avoids the challenge of sourcing smelter capacity - a bottleneck in North America's nickel supply chain. With an average nickel grade of approximately
Awaruite eliminates the electricity requirements, emissions, and environmental impacts associated with conventional smelting, roasting or acid leaching processes of common nickel minerals. Moreover, awaruite's sulfur-free composition removes the risks of acid mine drainage (AMD) and related permitting challenges commonly posed by sulfide minerals.2 As noted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in 2012: "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."
Figure 8: Quote from USGS on Awaruite Deposits in Canada
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://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.
Analytical Method & QA/QC
Drill core samples were sawn in half on site, with one half retained in the core box for future reference and the other half securely packaged and shipped for laboratory analysis. The Company’s QA/QC protocol included the systematic insertion of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference material (standards), with one QA/QC sample being inserted approximately every 20 samples to monitor the precision and accuracy of the laboratory results. All analytical results successfully passed QA/QC screening at the laboratory, and all Company inserted standards and blanks returned values within acceptable limits.
Samples were submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (“Actlabs”) in Ancaster, Ontario, an ISO 17025 certified and accredited laboratory operating independently of First Atlantic. Each sample was crushed, and a 250 g sub-sample was pulverized to
The magnetic fractions were collected, dried, weighed, and fused with lithium metaborate/tetraborate flux and a lithium bromide releasing agent before being analyzed by wavelength dispersive XRF for multiple elements including nickel, cobalt, iron and chromium. The magnetically recoverable nickel grade was calculated by multiplying the XRF fusion nickel value by the weight of the magnetic fraction and dividing by the recorded feed weight or magnetic mass pulled from the sample.
True widths of the reported intervals are currently unknown. The nickel bearing ultramafic ophiolite and peridotite rocks being targeted and sampled in the Phase 1 drilling program at the Pipestone XL are mapped on surface and in drilling as several hundred meters to over one kilometer in width and approximately 30 kilometers in strike length.
About First Atlantic Nickel Corp.
First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) is a Canadian mineral exploration company developing the
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 2X 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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1 https://fpxnickel.com/projects-overview/what-is-awaruite/
2 https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/mineral-pubs/nickel/mcs-2012-nicke.pdf
3 https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1939
Figures accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/416076fe-193a-4073-95b2-491e73374e35
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e29e4e9-4330-42a6-ae16-9c43246b345c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f74c5e05-266b-4abd-beb5-68264e93458f
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cedddad7-2a1b-493c-9c28-959ef93e1964
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8eab77ee-e616-47c7-9138-fe695d038d45
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8b9af52-bb5d-4203-898e-44802eaa7a62
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/962e8c5e-c79a-4f62-a740-399045ae7ccf
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6eac0e2-6ebc-4dd8-89fe-6c698820444f
FAQ
What did First Atlantic Nickel (FANCF) discover in their latest drilling results at Pipestone XL?
What are the metallurgical results from First Atlantic Nickel's RPM Zone?
What are the advantages of awaruite mineralization at First Atlantic Nickel's Pipestone XL project?
How many drill holes has First Atlantic Nickel completed in Phase 2X at the RPM Zone?
What is the new geological model discovered at First Atlantic Nickel's Pipestone XL project?
