First Atlantic Nickel Closes Acquisition of Rpm South Claims at the Atlantic Nickel Project
FIRST ATLANTIC NICKEL CLOSES ACQUISITION OF RPM SOUTH CLAIMS
AT THE ATLANTIC NICKEL PROJECT
Vancouver, British Columbia – (Globenewswire - January 13, 2025) - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN)
(OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") advises that it has closed the previously
announced asset purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) to acquire a 100% interest in and to mining
licence 038152M, consisting of 12 mineral claims located in central Newfoundland, known as the RPM South
claims (the "Claims"). The Claims are situated immediately south of the recent discovery at the RPM Zone (See
Figure 1), which is part of the 30 kilometer nickel trend within the Atlantic Nickel project (the "Atlantic Nickel
Project" or the "Project") in Newfoundland. Future drill programs will aim to test for mineralization in all directions,
including at depth, from the new discovery at the RPM Zone, which is no longer constrained by proximity to
project boundaries. The Claims are strategically important for future project infrastructure and development,
while also being prospective as they have the potential to host awaruite nickel mi neralization extending
southward from the RPM Zone at depth.
Highlights:
● Strategic Acquisition: The Company has successfully closed the acquisition of mining licence
#038152M, which consists of 12 mineral claims located immediately south of the RPM Zone. This
acquisition is a strategic step to support future project infrastructure and development. Additionally, the
new licence provides the Company with an opportunity to investigate the potential southward continuation
of awaruite nickel mineralization at depth within the RPM Zone.
● Drill-core Assays: Whole rock assays are in progress to determine the total grades of nickel and other
metals including iron, chromium, and cobalt. Initial Phase 1 assay results are expected over the coming
weeks.
● Metallurgical Testing: Preliminary metallurgical testing of Phase 1 drill core samples is underway. Davis
Tube Recovery (DTR) testing measures the percentage of nickel that is magnetically recoverable to
estimate potential recovery through commercial magnetic separation processes.
● Phase 2 Drilling Plans: The Company anticipates providing updates soon.
● Mineralization Expansion Potential: The RPM Zone remains open for drilling in all directions, with
mineralization appearing more substantial towards the east while depth offers potential for further
expansion along strike.
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 [email protected]
Adrian Smith, CEO of First Atlantic, provided an update on the company's recent progress and future plans:
"First Atlantic Nickel has successfully secured 100% ownership of the 30km Pipestone Ultramafic Belt, a large-
scale district nickel system with the potential to host multiple nickel deposits. The company's Phase 1 drilling
program and historical work on the property have revealed widespread nickel mineralization in various zones
along the trend, highlighting the significant potential of the Atlantic Nickel Project.
The company eagerly anticipates the release of assay results from its initial drilling in the coming weeks and is
preparing to launch a Phase 2 drill program aimed at delineating a larger footprint at the RPM zone, with the
goal of defining more than a bil lion tonnes of mineralization. In addition to being on track to release Phase 1
assay results, First Atlantic Nickel has initiated metallurgical testing of the Phase 1 drill core and is currently
planning a larger-scale metallurgical development process to demonstrate the feasibility of processing awaruite-
bearing ore into a final nickel concentrate. The company expects to provide further updates on its progress in
the near future as it continues to advance this exciting project."
Davis Tube Recovery Metallurgical Test
Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) is a metallurgical test used to determine potential commercial mining recoveries
through magnetic separation. In this test, a prepared sample is placed in a glass tube positioned at a 45° angle
between two powerful electromagnets. The sample is mixed with water to form a slurry, which is slowly poured
through the tube while being rinsed with water. This process isolates the magnetic material, leaving it as a
concentrate1. Once the concentrate is obtained from the Davis Tube, a second geochemical assay is conducted
to determine the amounts of nickel and iron in the concentrate, providing a measurement of the nickel that was
recovered magnetically.
The DTR test is a method used to analyze potential recovery using magnetic separation, which separates and
concentrates magnetic minerals such as magnetite and awaruite. Awaruite is a naturally occurring, sulfur -free
nickel-iron alloy (Ni ₃Fe or Ni₂Fe) that contains approximately 75% nickel. It possesses magnetic properties 10
times stronger than magnetite 2, making it amenable to magnetic separation processes used in commercial
mining operations.
RPM-South Claims
The Claims provide First Atlantic with a contiguous land package adjacent to the RPM Zone. The RPM Zone,
which extends southward to the previous claim boundary, could potentially continue south into the newly
acquired Claims, making this acquisition a key asset for future project development and infrastructure. The new
Claims proximity to known mineralization boundaries enhances their strategic importance. Further expansion
drilling will focus on defining the full extent of mineralization and testing for depth, as well as east, north and
south extensions of the recent discovery at the RPM target zone. This strategic acquisition enables
comprehensive exploration and development planning as the Project advances. The Company remains
dedicated to realizing the full potential of the Atlantic Nickel Project through robust exploration and aggressive
drilling campaigns.
1 https://www.sgs.com/en/-/media/sgscorp/documents/corporate/brochures/sgs-min-wa117-geochemical-analysis-of-iron-ore-en-
11.cdn.en.pdf
2 https://fpxnickel.com/projects-overview/what-is-awaruite/
Figure 1: Claim location map showing RPM-South claims, which have been fully acquired by First Atlantic. The
Claims are located adjacent to recent discoveries at the RPM Zone and form a critical piece of the Company's
long term Atlantic Nickel development plans.
RPM Zone Geology: The RPM Zone is situated within the expansive 30 km highly magnetic ultramafic ophiolite
belt, approximately 10 km south of the Super Gulp target and 25 km south of the historic drilling at Atlantic Lake,
where significant mineralization was previously encountered in drill core. This zone is characterized by wide
intervals of heavily sheared and serpentinized peridotite ultramafic rock. The serpentinized peridotite within the
drilled areas is heavily broken due to extensive shearing and faulting, resulting from its vertical position within a
subduction zone and vertical emplacement rather than being displaced and preserved as a massif. The vertical
orientation of the crustal -scale ophiolite is highly favorable, absorbing additional structur al breakage and
increasing fluid porosity for serpentinization. This vertical orientation also provides significant depth potential for
mineralized zones, where the nickel mineralization could extend to depths of 1 km or more, allowing ample room
for depth extensions.
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 safer 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 3. 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) 4. 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 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 easi er to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel" 5.
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 r elease, addressing concerns about the
large carbon footprint and toxic emissions linked to nickel refining.
3 https://fpxnickel.com/projects-overview/what-is-awaruite/
4 https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1939
5 https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/mineral-pubs/nickel/mcs-2012-nicke.pdf
Figure 2: 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 nickel6 and control an estimated 84% of Indonesia's nickel
output, the largest worldwide supply7. 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.
Acquisition Closing Terms
The Company paid cash consideration of $20,000 and it issued an aggregate of 750,000 common shares at a
deemed price of $0.1425 to the arm’s length vendors. The consideration shares are subject to a voluntary escrow
and will be released to the vendors over a period of 30 months from issuance. In Addition, the consider ation
shares are subject to a statutory holder period which expires on May 11, 2025.
The Claims are subject to a 2.0-per -cent net smelter return (NSR) royalty. Prior to commercial production, the
Company can purchase up to a 1.0-per-cent royalty for $1-million.
6 https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/LTRC_ChinaSupplyChain.pdf
7 https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/JIPA/Display/Article/3703867/the-rise-of-great-mineral-powers/
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/firstatlanticnickel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstatlanticnickel/
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
First Atlantic Investor Relations
Robert Guzman
Tel: +1 844 592 6337
Disclosure
Adrian Smith, P.Geo., 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)8.
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 industr y'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.
8 https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1939
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, expectations regarding the timing, scope, and results from the 2024 work and drilling
program; future project developments; the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, and estimates of market
conditions. 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 industry. 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 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.