Nickel North Announces Soil Assay Results Confirming Cu-Ni-PGE-Au Anomalies at HAWK Ridge Project
Nickel North Exploration Inc.
1105-750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T8
http://nnexploration.com
January 5th, 2026
NEWS RELEASE
Trading Symbol: “NNX: TSX.V”
NICKEL NORTH ANNOUNCES SOIL ASSAY RESULTS
CONFIRMING CU-NI-PGE-AU ANOMALIES
AT HAWK RIDGE PROJECT
Vancouver, B.C. – January 5, 2026 – Nickel North Exploration Corp. ("Nickel North" or the
"Company") (TSX-V: NNX) is pleased to announce the receipt of final laboratory assay results from the
205 soil samples from its 100% owned Hawk Ridge Copper -Nickel-PGE-Gold Project in Northern
Québec.
These samples, originally collected during the 2022 field season and previously screened using a
handheld XRF analyzer, were submitted to AGAT Laboratories in Vancouver for high -precision
geochemical analysis. Previous handheld XRF analyz ing results showed very strong polymetallic
anomalies at Hawk Ridge Project ( Nickel North Exploration Corp. | Nickel North 2022 Soil Samples
Discover New Strong Cobalt Anomalies and Confirm Multiple Strong Ni -Cu Anomalies at Hawk Ridge
Nickel-Copper-PGE Project ). The new results in 2025 successfully validate above mentioned the
Company’s previous XRF findings , and have identified strong Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), and Gold
(Au) anomalies that were not previously quantified by XRF analyzer.
Highlights of the 2025 Soil Assaying Program:
• Discovery of Precious Metals: Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of significant precious
metals associated with base metal anomalies.
o Palladium (Pd): Assays returned values up to 0.644 g/t (644 ppb).
o Gold (Au): Assays returned values up to 0.391 g/t (391 ppb).
o Platinum (Pt): Assays returned values up to 0.300 g/t (300 ppb).
• Confirmation of Base Metal Grade:
o Copper (Cu): High-grade soil anomalies confirmed with values up to 3,460 ppm (0.35%).
o Nickel (Ni): Anomalous nickel values confirmed up to 725 ppm.
• Strong Mineralization Correlation: Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (r =
0.77) between Copper and Palladium. This indicates that Copper serves as an excellent
pathfinder element for vectoring towards high -grade sulphide mineraliza tion enriched with
PGEs in future drilling.
• Target Expansion: The coincident Ni -Cu-PGE anomalies have refined and expanded the
exploration potential at the Falco 7, Gamma, Hope Advance, Pio, and Lucille zones.
Nickel North Exploration Inc.
1105-750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T8
http://nnexploration.com
Figure 1 2025 Soil Sample Locations and Key Mineralized Zones, Hawk Ridge Project
Nickel North Exploration Inc.
1105-750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T8
http://nnexploration.com
The 2025 program focused on verifying historical anomalies across a 50 km strike length of the mafic-
ultramafic intrusions. The analytical results demonstrate distinct geochemical signatures consistent with
magmatic nickel-copper-PGE sulphide deposits.
• Falco 7 Zone: Identified undrilled high-grade areas with strong Cu-Ni signatures now confirmed
to host associated PGE mineralization.
• Lucille Zone: Previously noted for cobalt anomalies, the new data highlights its potential for
polymetallic mineralization.
• Gamma & Hope Advance Zones: Results show continuity of mineralization trends, supporting
the geological model of extensive sulphide saturation.
Integration with Ongoing Exploration
The new assaying data will be integrated with existing geological mapping, geophysical interpretations,
and historical datasets to update the Company’s geological and mineralization models for the Hawk
Ridge Project. This integrated approach is expected to assist in defining priority areas for future field
programs, including potential drilling.
Dr. Tony Guo, President and CEO commented: “We are highly encouraged by these laboratory results.
While the 2022 XRF data gave us a preliminary indication of base metals, these certified assays from
AGAT Laboratories have added a critical layer of value by confirming the presence of high -grade
Palladium and Gold in the soil overlying our key targets. The strong correlation between Copper and
Palladium provides our technical team with a powerful vectoring tool. These results reduce geological
uncertainty at the Hawk Ridge project and provide clear, high-priority targets for our upcoming 2026
drilling and exploration season.”
QAQC and Analytical Procedures
Soil samples were taken on a 100 m by 100 m to 300 m by 300 m grids covering an approximate
25 km2 area over 5 zones of Hawk Ridge Project. Totally 381 soil samples were collected originally
and 205 samples recovered in 2025.
Approximately 200 g to 400 g of soil was sampled at a depth of approximately 10 -20 cm from
surface depending on the surface conditions. Soil samples were primarily targeting the B horizon
when appropriate and sampled into labelled craft paper bags.
Approximately 50 packaged samples (10 soils per poly bag) were put into labelled rice bags for
transport. Security tags were added to the rice bags to further increase QAQC protocol.
The 205 recovered soil samples were analyzed by AGAT Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017
accredited facility. The analytical package included:
• Base Metals: Four-acid digestion with ICP -OES/MS finish (Code 201 -070) to ensure near -total
dissolution of resistant sulphide and oxide minerals.
Nickel North Exploration Inc.
1105-750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T8
http://nnexploration.com
• Precious Metals (Au, Pt, Pd): Fire Assay with ICP-OES finish (Code 202-051) on a 30g charge.
The Company adhered to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program, including the
insertion of standards and blanks, which were reviewed and found to be within acceptable limits.
Qualified Person
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Tony Guo, P.Geo.,
President and CEO of Nickel North Exploration Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National
Instrument 43-101.
About Nickel North Exploration
Nickel North Exploration is a Canada-based exploration company focused on defining a Ni-Cu-Co-PGE
Mineral Resource at its Hawk Ridge Project in Northern Québec. The board of directors, advisor
committee and management team are experienced, successful mine finders. The Project consists of a
50 km long belt of strong magmatic Cu -Ni-Co-PGE occurrences covering 179.67 km². The Project is
located near tidewater. Québec is a mining -friendly jurisdiction. Nickel North Exploration is a
conscientious corporate citiz en that maintains good relations with local Inuit communities and is
committed to sustainable development.
Nickel North Exploration Inc.
Tony Guo. P. Geo, Chief Executive Officer (Tel: +1-778-877-5480)
E-mail: [email protected]
North America IR / PR Jemini Capital
Kevin Shum [email protected]
Tel: +1 (647) 725-3888 x702
For further information please visit http://www.nnexploration.com
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