Atlantic Nickel initiates Phase 2 drilling operations in Newfoundland
First Atlantic Nickel's Atlantic Nickel Project Makes Major Discovery at RPM Zone
The Atlantic Nickel Project, owned by Canadian miner First Atlantic Nickel, has made a significant discovery at the RPM Zone. After the successful completion of Phase 1 drilling, a large near-surface zone of awaruite nickel mineralization has been identified, spanning approximately 400 meters by 500 meters[1][2][4].
The RPM Zone hosts significant awaruite mineralization, a natural nickel-iron alloy (Ni₃Fe). This type of mineralization is notable for its sulfur-free and magnetic properties, allowing for smelter-free processing using magnetic separation and flotation[1][2]. This processing method eliminates the need for high-temperature smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching required by traditional nickel sulfide and laterite ores, significantly reducing processing complexity and environmental impact.
Key technical highlights from Phase 1 include:
- A broad mineralized footprint near surface, measuring approximately 400 meters by 500 meters.
- Consistent grades and continuous zones of mineralization intersected in all drill holes.
- Metallurgical testing (Davis Tube Recovery) yielded an average magnetic nickel concentrate grade of 1.41% Ni.
- Average magnetic nickel recovery of 54% from a total nickel grade of 0.24%.
- The mineralized system remains open, indicating substantial potential for expansion.
First Atlantic's CEO, Adrian Smith, emphasizes the strategic importance of the project as a potential domestically mined and processed nickel supply for North America’s critical minerals supply chain, highlighting the advantage of the smelter-free process[1][2].
The company's priority is to rapidly expand the known extent of the discovery at the Atlantic Nickel Project. The fully funded Phase 2 drilling program is now underway, designed to further expand on this discovery and assess the broader district-scale potential[1][2].
The successful completion of First Atlantic's Phase 1 program validates their geological model, marking the first major drilled awaruite discovery in the Atlantic region[1]. With ongoing drilling and further assessment, the Atlantic Nickel Project's RPM Zone could become a significant strategic supply of nickel for North America's critical minerals supply chain.
[1] - First Atlantic Nickel Press Release, 2022 [2] - First Atlantic Nickel Drill Plan Map for Atlantic Nickel Project, 2022 [4] - First Atlantic Nickel Website, 2022
The Atlantic Nickel Project's significant discovery at the RPM Zone could potentially provide a substantial energy source for various industries, considering the project is on track to become a major domestic supplier of nickel. The potential smelter-free processing of this nickel resource in the finance sector could lead to reduced processing complexity and environmental impact.
