Commencement of Phase 2 drilling by First Atlantic Nickel in Newfoundland
In the heart of Newfoundland, Canada, the Atlantic Nickel Project is making headlines with its ongoing exploration at the RPM Zone. The project, spearheaded by Canadian miner First Atlantic Nickel, has seen remarkable progress in its Phase 2 drilling, which is actively expanding the large-scale, near-surface awaruite nickel mineralization[1][2][3].
The RPM Zone, initially discovered during Phase 1, boasts a preliminary footprint of about 400 by 500 meters. This area, confirmed open at depth and laterally in multiple directions, has yielded consistent nickel grades from surface in every hole drilled so far[1][2][3].
Key developments in this ongoing saga include the initiation of Phase 2 drilling, a strategic program of step-out holes aimed at expanding the mineralized area beneath and beyond the initial footprint in all directions—north toward Pipestone Pond, east toward Chrome Pond, and west into the RPM fault zone[1][2].
One of the most noteworthy findings from Phase 2 drilling is drill hole AN-25-06, the deepest and longest to date at RPM. This hole intersected 447.35 meters of continuous awaruite mineralization, averaging 1.27% nickel and 1.69% chromium in magnetic concentrate[2][3][4]. The total nickel recovery from this hole was approximately 52%, demonstrating robust and consistent mineralization and metallurgical performance.
The Phase 2 drilling benefits from significant infrastructure improvements, including better road access and expanded camp facilities, enabling deeper and more efficient drilling to delineate the resource further[2]. The mineralization remains open for expansion at depth and along strike, with ongoing drill holes AN-25-08 and AN-25-09 testing extensions 400 meters north, bringing the known strike length to approximately 800 meters[3].
The potential of the Atlantic Nickel Project as a domestic supply of nickel for North America is significant. Given the strategic priority to develop secure, local sources of critical battery metals like nickel for North America's electric vehicle and clean energy industries, the scale of the discovery, the at-surface nature of this awaruite nickel, and its ongoing expansion under a well-funded exploration program highlight strong prospects for a significant new nickel supplier within Newfoundland[1][2][3].
Adrian Smith, CEO of First Atlantic, stated that the Phase 1 program validated their geological model, and their priority is to rapidly expand the known extent of the awaruite discovery at the Atlantic Nickel Project[1]. The fully funded Phase 2 drilling program is now underway and designed to further expand on this discovery.
Awaruite, a natural nickel-iron alloy, has sulfur-free and magnetic properties, making it an attractive target for mining and processing[4]. Processing through magnetic separation and flotation eliminates the need for high-temperature smelting, roasting, or HPAL, reducing environmental impact and lowering production costs[4].
In summary, the Atlantic Nickel Project's RPM Zone is advancing rapidly with extensive Phase 2 drilling confirming and expanding a significant awaruite nickel discovery that could contribute substantially to North America's domestic nickel supply, supported by continuous, consistent grades and promising metallurgical recoveries[1][2][3][4][5]. This project holds the potential to become a strategic supply of nickel for North America's critical minerals supply chain.
[1] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, March 22). First Atlantic Announces Drilling Results from RPM Zone, Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
[2] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, April 12). First Atlantic Announces Commencement of Phase 2 Drilling Program at Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
[3] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, May 10). First Atlantic Announces Drilling Results from RPM Zone, Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
[4] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, May 17). First Atlantic Announces Awaruite Nickel Mineralization in Drill Hole AN-25-06, Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
[5] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, June 14). First Atlantic Announces Drilling Results from RPM Zone, Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
[6] First Atlantic Nickel News Release. (2022, June 28). First Atlantic Announces Drilling Results from RPM Zone, Atlantic Nickel Project. Retrieved from https://firstatlanticnickel.com/news/
Despite the ongoing exploration and development of the Atlantic Nickel Project in Newfoundland, Canada, the RPM Zone continues to make headlines due to its significant awaruite nickel mineralization. With continuously impressive drilling results, this project holds the potential to become a strategic supply of nickel for North America's critical minerals supply chain, contributing substantially to domestic nickel production.
