First Atlantic Nickel Showcases Awaruite: A Smelter‑Free Nickel‑Cobalt Solution for North America’s Critical Minerals Chain

On November 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) took centre stage at the Benchmark Week 2025 conference (November 18‑20), showcasing its flagship Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project in Newfoundland as a pioneering source of the naturally magnetic alloy Awaruite (Ni₃Fe). This nickel‑iron‑cobalt mineral contains roughly 77 % nickel, is sulphur‑free, and can be processed without conventional smelting or roasting. First Atlantic emphasises that their discovery of awaruite presents a distinct advantage over typical nickel sulfide or laterite ores. Because the material is naturally magnetic and free of sulphur, it can be concentrated using magnetic separation and flotation — dramatically reducing reliance on overseas smelters and lowering environmental impacts. At the conference, where automakers such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company, battery firms like LG Energy Solution, and mining majors attended, First Atlantic stressed the strategic importance of building a resilient North American supply chain for nickel and cobalt — two minerals designated critical in the US, Canada and Europe. Key advantages highlighted by the Company include: Smelter‑free processing: the magnetic properties of awaruite allow efficient separation and flotation, eliminating the need for energy‑intensive smelting or roasting. Zero sulfur content: mitigates the risk of acid mine drainage and avoids many of the permitting and environmental burdens associated with sulphide ores. Multi‑element value stream: The Pipestone XL Project’s concentrate may carry nickel, chromium and cobalt — all essential alloying or battery elements, and all critical minerals. Scale and location: The 30 km‑long Pipestone ophiolite complex hosts several zones (RPM, Super Gulp, Atlantic Lake, Chrome Pond) showing awaruite mineralization, offering district‑scale potential. The Company cited findings from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which had noted in a 2012 report that development of Canadian awaruite deposits “may help alleviate any prolonged shortage of nickel concentrate” because awaruite is “much easier to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel.” First Atlantic’s participation at Benchmark Week is intended to foster business development, partnerships and exposure to stakeholders across the electric‑vehicle, battery, mining and policy worlds. The Company invites interested parties to schedule meetings with management during the event. #NickelSupplyChain #CriticalMinerals #Awaruite #SmelterFreeProcessing #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM