First Atlantic Nickel Featured in Article Highlighting Hydrogen Potential of Newfoundland and Labrador Nickel Deposits
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) (“First Atlantic” or the “Company”) a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on developing its 100%-owned Atlantic Nickel Project, a large-scale nickel project strategically located near existing infrastructure in central Newfoundland, Canada, is pleased to be featured in a recent article published by the Telegram, which explores the province’s emerging role in the global hydrogen economy.
The article, titled:
Two-pronged cache: Mining company excited about hydrogen potential in NL nickel deposits
published on April 30, 2025, explores how Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich nickel resources could contribute meaningfully to the global transition to clean energy, particularly through the production of green hydrogen.
Nickel plays a vital role in hydrogen production technology, and Newfoundland and Labrador’s nickel-rich geology positions the province as a natural contributor to global decarbonization goals.
Additionally, the article notes that ophiolites are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic hydrogen, created through natural processes as minerals within them interact.
The article states:
Some of the most significant geologic hydrogen discoveries in the world occur in ophiolites,
. Dr. Yaoguo Li of the Colorado School of Mines further explains,
Geologic hydrogen systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems,
Emphasizing the complex and promising nature of this resource.
The article notes, referencing the growing momentum behind hydrogen and nickel synergy,
Nickel is not just for batteries anymore, it may be the key to unlocking cleaner, more scalable hydrogen technologies,
Adrian Smith, CEO of First Atlantic, said:
We are proud to see Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral potential gaining international attention, particularly in the context of hydrogen and clean energy,
“This recognition reinforces the long-term strategic value of our nickel exploration and development efforts.”
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 safe 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 leaching1. 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)2. 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 electric vehicle 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 easier to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel”3. 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 release, addressing concerns about the large carbon footprint and toxic emissions linked to nickel refining.
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First Atlantic Nickel Featured in Article Highlighting Hydrogen Potential of Newfoundland and Labrador Nickel Deposits, source
