First Atlantic Nickel and Colorado School of Mines Explore Hydrogen Potential in Newfoundland

 First Atlantic Nickel

Strategic Partnership and Key Exploration Targets

First Atlantic Nickel Corp. [TSXV: FAN; OTCQB: FANCF; FSE: P21] has entered into a research partnership with the Colorado School of Mines to explore the potential of geologic hydrogen as an energy source. The collaboration focuses on two major ophiolite complexes in Newfoundland, Canada: the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex (Atlantis Project, 103 km²) and the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex (Atlantic Nickel Project, 71 km²). Both sites, wholly owned by First Atlantic Nickel, contain ultramafic rock formations with awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, key indicators of geologic hydrogen.

First Atlantic Nickel remains committed to its core mission of exploring and drilling for awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization. Unlike traditional nickel sulfides, awaruite does not require smelting, making it a cleaner and more reliable source of nickel for North America’s critical minerals supply chain. While advancing its nickel exploration, the company has partnered with the Colorado School of Mines to leverage existing drilling data to evaluate Newfoundland's hydrogen potential.

“Geologic hydrogen systems integrate both mineral and natural gas systems. Our team combines expertise from the mining and oil and gas industries to advance exploration and hydrogen monitoring,” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from the Colorado School of Mines.

Awaruite (Ni₃Fe) has been recognized in academic research as a strong indicator of hydrogen-rich geological environments, further strengthening Newfoundland’s potential as a geologic hydrogen resource hub.

The research program will analyze First Atlantic Nickel’s two key projects:

• Atlantis Project (St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex): Located in northwestern Newfoundland, this 103 km² complex comprises two ultramafic massifs. Its serpentinized harzburgite and dunite formations, rich in olivine, have shown nickel and chromium mineralization, with recent surveys confirming the presence of awaruite. The project's shallow structural setting makes it an ideal site for hydrogen exploration.

• Atlantic Nickel Project (Pipestone Ophiolite Complex): Spanning 71 km², this project hosts a 30 km ultramafic belt with a steep, near-vertical dip. Recent drilling at the RPM Zone intersected 0.24% nickel and 0.32% chromium over 383.1 meters of serpentinized peridotite, indicating an extensive hydrogen-generating environment. Its deep structural formation may enhance hydrogen retention due to lithostatic pressure beyond 1 km depth.

Research Techniques and Market Implications

To assess the hydrogen potential of Newfoundland’s ophiolite complexes, the partnership will employ multiple scientific techniques:

• Geophysical Surveys: Magnetic, gravity, and seismic methods will map fault systems that may channel or trap hydrogen.
• Remote Sensing: Hyperspectral imaging and satellite data will identify surface mineral signatures linked to serpentinization.
• Soil and Gas Sampling: Surface hydrogen emissions will be measured to confirm active generation and leakage.
• Rock Sampling and Drill Core Analysis: Petrographic and geochemical studies will evaluate hydrogen saturation within mineral structures.

These integrated methods aim to construct a 3D model of Newfoundland's hydrogen distribution, identifying high-potential zones for further exploration or stimulation.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has highlighted the potential of awaruite as an alternative nickel source. Awaruite deposits could help mitigate supply chain disruptions and reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled nickel processing. China currently refines and smelts 68% to 80% of the world’s nickel and controls an estimated 84% of Indonesia’s nickel output. Awaruite offers a cleaner, domestically processed alternative, bolstering North America’s stainless steel and electric vehicle industries.

The research partnership between First Atlantic Nickel and the Colorado School of Mines has three primary objectives:

1. Discover and map geologic hydrogen resources within Newfoundland’s ophiolite complexes.
2. Develop innovative exploration techniques to assess hydrogen potential.
3. Establish efficient hydrogen generation methodologies from serpentinized ultramafic rocks.

Geologic hydrogen presents a promising, cost-effective alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods reliant on fossil fuels. By leveraging its nickel exploration assets, First Atlantic Nickel aims to unlock additional value while contributing to the future of clean energy.