First Atlantic Nickel & Cobalt Corp. (TSXV: FAN | OTCQB: FANCF | FSE: P21) announced the release of its white paper titled "Onshoring the Nickel-Cobalt Supply Chain. Without A Smelter." at the Critical Minerals for Defence 2026 conference, held June 9–10, 2026, at the Marriott Downtown CF Toronto Eaton Centre. The white paper is now available at www.fanickel.com.
Company Participation at Conference
As previously announced on June 5, 2026, First Atlantic is an official exhibitor at the conference, showcasing drill core and samples of awaruite (Ni₃Fe), a naturally occurring magnetic nickel-iron-cobalt alloy (Ni-Fe-Co), from its wholly owned Pipestone XL Nickel-Cobalt Alloy Project. The white paper expands on the Company's conference participation and outlines a mine-to-metal pathway for awaruite, emphasizing how its metallic, sulfur-free composition eliminates the need for midstream smelting and supports the production of a high-grade nickel-cobalt concentrate for downstream North American EV battery refining, specialty alloy, and stainless-steel production.
White Paper Details
The white paper explains that awaruite's metallic, sulfur-free composition allows it to be concentrated through magnetic separation and flotation into a high-grade concentrate suitable for downstream refining and stainless-steel production, without conventional smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching. Electron microprobe analysis by SGS Canada Inc. of awaruite grains from the RPM Zone reported averages of 77.62% nickel and 1.69% cobalt. The white paper also notes that North America's current midstream smelting nickel capacity is constrained, with only two operational pyrometallurgical nickel smelters remaining in Ontario, highlighting the strategic relevance of a smelter-free processing pathway for allied defence and industrial supply chains.
Accessing the White Paper
Investors and interested parties can access the full white paper at www.fanickel.com, where they can also sign up to receive Company news by email and SMS text.
About Awaruite
Awaruite is a naturally occurring, sulfur-free nickel-iron-cobalt alloy with nickel content of approximately 77%. Because it already exists in a metallic state, awaruite can be processed into a high-grade concentrate of approximately 60% nickel through magnetic separation and flotation, without smelting, roasting, or high-pressure acid leaching. This concentrate can be sent directly for downstream battery chemical refining or for the manufacture of specialty alloys and stainless steel.
As stated in the August 2025 report "From Rocks to Power: Strategies to Unlock Canada's Critical Minerals for Global Leadership in Energy Storage, EVs, & Beyond" from the Battery Metals Association of Canada, the strategic importance of awaruite is underscored for Canada's critical minerals future.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact Rob Guzman, Investor Relations. Call: 1 (844) 592-6337 | Email: rob@fanickel.com
