Vancouver, B.C. – January 5, 2026 – Nickel North Exploration Corp. ("Nickel North" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NNX) is pleased to announce the receipt of final laboratory assay results from the 205 soil samples from its 100% owned Hawk Ridge Copper-Nickel-PGE-Gold Project in Northern Québec.
These samples, originally collected during the 2022 field season and previously screened using a handheld XRF analyzer, were submitted to AGAT Laboratories in Vancouver for high-precision geochemical analysis. Previous handheld XRF analyzing results showed very strong polymetallic anomalies at Hawk Ridge Project (Nickel North Exploration Corp. | Nickel North 2022 Soil Samples Discover New Strong Cobalt Anomalies and Confirm Multiple Strong Ni-Cu Anomalies at Hawk Ridge Nickel-Copper-PGE Project). The new results in 2025 successfully validate above mentioned the Company’s previous XRF findings, and have identified strong Palladium (Pd), Platinum (Pt), and Gold (Au) anomalies that were not previously quantified by XRF analyzer.
Highlights of the 2025 Soil Assaying Program:
- Discovery of Precious Metals: Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of significant precious metals associated with base metal anomalies.
- Palladium (Pd): Assays returned values up to 0.644 g/t (644 ppb).
- Gold (Au): Assays returned values up to 0.391 g/t (391 ppb).
- Platinum (Pt): Assays returned values up to 0.300 g/t (300 ppb).
- Confirmation of Base Metal Grade:
- Copper (Cu): High-grade soil anomalies confirmed with values up to 3,460 ppm (0.35%).
- Nickel (Ni): Anomalous nickel values confirmed up to 725 ppm.
- Strong Mineralization Correlation: Statistical analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (r = 0.77) between Copper and Palladium. This indicates that Copper serves as an excellent pathfinder element for vectoring towards high-grade sulphide mineralization enriched with PGEs in future drilling.
- Target Expansion: The coincident Ni-Cu-PGE anomalies have refined and expanded the exploration potential at the Falco 7, Gamma, Hope Advance, Pio, and Lucille zones.
Figure 1 2025 Soil Sample Locations and Key Mineralized Zones, Hawk Ridge Project
The 2025 program focused on verifying historical anomalies across a 50 km strike length of the mafic-ultramafic intrusions. The analytical results demonstrate distinct geochemical signatures consistent with magmatic nickel-copper-PGE sulphide deposits.
- Falco 7 Zone: Identified undrilled high-grade areas with strong Cu-Ni signatures now confirmed to host associated PGE mineralization.
- Lucille Zone: Previously noted for cobalt anomalies, the new data highlights its potential for polymetallic mineralization.
- Gamma & Hope Advance Zones: Results show continuity of mineralization trends, supporting the geological model of extensive sulphide saturation.
Integration with Ongoing Exploration
The new assaying data will be integrated with existing geological mapping, geophysical interpretations, and historical datasets to update the Company’s geological and mineralization models for the Hawk Ridge Project. This integrated approach is expected to assist in defining priority areas for future field programs, including potential drilling.
Dr. Tony Guo, President and CEO commented: “We are highly encouraged by these laboratory results. While the 2022 XRF data gave us a preliminary indication of base metals, these certified assays from AGAT Laboratories have added a critical layer of value by confirming the presence of high-grade Palladium and Gold in the soil overlying our key targets. The strong correlation between Copper and Palladium provides our technical team with a powerful vectoring tool. These results reduce geological uncertainty at the Hawk Ridge project and provide clear, high-priority targets for our upcoming 2026 drilling and exploration season.”
QAQC and Analytical Procedures
Soil samples were taken on a 100 m by 100 m to 300 m by 300 m grids covering an approximate 25 km2 area over 5 zones of Hawk Ridge Project. Totally 381 soil samples were collected originally and 205 samples recovered in 2025.
Approximately 200 g to 400 g of soil was sampled at a depth of approximately 10-20 cm from surface depending on the surface conditions. Soil samples were primarily targeting the B horizon when appropriate and sampled into labelled craft paper bags.
Approximately 50 packaged samples (10 soils per poly bag) were put into labelled rice bags for transport. Security tags were added to the rice bags to further increase QAQC protocol.
The 205 recovered soil samples were analyzed by AGAT Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility. The analytical package included:
- Base Metals: Four-acid digestion with ICP-OES/MS finish (Code 201-070) to ensure near-total dissolution of resistant sulphide and oxide minerals.
- Precious Metals (Au, Pt, Pd): Fire Assay with ICP-OES finish (Code 202-051) on a 30g charge.
The Company adhered to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) program, including the insertion of standards and blanks, which were reviewed and found to be within acceptable limits.
Qualified Person
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Tony Guo, P.Geo., President and CEO of Nickel North Exploration Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Nickel North Exploration
Nickel North Exploration is a Canada-based exploration company focused on defining a Ni-Cu-Co-PGE Mineral Resource at its Hawk Ridge Project in Northern Québec. The board of directors, advisor committee and management team are experienced, successful mine finders. The Project consists of a 50 km long belt of strong magmatic Cu-Ni-Co-PGE occurrences covering 179.67 km². The Project is located near tidewater. Québec is a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Nickel North Exploration is a conscientious corporate citizen that maintains good relations with local Inuit communities and is committed to sustainable development.
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Nickel North Exploration Inc. Tony Guo. P. Geo, Chief Executive Officer (Tel: +1-778-877-5480) |
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North America IR / PR Jemini Capital Kevin Shum kevin@jeminicapital.com |
For further information please visit http://www.nnexploration.com
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