#Canada #Toronto #Canada Nickel #Critical Minerals #NetZero Metals

Canada Nickel Receives Funding to Boost Nickel Processing

Canada Nickel Company Inc. has recently announced a noteworthy achievement—a funding award of $500,000 from the Government of Ontario's Critical Minerals Innovation Fund (CMIF). This financial support is earmarked for advancing the company's nickel processing capabilities through its subsidiary, NetZero Metals Inc.

The funding underscores Ontario's commitment to establishing a sustainable and reliable battery metal supply chain, significantly aimed at minimizing carbon emissions while fostering innovative practices in critical minerals processing. The proposed nickel processing facility will be strategically located near Canada Nickel's flagship Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project, adjacent to Timmins, Ontario.

This facility aims to develop and validate a unique process to convert nickel concentrate from Crawford and third-party sources into essential nickel and nickel-cobalt products, vital for battery manufacturing in southern Ontario. By employing advanced technology, the new facility will utilize biochar as a renewable reductant, replacing traditional coal-based materials like coke and anthracite, thus reducing carbon emissions and enhancing overall sustainability.

When fully operational, the facility is projected to produce over 75,000 tonnes of nickel annually, marking a substantial advancement in the domestic nickel supply chain. Mark Selby, the CEO of Canada Nickel, expressed his appreciation for the Ontario government’s support. "This commitment demonstrates the province's initiative in promoting innovation and promoting clean technology solutions. With their backing, we are better positioned to develop a cost-effective, low-carbon nickel processing facility that will not only stimulate economic growth but also contribute significantly to the global energy transition."

In collaboration with industry experts such as Kingston Process Metallurgy, Canada Nickel is advancing the design and testing of this transformative processing technology. The CMIF funding is vital for the validation of the process design via metallurgical testing conducted in both lab and pilot-scale settings using representative feed samples along with Ontario-produced biochar.

Mike Cox, CEO of NetZero Metals, highlighted the innovative potential of this project. "The NetZero Metals facility represents a groundbreaking approach in the Western world by utilizing biochar-based reductants in pyrometallurgical nickel processing. This advancement not only meets the increasing demand for low-carbon battery metals but also reinforces Ontario's leadership in sustainable resource development."

George Pirie, Ontario’s Minister of Mines, commented, "As our economy evolves, the demand for critical minerals grows. Our government is committed to fortifying an Ontario-sourced supply chain poised to fuel tomorrow's technologies. Companies like Canada Nickel exemplify the talent and capabilities we possess to develop a robust critical minerals industry."

Through this initiative, Canada Nickel and NetZero Metals Inc. are not only promoting technological advancement but also paving the way for a more sustainable economic future for Ontario and beyond.

About Canada Nickel Company

Canada Nickel Company Inc. focuses on advancing next-generation nickel-sulphide projects that are crucial for the rapidly growing electric vehicle and stainless steel market. The company has applied for trademarks related to their innovative NetZero processes and is dedicated to producing low-carbon nickel, cobalt, and iron products.

About NetZero Metals Inc.

NetZero Metals Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada Nickel, aims to develop a zero-carbon production methodology for Nickel, Cobalt, and Iron. With plans to increase the capability of its processing plant to over 80,000 tonnes of nickel annually, this facility is on track to emerge as the largest nickel processing operation in North America, subject to necessary approvals.

Conclusion

The funding received from the Critical Minerals Innovation Fund not only highlights the importance of innovation in Ontario's mineral sector but also marks a significant step towards creating a sustainable future in the mining industry. Canada Nickel’s efforts reflect a broader trend towards greener technology and resource management that aligns with global sustainability goals.