First Atlantic Nickel Corp. announced a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines to explore geologic H₂ as an energy source. This collaboration will focus on two significant 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 projects are 100% owned by First Atlantic and encompass extensive ultramafic rock formations, characterized by awaruite-bearing serpentinized peridotites, which are key indicators of geologic H₂.

First Atlantic Nickel continues to advance its core operations focusing on exploring and drilling for awaruite nickel-iron alloy mineralization, which can be processed without smelting to create a secure, reliable supply of nickel for North America while reducing dependence on foreign nations for processing. This approach directly strengthens the resilience of North America's critical minerals supply chain. While maintaining this primary focus, the Company has established a strategic research partnership with Colorado School of Mines that leverages existing drilling data and exploration results from its Newfoundland ophiolite projects. The exploration data provided to Colorado School of Mines will support academic research on geological H₂ as a potential energy source, with the ability to realize additional value from the project.

Geologic H₂: Ophiolites and peridotite. Ophiolites—sections of oceanic crust and upper mantle thrust onto continental crust—are globally recognized as prime sources of geologic H₂, often referred to as "white H₂" or "gold H₂." These formations are dominated by ultramafic rocks, notably peridotite, which consists primarily of olivine and pyroxene minerals rich in nickel, chromium, magnesium, and iron. When peridotite interacts with water, it triggers serpentinization—a hydrothermal reaction in which iron oxidizes and water is reduced, releasing molecular H₂ gas. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

3FeO (in olivine) + H₂O → Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) + H₂ (H₂ gas)

During serpentinization, awaruite (Ni₃Fe) forms as a secondary mineral when liberated nickel (Ni²⁺) and iron (Fe²⁺) from the olivine, pyroxene, and chromite minerals react with the abundant H₂ present. This natural process can be represented by the equation:

3Ni²⁺ + Fe²⁺ + 4H₂ → Ni₃Fe (awaruite) + 8H⁺

The formation of awaruite could not happen without the presence of abundant H₂. This process occurs readily in ophiolitic peridotites at depth, where water saturated rocks in oxygen-poor, reducing conditions produce this exothermic reaction, generating heat that sustains further reactions. According to the Geological Survey of Finland, "In Europe and in regions outside the crystal shield, only ophiolites are often referred to as a source of geological H₂." Within these ophiolite settings, serpentinized peridotites are the most promising targets, with peridotites producing significantly more H₂ than other rocks. As stated in a Frontiers in Geochemistry article, "The best targets for stimulated H₂ production are rocks such as peridotites, which can produce 2–4 kg H2/m³ of rock, up to 4-orders of magnitude more H₂ than mafic rocks such as basalts." Ophiolites represent large potential sources of geologic H₂, with some of the most significant global geologic H₂ discoveries occurring in ophiolites.

Visual representation of the serpentinization process forming H2

“Geologic H₂ systems are a combination of mineral systems and natural gas systems. In our group, we have the unique combination of expertise from both the mining industry and oil and gas industry to advance geologic H₂ exploration and stimulated H₂ monitoring,” said Dr. Yaoguo Li from Colorado School of Mines.

Conceptual example of geologic H2 extraction wells targeting serpentinized ultra mafic rocks, process involves a process similar to fracking, stimulating, and H2 recovery.

Awaruite: Indicator of H₂-producing conditions. Academic research has established awaruite (Ni₃Fe) as a reliable indicator mineral for H₂-rich geological environments. A landmark 2004 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) documented:

"Metamorphic hydration and oxidation of ultramafic rocks produces serpentinites, composed of serpentine group minerals and varying amounts of brucite, magnetite, and/or FeNi alloys. These minerals buffer metamorphic fluids to extremely reducing conditions that are capable of producing H₂ gas. Awaruite, FeNi₃, forms early in this process when the serpentinite minerals are Fe-rich.”

The PNAS researchers also noted: "The partial pressure of H₂ needed to form awaruite increases with temperature. For example, at 200°C, awaruite of composition FeNi3 cannot form unless the H₂ partial pressure is more than ≈320 bar, which would preclude awaruite formation in a shallow land system. Even at low temperature, partial pressures in excess of 50 bar H₂ is needed to form awaruite."

This established scientific understanding makes awaruite an excellent indicator of H₂-rich environments, as it forms only under the highly reducing conditions created by significant H₂ generation. The distribution of awaruite within serpentinized peridotites in Newfoundland's ophiolites underscores the region's promise for this research.

NEWFOUNDLAND'S OPHIOLITE COMPLEXES: PIPESTONE & ST ANTHONY’S OPHIOLITE COMPLEXES

The research will focus on two properties wholly owned by First Atlantic hosting major ophiolite complexes:

Atlantis Project (St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex). Located in northwestern Newfoundland, the St. Anthony Ophiolite Complex spans 103 km² across two ultramafic massifs (60 km² and 43 km²). This flat-lying, thrusted sequence of oceanic lithosphere includes a mantle section dominated by serpentinized harzburgite and dunite—peridotite subtypes rich in olivine. Historical exploration identified nickel and chromium mineralization, with recent surveys confirming the presence of awaruite in serpentinized zones. The complex's shallow structural orientation facilitates surface access to potential H₂-producing formations, making it an ideal study site.

Atlantic Nickel Project (Pipestone Ophiolite Complex). Covering 71 km², this project features a 30 km long ultramafic belt within the Pipestone Ophiolite Complex. Unlike the Atlantis Project, the Pipestone Ophiolite exhibits a steep to near-vertical dip, suggesting a depth extent exceeding several kilometers. First Atlantic Nickel recently reported a new discovery at the RPM Zone, intersecting 0.24% Nickel and 0.32% Chromium over 383.1 meters of serpentinized peridotite hosting disseminated awaruite, with no cutoff in mineralization depth, indicating continuity of H₂-producing environment. The complex's deep structure aligns with models of H₂ retention, where lithostatic pressure at depths beyond 1 km could trap gas within zones of low permeability.

GLOBAL H₂ OPHIOLITE DISCOVERIES

The research will draw insights from significant H₂-producing ophiolites worldwide:

Samail Ophiolite (Oman). This formation produces H₂ through low-temperature water/rock reactions, with dissolved H₂ concentrations as high as 2.9 millimolar in peridotite wells. Research estimates H₂ generation at depths up to 5 km, with some H₂ trapped and some escaping via springs, providing a benchmark for retention dynamics. Studies suggest that for economically viable extraction, stimulation methods must increase H₂ production rates by at least 10,000-fold over natural levels—a challenge being explored through enhanced fracturing and fluid chemistry adjustments.

Bulqizë Mine (Albania). This recently discovered H₂ reservoir vents a minimum of 200 tpy of H₂ at 84% H₂ by volume, making it one of the largest recorded H₂ flows globally. The H₂ originates from a faulted reservoir deeply rooted in the Jurassic ophiolite massif, suggesting similar potential for similar ophiolite systems like those in Newfoundland.

H₂ Retention and Extraction Potential. When H₂ forms during serpentinization, it may be contained if the surrounding rock has low permeability. The serpentinization process often reduces permeability, potentially self-sealing the system. At increasing depths, lithostatic pressure can exceed gas pressure, aiding containment. Extraction methods under exploration include conventional drilling techniques similar to those used in the oil and gas industry. For the Atlantis Project, in-ground stimulation methods similar to hydraulic fracturing are being evaluated to enhance H₂ production from its accessible, flat-lying peridotite. Conversely, the deep-extending vertical structures at the Atlantic Nickel Project may host natural H₂ reservoirs potentially accessible through targeted deep drilling.

Technical-economic analysis suggests that for economically viable H₂ production from engineered water-rock reactions in peridotite formations, stimulation methods must increase net H₂ production at least 10,000-fold compared to natural rates. Researchers propose achieving this through increased fracturing density and optimizing the chemistry of injected fluids to enhance H₂ generation.

Illustration of geophysics needed in stimulated H2. Real-time monitoring of H2 generation process using integration of electromagnetic and magnetic data: characterizing and monitoring the temperature field, and real-time feedback to engineering operation using ML processing. (Image courtesy Mengli Zhang and Jenny Crawford.)

MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The company’s partnership with Colorado School of Mines will employ a comprehensive suite of techniques to evaluate H₂ potential:

• Geophysical Surveys: Magnetic, gravity, and seismic methods will delineate subsurface structures and identify fault systems that may channel or trap H₂.
• Remote Sensing: Hyperspectral imaging and satellite data will detect surface mineral signatures linked to serpentinization (e.g., serpentine and magnetite).
• Soil and Gas Sampling: Surface measurements will quantify H₂ emissions, providing evidence of active generation and leakage.
• Rock Sampling and Drill Core Analysis: Petrographic and geochemical analyses will assess serpentinization extent, awaruite abundance, and H₂ saturation in mineral phases.

These integrated methods aim to construct a 3D model of H₂ distribution, pinpointing high-potential zones for further exploration or stimulation.