Newfoundland’s critical minerals miner First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSX-V: FAN) contracted a drone specialist this week to help develop an enhanced understanding of its Atlantic nickel project. Draganfly Inc. (CSE: DPRO) (Nasdaq: DPRO) uses AI and advanced sensor technology to provide insights with its airborne surveys.
The main aim is to identify high-priority magnetic awaruite target areas along the site’s 30 kilometre nickel-bearing zone. Awaruite is a naturally occurring, highly magnetic nickel-iron alloy.
“Draganfly’s expertise and cutting-edge drones will enable us to efficiently survey our vast land package, accelerate potential discoveries and acquire precise data,” First Atlantic chief executive Adrian Smith said.
As far as nickel goes, Newfoundland’s primary producing asset is the Voisey’s Bay mine run by Vale S.A. (NYSE: VALE). The Atlantic project has the potential to be a major contributor in the future too.
“With a 30-kilometre nickel-bearing system in Atlantic Canada, this project has the potential to become a multi-deposit district-scale operation that could play a crucial role in securing North America’s critical mineral supply chains,” Smith added.
Nickel is particularly essential for electric vehicles. In fact, Elon Musk said that he will need over 32,000 tonnes of it per annum to achieve his goal of producing 375,000 Cybertrucks per year.
“Tesla (Nasdaq: TSLA) will give you a giant contract for a long period of time if you mine nickel efficiently and in an environmentally sensitive way,” Musk says.
Read more: Calibre Mining shareholders approve all matters at annual general meeting
Read more: Calibre Mining pulls promising high grades from Valentine Lake Sheer Zone
First Atlantic mines other critical minerals and battery metals
They include copper, cobalt and platinum group elements like palladium, rhodium and iridium. First Atlantic’s Voisey’s West operation, which produces those commodities, has similar geological characteristics to Vale’s major mine.
In addition to mining surveys, Draganfly uses its drones for extinguishing fires, terrain mapping, assessing damage from natural disasters and other calamities — and various additional purposes.
“Nothing collects data better than a drone and Draganfly services,” the drone operator’s CEO Cameron Chell said. “Whether in mineral exploration, wildfire management or landmine detection.”
In addition to valuable nickel deposits, Newfoundland holds vast quantities of gold. The province recently had its first major investment from an international gold mining company.
Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB) (OTCQX: CXBMF) will be producing nearly 200,000 ounces per annum for 12 years at central Newfoundland’s Valentine gold mine starting next July.
Calibre Mining is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
rowan@mugglehead.com
