Canada Nickel (TSXV:CNC) - Historic $20M First Nations Investment

Interview with Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/canada-nickel-tsxvcnc-advances-2b-crawford-project-with-construction-decision-set-by-2025-6249

Recording date: 16th December 2024

Canada Nickel Company (CNC) is advancing its Crawford Nickel Sulfide Project in Ontario's Timmins mining district toward a construction decision in 2025. The project is positioned to become the Western world's largest nickel sulfide operation, targeting the growing demand for battery metals in the electric vehicle sector.

The company recently secured a landmark $20 million investment from Taykwa Tagamou Nation (TTN), a local First Nations group, through a convertible debenture - marking the largest First Nations investment in a Canadian mining project to date. This follows earlier strategic investments from major industry players including Anglo American, Agnico Eagle, and Samsung SDI, demonstrating strong market confidence in the project.

Crawford's development has reached a crucial milestone with the filing of its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which has been accepted by the government. The project is now in a 365-day review period for permitting approval. The strong support from local communities and First Nations groups is expected to play a vital role in securing final approvals.

The project benefits from its location in the established Timmins mining camp, with access to existing infrastructure including rail, highways, and low-cost hydroelectric power. This infrastructure advantage is expected to reduce capital requirements compared to more remote projects. The stable jurisdiction of Ontario adds another layer of security for investors.

Canada Nickel's management team brings significant industry experience, including former executives from Inco, once the world's largest nickel producer. The team's track record includes successfully advancing the Dumont project from resource stage to construction readiness at RNC Minerals.

The Crawford deposit's sulfide mineralization is particularly attractive for battery manufacturers, offering superior economics and environmental benefits compared to laterite deposits. This positions the project well within the growing electric vehicle supply chain, where Class 1 nickel from sulfide deposits is preferred for battery production.

The company notes that Crawford represents a rare opportunity in the nickel sector, being the only large-scale project in Canada to file an environmental impact statement since 2019. This scarcity of new projects, combined with increasing demand for battery-grade nickel, creates a favorable market position for Canada Nickel.

The project also holds additional exploration potential within the broader Timmins Nickel District, which the company believes could become the world's largest nickel sulfide resource. With strong strategic backing, experienced management, and advancing development milestones, Canada Nickel appears well-positioned to meet the growing demand for battery-grade nickel in North America.

View Canada Nickel's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/canada-nickel

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