Canadian North Resources Inc. Reports Extraction Rates of 99% Nickel, 98% Cobalt and 90.6% Copper in the Second Set of Bioleaching Tests for the Ferguson Lake Project in Canada

Executive Summary

• Canadian North Resources reported high metal extraction rates from its second set of bio‑leaching laboratory tests on massive sulphides from the Ferguson Lake project (99% Ni, 98% Co, 90.6% Cu).
• Tests were conducted at low temperatures (52 °C–65 °C) with self‑sustaining heat and acid generation, eliminating the need for external heating or acid addition.
• Initial cyanide leach of residues showed strong recoveries of palladium (82%), gold (83.5%) and platinum (40.8%); further testing is planned.

Key Details

• Test Conditions & Results – Bio‑leaching performed at 52 °C, 55 °C, 60 °C and 65 °C with leach times ranging from 18 to 56 days.
• At 65 °C, copper extraction reached 90.6% (28‑day leach), nickel 99.0%, cobalt 99.3%.
• Across all temperatures, overall metal recoveries were high: Cu 87.7%–90.6%, Ni 98.6%–99.4%, Co 98.2%–99.3%.
• Self‑Sustaining Process – The massive sulphide mineralogy generates sufficient heat and sulfuric acid to maintain leaching without external inputs, indicating potential for a low‑energy, low‑carbon processing flow sheet.
• Cyanide Leach of Residues – Limited residue samples from the 55 °C tests yielded:
• Palladium recovery 82%, gold recovery 83.5%, platinum recovery 40.8%.
• Future Work (Phase 1 & Phase 2) –
• Phase 1: Expand whole‑ore bio‑leaching trials, evaluate ore/grind size effects, and conduct precipitation scoping studies.
• Phase 2: Develop metal recovery routes for Cu, Ni, Co (e.g., mixed hydroxide precipitate or battery‑grade sulphates) and recover PGEs, gold, rhodium from tailings.
• Partnership – Tests conducted by RPC, a global leader in bio‑metallurgical technology, at its Fredericton laboratory.
• Qualified Person – Dr. Trevor Boyd, P.Geo., reviewed and approved the technical content per NI 43‑101 standards.

Notable Quotes

“We are highly excited by the results from the second set of the bio‑leaching tests… high metal extraction of copper, nickel and cobalt at low temperatures that would not require external heat energy and addition of acid.” – Dr. Kaihui Yang, President & CEO, Canadian North Resources Inc.