Fathom Nickel granted winter trail access at Gochager

Executive Summary

• Fathom Nickel Inc. has secured winter trail access to its Gochager Lake project, utilizing the Roy-Lloyd mine access road and historic trails to facilitate exploration activities.
• The company plans to conduct a low-frequency electromagnetic (EM) geophysical survey starting in early January 2026 to expand on previous geochemical findings east-northeast of the deposit.
• Drilling is anticipated to begin by mid-February 2026, with the new access route significantly reducing exploration costs by eliminating the need for helicopter and fixed-wing air support.

Key Details

• Access Logistics: Permission granted to use the access road to the Roy-Lloyd mine (currently under care and maintenance).
• Trail Preparation Schedule:
  • Initial phase: Flag approved trail from Roy-Lloyd mine to Benjamin Lake; aim to complete trail to Benjamin Lake by Christmas.
  • Post-holiday phase: Prepare existing historic trails between Benjamin and Bellows Lake.
  • Ice Roads: Utilize ice roads on Benjamin Lake and Bellows Lake, subject to ice suitability.
• Drilling Timeline: Transportation of drilling equipment to the project is scheduled for mid-February 2026. The company is currently arranging a drill contractor.
• Geophysical Survey:
  • Start Date: Early January 2026.
  • Method: Low-frequency EM survey along strike of the historic Gochager Lake deposit.
  • Objective: Continuation of previous EM surveys over the expanded Ni-Cu-Co geochemical footprint east-northeast of the deposit.
• Cost Synergies: The combination of road access, ice roads, and historic trails eliminates dependency on helicopter transport and dramatically reduces winter fixed-wing air support, allowing for more meters to be drilled at a lower all-in cost.
• Qualified Person: Ian Fraser, PGeo, CEO and VP of Exploration, has verified the technical data.

Notable Quotes

• "The winter trail into the Gochager Lake project is an important milestone for the company, providing synergies that will significantly reduce our all-in cost of exploration. The combination of permissions to access the Roy-Lloyd mine property from Highway 102, utilizing ice roads and historic trails overland will eliminate dependency on helicopter and dramatically reduce winter fixed-wing air support. This all leads to the ability to drill more meters at the project." — Ian Fraser, CEO and VP of Exploration