Nickel North starts exploration program at Hawk Ridge

Nickel North Exploration Corp. has launched its 2026 summer exploration program at its 100%-owned Hawk Ridge Cu-Ni-Co-PGE project in Northern Quebec. During the initial phase, the company identified a new mineralized zone at the North Hopes Advanced target area, which measures approximately 500 meters long and over 20 meters wide with strong copper-nickel mineralization.

Current field activities include surface soil and rock sampling, historical core relogging and reassaying, and passive seismic geophysical surveys. CEO Tony Guo stated that the company is employing a science-first strategy to systematically unlock value while monitoring capital expenditure. Results from these activities will directly shape the geometry of a planned diamond drilling campaign intended for 2027-2028.

Nickel North Exploration Corp. (NNX) released a routine operational update following its June 2026 announcement of the 2026 field program. The release confirms that management is executing on planned sampling and geophysical work, validating the operational timeline.

The company identified a new 500m x 20m zone, which is geologically positive but remains at the exploration stage. This discovery does not constitute a resource estimate, economic study, or near-term production catalyst.

Given the company's pre-revenue status, reliance on continuous equity financings, and explicit going concern flag, the update is considered incremental. It does not materially alter capital requirements or the fundamental risk profile, as the market has already priced in these exploration activities through recent financings.

Nickel North Exploration Corp. is an early-stage exploration company focused on the Hawk Ridge Cu-Ni-PGE-Co-Au project in Northern Quebec. The project covers 411 mineral claims, totaling approximately 179.67 km², along a 50 km magmatic sulfide belt situated in the Circum-Superior Belt. Historical expenditures on the property exceed $20 million.

The company reports an Inferred Mineral Resource of 34.66 Mt. Exploration targets suggest a potential resource of 35–60 Mt at 0.35%–0.55% NiEq. Multiple high-grade zones have been identified, including Gamma, Hopes Advance, Falco 7, Pio, and Lucille. Historical drill intersections in these zones have shown up to 3.37% Ni, 4.28% Cu, and 0.86 g/t PGE. No feasibility study or economic evaluation has been completed.