EV Nickel Reports Strong Pilot-Scale Bioleach Results With Over 90% Nickel Extraction And Successful Nickel Sulphate Production
Bioleaching breakthrough de-risks W4 processing while massive CarLang A Capex remains the primary valuation hurdle
The most recent news release (February 3, 2026) reports successful pilot-scale bioleach results for the W4 Nickel Project. Key performance indicators include achieving 90.1% Nickel and 89.6% Cobalt extraction within six days. The program successfully produced nickel sulphate with a purity of up to 98.2%. This validates a continuous flotation-bioleach flowsheet, which management claims is a low-carbon processing route for battery-grade products. This follows interim metallurgical results from Gemini North (January 28, 2026) which showed 81-85% nickel recoveries, and a January 20th update confirming the extension of mineralization at Gemini North with a Preliminary Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) expected in Q1 2026.
The news is Material - Positive. The bioleaching results represent a critical technical de-risking step for the W4 project. In the context of the larger Shaw Dome Project, being able to process concentrate into high-purity nickel sulphate on-site (or via a regional hub) significantly improves project economics by potentially bypassing expensive smelting and refining charges. - Technical Validation: Achieving >90% extraction at a pilot scale suggests the bioleaching process is robust and scalable for this specific mineralization. - Strategic Positioning: The production of 98.2% pure nickel sulphate aligns the company directly with the EV battery supply chain, potentially attracting strategic partners or government grants focused on "green" nickel. - Comparison to Projections: The results are in line with or slightly exceed the "improved recovery potential" signaled in the February 2025 metallurgical updates.
EV Nickel is focused on the Shaw Dome Project near Timmins, Ontario. The project is bifurcated into two distinct strategies: 1. Large Scale (CarLang A): A low-grade, massive tonnage deposit with an NPV of $1.48B (post-tax) but a daunting $2.3B USD initial Capex. 2. High Grade (W4): A smaller, higher-grade sulphide deposit now being tested for bioleaching to produce battery-grade nickel sulphate. The "CarLang Trend" spans 10km and includes recent discoveries like Gemini North, which is currently being fast-tracked toward a resource estimate.