In the quest for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, nickel has emerged as a silent hero, playing a pivotal role in the global transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. This versatile metal, with its unique properties, has become a key component of rechargeable batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which are the powerhouse behind the burgeoning electric vehicle market.
The surge in demand for EVs has been driving a corresponding surge in the demand for the vital raw materials that power their batteries, and nickel is at the forefront of this revolution. Lithium-ion batteries, the dominant technology in portable electronics and electric vehicles, often incorporate nickel in their cathodes. Nickel’s presence, along with other metals like cobalt and manganese, contributes to the stability and energy density of these batteries.
However, the indispensable role of nickel in advancing cleaner energy technologies is underscored by the fact that it is a domestically rare resource. This rarity further accentuates the challenges within its supply chain. To put things into perspective, the development of just a single lithium-ion battery, requires a whopping minimum of 64 pounds of nickel. To ensure a stable supply, America needs domestic sources, and AEMC holds the potential to meet a significant portion of the country’s metal needs for the energy transition.
Why Alaska Energy Metals?
Alaska Energy Metals (TSX-V: AEMC) (OTCQB: AKEMF) (FSE: V7F) is a junior mining exploration company dedicated to the exploration and development of nickel and other valuable metals. The focal point of its operations is the Nikolai Project.
Located in Interior Alaska, the Nikolai Project hosts a significant sulphide nickel and battery metal deposit with substantial potential to grow. The initial estimate shows more than 15 billion pound of the metal. See: Maiden NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate. The deposits, about 2 km apart, exhibit open mineralization in all directions. Ongoing drilling aims to link the deposits, potentially establishing the Eureka deposit at the Nikolai Nickel project as one of the America’s major nickel resources.
The project has the advantage of being located in a Tier-1 pro-resource jurisdiction with accessible paved highway access. Additionally, a historical mining road within 5 km of the main mineralization further enhances the project’s accessibility and infrastructure.
How is Alaska Energy Metals planning to capitalize on this opportunity?
AEMC leads the way in tapping into Alaska’s crucial and strategic metals to support America’s electric future, spearheading its efforts through its flagship venture, “Nikolai Project”, in Interior Alaska.
The Nikolai Project, centered on sulphide nickel and battery metals, holds the potential for a substantial nickel deposit in the multi-billion-pound range. Positioned as a potentially promising significant domestic nickel source, the project is likely to play a pivotal role in meeting the demands of the ongoing energy transition. Moreover, historical drilling data and recent findings strongly suggest the presence of notable nickel deposits, along with other valuable metals.
In October 2023, AEMC successfully completed its initial drilling program at Nikolai, revealing that the main Eureka Zone boasts consistent and concentrated metal throughout, with a substantial width of the mineralized zone. The final drill results, unveiled in December 2023, reaffirmed the enduring consistency and homogeneity of the Eureka Zone, aligning with indications from historical drilling on the property. In November, 2023 AEMC published an maiden Mineral Resource Estimate based on historical drilling. Encouraged by these highly positive results, AEMC is currently engaged in calculating an update to its Mineral Resource Estimate, expected for release in Q1 2024. Furthermore, AMEC plans to commence an expanded program during the summer of 2024 at Nikolai.
Upcoming & Recent Catalysts
- Recently completed drilling program at the Nikolai Project is expected to yield an update to the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate by March 2024
- Deportment, Grindability and Flotation Tests at Nikolai are excected to be completed by April 2024
- Expanded drill program at Nikolai set for summer 2024, following highly positive results received from initial 2023 drilling program
- Recently acquired Angliers-Belleterre nickel-copper project in western Quebec aims to improve access to affordable flow-through capital and qualify for rebates on exploration expenditures. AEMC will apply a modern exploration approach to this project, marking a significant development in its strategy
Now, how is Alaska Energy Metals going to achieve this? A strong management and technical team with a track record of success back them.
Gregory Beischer, President, CEO, and Director of Alaska Energy Metals, is a seasoned explorationist and the founder of Millrock Resources. With expertise spanning four decades in magmatic nickel–copper–platinum deposits and from his time at INCO Ltd., he has strong connections across Alaska, including with Bristol Bay Native Corporation. A certified professional geologist, Gregory, a graduate of Laurentian University and the Haileybury School of Mines, was formerly the President of the Alaska Miner’s Association. Currently residing in Anchorage, Alaska, he actively contributes to the boards of Alaska’s Resource Development Corporation and the Alaska Minerals Commission, playing a pivotal role in the state’s resource development.
VP of Exploration, Kyle Negri, is a certified professional geologist (#12191) with over 15 years of experience and received his education in Geology from the University of Alaska in 2010. Currently serving as Director of Field Operations, he excels in planning and executing logistically challenging drilling campaigns, managing diverse teams, and delivering exploration results. With extensive field experience, Kyle possesses practical knowledge in exploration and mineral deposits. He is proficient in data management, quality assurance, quality control, and computer targeting and modeling.
Gabe Graf, Chief Geoscientist, a certified professional geologist with over 15 years of industry experience, has a background as an exploration and mining geologist. He has held roles at Newmont Mining Corporation, Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo, and Northern Star Resources Ltd. As the Exploration Superintendent at Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo, Gabe’s reinterpretation of CSAMT geophysics in the Goodpaster District led to the discovery of the Goodpaster Deposit (2022 Maiden Resource: 3.2Mt @ 10.3g/t for 1.1M Au ounces) and the Central Lodes Deposit (2019 Maiden Resource: 2Mt @ 7.9g/t Au for 509k Au ounces).
Ok, so why should you follow Alaska Energy Metals?
- Domestic Nickel Supply: AEMC is unlocking Alaska’s critical and strategic metals which is essential to a growing number of industries and critical for America’s energy future;
- Favorable Mining Environment: Conducting mining operations in Alaska’s pro-resource jurisdiction offers stability and a favorable regulatory environment;
- Consistent and Homogeneous Deposits: Positive initial drill results at Nikolai further demonstrates that the Eureka Zone is consistent and homogeneous, as indicated by historical drilling on the property;
- Historical Drilling: Historical drilling at Nikolai suggests a substantial nickel potential in the multi-billion-pound range;
- Location Benefits: Nikolai is strategically positioned in close proximity to essential infrastructure, such as well-connected paved highways, gravel roads, and convenient access to primary rail and power grid systems. This location significantly improves operational feasibility;
- Well-Capitalized: With a robust financial standing, AEMC successfully closed a $12 million PP for the Nikolai Project and secured $1 million in Flow-Through Financing for the Angliers Project last year; and
- Expert Management: Is an established company and is backed by a dynamic team with proven discovery and execution ability. The company is dedicated to responsible resource development and will continue to work towards uncovering a domestic supply of nickel.
