Azimut is preparing its first exploration program for the NNC project, consisting of a major heliborne survey (MAG-EM) and a follow-up field-based validation program.
Regional-Scale Nickel Targeting Validated by Drilling Discoveries
Azimut conducted regional-scale nickel targeting using the proprietary AZtechMineTM expert system. This numerical data processing methodology integrates geochemistry (multi-element analyses of rocks and lake sediments) and geophysics (magnetics and gravimetry) to statistically identify the specific signature of known prospects in a given region. Comparable signatures in unexplored sectors may represent valuable new targets. The generative phase enabled Azimut to stake about 90 claim blocks totalling 3,554 claims in the James Bay region. The NNC Project covers 27 of these blocks for a total of 1,635 claims (821.7 km2), including 273 recently designated claims still pending. All 27 claim blocks lie within the La Grande Archean volcano-plutonic subprovince.
Most of the targets likely correspond to either ultramafic lava flows or ultramafic intrusions representing synvolcanic conduits (chonoliths, sills, dikes). Substantial accumulations of Ni-Cu-Co-PGE sulphides may be closely associated with these volcanic or intrusive lithologies. Examples of such deposits notably include Eagle’s Nest (Ring of Fire, Ontario), Eagle (Michigan, USA), Voisey’s Bay (Labrador) and Kambalda (Western Australia).
Two of Azimut’s significant high-grade nickel discoveries (Perseus Zone, W1 Zone) validate this targeting approach. Their multi-parameter footprints are comparable to the targets covered by the JBN Project and the NNC Project. Key drilling results include:
Perseus Zone, Kukamas Property (KGHM option):
4.27% Ni, 0.45% Cu, 2.63 g/t PGE over 8.6 m
6.06% Ni, 0.38% Cu, 3.34 g/t PGE over 2.6 m
8.42% Ni, 0.55% Cu, 7.25 g/t PGE over 1.9 m
Features of this zone display strong similarities to Archean Kambalda-type komatiitic nickel deposits, exemplified by the major Kambalda mining district in Western Australia (see press releases of January 20 and May 29, 2025, and February 26, 2026).
W1 Zone, Wapatik Property (100% Azimut):
2.68% Ni, 1.30% Cu, 0.09% Co over 3.3 m related to an ultramafic intrusion 900 m long by 400 m wide (see press releases of June 29, 2022, and April 24, 2023).