Noble Mineral Exploration Inc. Congratulates Canada Nickel on "Crawford Nickel Project" Receiving Federal Approval

TORONTO, Ontario — July 31, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Canada Nickel Company Inc. announced today it has received a positive Decision Statement from the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature for its Crawford Nickel Project. This marks the first mining approval issued under Canada's amended Impact Assessment Act since 2019, setting a precedent for how major natural resource projects will be processed in the country.

The Crawford Nickel Project, which was referred to Canada’s Major Projects Office by the Government of Canada, was selected as one of the initial projects to move forward under Ontario's One Project, One Process framework. This decision is expected to serve as a template for other significant resource projects navigating Canada's impact assessment system and potentially encourage further development within the Timmins Nickel District.

Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, stated that the decision recognizes the importance of developing Canada's critical mineral resources responsibly, in collaboration with government and Indigenous Nations, while upholding stringent environmental standards. He highlighted that the federal permit was secured in four years, with the project advancing from its fifth drill hole through a feasibility study to this milestone in under seven years, a considerably faster timeline than typically seen for large-scale projects. Selby also expressed gratitude to the Minister and the federal government for their support and acknowledged the thorough work of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, described the Crawford Nickel Project as an example of Canada's global leadership in critical minerals. He stated that the approval demonstrates the government's commitment to streamlining permitting processes while maintaining rigorous environmental standards and respecting Indigenous rights, thereby enhancing investment certainty for Canadian mining and contributing to economic growth and supply chain sovereignty.

Crawford is anticipated to become the largest nickel sulphide operation in the Western World and North America's sole primary source of chromium. These metals are crucial for supply chains in defence, aerospace, stainless steel, electric vehicle batteries, and advanced manufacturing. Canada Nickel also envisions the project supporting a zero-carbon industrial cluster in Northeastern Ontario, utilizing innovative carbon mineralization technologies and downstream processing capabilities.

The company has established significant Indigenous partnerships, including a $20 million equity investment from Taykwa Tagamou Nation, noted as the largest known First Nation investment in a Canadian critical minerals project. Additionally, a major infrastructure contracting agreement is in place with Wabun Tribal Council member First Nations to ensure long-term economic participation.

An independent economic analysis conducted by Mansfield Consulting estimates that the Crawford Nickel Project will contribute approximately $70 billion to Canada's GDP over its operational life, generate around 185,000 person-years of employment, and foster substantial long-term economic activity across Northern Ontario and Canada. This Economic Impact Study was based on data from the company's feasibility study published in November 2023.

With the federal Decision Statement now secured, Canada Nickel will proceed with detailed engineering, project financing, and obtaining the remaining provincial and federal permits required before planned construction. Noble Mineral Exploration Inc., which previously held the Crawford Nickel Project until 2019, congratulated Canada Nickel on this achievement, noting that the transaction that created Canada Nickel and distributed its shares to Noble's shareholders was visionary. Noble continues to hold shares in Canada Nickel.

Source: Canada Nickel Company Inc.