EV Nickel Inc. announced the ongoing results of the Optimization Phase of the Bioleaching Application on its High-Grade W4 Sulphide Zone ("W4"), located in the Shaw Dome Project, just outside Timmins, Ontario. Building on the Preliminary Results, the Optimization Phase has successfully produced Ni and Co mixed hydroxide precipitate ("MHP") and advanced the research to prepare for development of a Pilot Plant, to demonstrate the technology in an operational environment. Three cultures were selected for bulking up and adaptation with two adaptation tests prepared using the rougher concentrates and one adaptation test using the cleaner concentrate.

The adaptation test programs were complete in August and were monitored to determine the metal concentrations of the leach liquor, pH, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential and bacterial activity. The research has continued with EVNi's technical partners at RPC. Results of this adaptation program indicated that greater than 90% of the Ni and Co were extracted from the concentrates within a 7 day period during the batch bioleach setup.

Measurements of the concentration of Ni, Co, Cu, Fe and Mg were monitored through the process and the resulting solution has been interpreted by RPC as being ideal for Ni and Co recovery and iron removal. Precipitation tests completed on the leach liquor successfully extracted Ni and Co as a MHP and a precipitate of magnesium hydroxide representing potentially saleable products into the battery manufacturing industry and chemical/manufacturing industries. Preliminary results demonstrate that 99.8% of the Ni, 99.9% of the Co and 99.9% of the Mg can be precipitated and captured from the PLS.

The results of the Optimization Phase have been incorporated into the development of the flow sheet design utilizing the process parameters and conditions observed during the program. Given the ongoing success of the test work to date, EVNi will now advance to the Pilot Plant Phase, under the supervision of EPCM Engineering of Oakville, Ontario ("EPCM"). If successful, the Tank Bioleach scenario could facilitate a small footprint, localized production of a product directly required by the planned battery plants.

This potentially avoids the need to send concentrate to foreign-owned smelters and refiners plus cuts down on the distance material currently travels, before reaching the state which the battery plants require- a current challenge for the industry. The Tank Bioleach scenario could precipitate the end product to match the input specifications of the customers, a huge benefit to the new buyers of nickel.