By Jamie Hyland
In the tumultuous world of junior mining, the line between bold vision and reckless gamble often blurs. But Power Metallic Mines Inc. is tilting the odds with a methodical, scientific push for scale—and it’s not just wishful thinking.
“We’ve got 5.5 kilometres of untested ground between two known mineralized zones,” says Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Metallic Mines Inc. “That’s the real tension in junior mining—calculated risk versus unrealized upside.”
Unlike many junior miners that cling to the safety of near-miss targets, Power Metallic is taking a disciplined, stepwise exploration strategy. The team is systematically drilling along that 5.5 km corridor, advancing approximately 300 metres in each direction—one hole west, one hole east—with every step carefully mapped and contextualized within a broader geological framework.
The commitment to thorough, data-backed exploration is reflected in Power Metallic’s steady progress over recent years. The fall 2021 drilling campaign on the Nisk Project, carried out by Forage Val-d’Or Inc. of Val-d’Or, Quebec, saw seven holes drilled, totaling 2,394 metres. In 2022, Power Metallic (formerly Power Nickel) completed thirty-eight holes for 4,973 metres, again using Forage Val-d’Or Inc. By 2023, the company drilled a further thirteen holes totaling 5,204 metres, this time switching contractors mid-year to Forage RJLL of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. All drilling was completed using NQ-size rods.
Through these campaigns, Power Metallic has consistently intersected known mineralization along strike and at depth, with the mineralized trend still open in all directions—fueling optimism for a large-scale discovery.
And it doesn’t stop there. After each hole is drilled, borehole electromagnetic (EM) surveys are deployed. These tools offer a 150–200 metre radius of “sight” into the surrounding rock, providing crucial clues:
“Each drill is followed by borehole EM, which gives us a 150 to 200 metre radius to ‘see’ into the rock. It tells us if we’re close. If we miss, we recalibrate. If we hit, we chase it. This is structured risk and not a wild goose chase.” — Terry Lynch
This methodical process gives the team instant feedback, enabling them to adjust the trajectory of subsequent holes based on real-time geological and geophysical data. It’s an execution model built for discovery, not just for maintaining the status quo.
According to Lynch, “The average junior can’t afford this kind of approach. They’re often underfunded and forced to play it safe, leaving them to drill where the odds are better just to secure the next raise. We’re not doing that.”
| Class | Potential Mining Method | In-Situ Grade | Calculated | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonnage | Ni | Co | Cu | Pd | NiEq | ||
| t | % | % | % | g/t | % | ||
| Indicated | Open Pit | 519,000 | 0.63 | 0.04 | 0.30 | 0.56 | 0.84 |
| Underground | 4,910,000 | 0.78 | 0.05 | 0.42 | 0.78 | 1.07 | |
| Inferred | Underground | 1,787,000 | 0.98 | 0.06 | 0.45 | 1.11 | 1.35 |
| Class | Potential Mining Method | In-Situ Material Content | Calculated | ||||
| Tonnage | Ni | Co | Cu | Pd | NiEq | ||
| t | t | t | t | oz | t | ||
| Indicated | Open Pit | 519,000 | 3,300 | 200 | 1,600 | 9,400 | 4,400 |
| Underground | 4,910,000 | 38,300 | 2,400 | 20,500 | 123,100 | 52,300 | |
| Inferred | Underground | 1,787,000 | 17,500 | 1,100 | 8,100 | 64,000 | 24,100 |
Notes:
- NiEq = Nickel Equivalent, Ni = Nickel, Cu = Copper, Co = Cobalt, Pt = Platinum, Pd = Palladium, Au = Gold, Ag = Silver, % = Percent, g = Gram, t = Metric tonne
- The information contained in the table above is derived from the technical report titled “Amended and Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report and Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Nisk Project, Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory, Québec” dated November 2023. The key assumptions, parameters, and methods used to prepare the mineral resource estimates are set out in the linked technical report.
- The independent qualified persons for the 2023 MRE, as defined by National Instrument (“NI”) 43- 101 guidelines, are Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo. of PLR Resources. Jeffrey Cassoff, P.Eng. of BBA is the independent qualified person for the Pitshell analysis and cut-off grades calculation. Gordon Marrs, P.Eng. of XPS is the independent qualified person for Metallurgy and Smelter Costs. The effective date of the 2023 MRE is November 26, 2023.
Indeed, Power Metallic’s recent financing round has provided the capital flexibility to pursue the project’s big picture: scientifically driven exploration aimed at proving a potential connection between the two zones. Should that strategy pay off—resulting in a contiguous, large-scale mineral system—the implications could be profound.
“Best‑case scenario is we prove the entire stretch is connected. That’s the game‑changer. More tonnes. Higher grade. That’s what drives value. It’s really that simple,” Lynch emphasizes. “This isn’t about bravado. It’s about belief in the process, and the courage (and capital) to follow it through. Most juniors can’t do this. But we can. And we are.”
With its calculated, iterative program and commitment to data-driven decision-making, Power Metallic Mines Inc. is embracing structured risk to chase potentially transformative upside—and redefining what’s possible in junior exploration.
Open Data for Independent Analysis
The internet and social media has transformed the world in many ways. It has profoundly impacted investor communication. Where historically investors relied on gatekeeper brokers and the company for news and analysis now many investors are fully capable of making their own assessment of a resource projects merits.
At Power Metallic we want to embrace this new world and give our independent analysts the information they need to model the deposit. Will also share along the way our insights and how we view exploring NISK and why we are so bullish on our ability to develop a major commercial nickel sulphide resource.
You can explore all our data interactively using the table below or if you prefer to explore in your own way you can click here to download all NISK data. There you will find a full excel database of our drill holes together with other useful information that you can use to do your due diligence on the NISK deposit.
