NICKEL MINING: Lockerby restart on track for Q3 this year

ONTARIO - Toronto-based First Nickel says its project to restart production at the Lockerby nickel mine near Sudbury is on track for first ore in Q3 2011. The project will ramp up to full production - 10 million lb nickel and 7 million lb copper per year - by the middle of 2012.

The company has reached sever milestones. Detailed engineering began last November. Various conveyances and mobile equipment are being rehabilitated. The first 42-t underground truck has been delivered. And a ramp development program is to begin next month.

Detailed information about the Lockerby project is available at www.FirstNickel.com.