TORONTO, Sept. 8 /CNW/ - Fletcher Nickel Inc. (TSX: FL) reports that the compilation of data from its drilling campaign at the Texmont Mine has been concluded and modeled and that initial metallurgical and refining test results have also been received.

Large-tonnage near-surface Nickel resource extends north of Texmont Mine

The geological assessment of the data has determined that a potentially large-tonnage nickel deposit, which may be mineable by open pit, has been indicated. Mineralization extending north of the Texmont Mine has been found to continue for about 800 m along strike, increasing the overall strike length to approximately 1100 m.

"The I.P. and magnetic geophysical interpretations have been highly predictable in directing the drilling of the extension of the nickel mineralization to the north of the historical Texmont deposit," said Vice-President of Exploration Joerg Kleinboeck, the Company's Qualified Person. "There are substantial targets to the north and south of the Texmont deposit that we have identified from the prospecting, mapping, and geophysical programs completed in 2008 and 2009, that remain to be drill tested. This work is warranted to test the potential for additional nickel sulphide mineralization adjacent and along strike of the Texmont deposit".

Metallurgical testing indicates good recoveries and concentration

In support of a future PEA, Fletcher Nickel has also initiated metallurgical test work at PRA Laboratories in Richmond, BC. Approximately 60 kg of nine mineral samples were selected from three drill cores obtained during the 2008 drilling program from each of the three geological zones (North, Main and South). Due to the early stages of the exploration program, only one drill-hole sample in each zone was selected for testing recognizing that such sample size may not be truly representative of the zone.