First Nickel Inc. announced that it has commenced ore production at the Lockerby nickel-copper mine and made its first delivery of ore from the mine to Xstrata Nickel.

The mine is expected to produce an average of 400 tonnes per day during the fourth quarter of 2011, ramping up to commercial production at the annual rate of 10 million pounds of nickel and 7 million pounds of copper by mid-2012.

The Lockerby capital development program is being completed as planned, remains on budget and has achieved several significant milestones as summarized below:

• Production has begun with delivery of Ore to Xstrata Nickel’s Strathcona Mill Facility
• All production-maintenance and office–clerical-technical employees have been recalled
• The main haulage ramp has advanced towards 65 Level
• Lateral development work has advanced on the 65-3 and 65-2 Levels
• Key infrastructure improvements have been completed
• Several major elements of the underground mobile fleet have been replaced

“The Lockerby Mine Team has taken full ownership of this project and has been instrumental in bringing the mine back into production,” says Gerry Bilodeau, First Nickel’s Chief Operating Officer. “Looking forward, I am confident we will achieve our production milestones given the hard work and dedication of our employees, managers and contractors here at the Lockerby Mine.”

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