Vancouver - ZEB Nickel Corp. (ZBNI: TSX-V) (OTC: ZBNIF) ('Zeb' or the 'Company') is pleased to announce that the Company has completed Phase 2 of exploration drilling on the Zebediela Project and has successfully intersected Critical Zone lithologies in all drillholes with reported assay results in this recent phase, located beneath the historical 43-101-compliant 1.5 billion-ton sulfide nickel resource which contains approximately 3,955 kt of nickel.
A weighted average calculation using a cut-off grade of 0.31% Ni from this phase of drilling has resulted in an increased grade of 76% higher than that declared in the historical resource used in the existing Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).
This existing historical resource consists of an Indicated Resource of 485.4 million tonnes averaging 0.245% Ni, with an additional Inferred Resource of 1,115.1 million tonnes at 0.248% Ni using a cut-off grade of 0.1% Ni.
The Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex is the geological horizon that hosts Platreef-style mineralization in the Northern Limb, which is the mineralised zone currently being mined at Anglo American Platinum's flagship Mogalakwena Mine, and Ivanhoe Mines Platreef Mine (average depth of 800 m).
This phase of drilling is a continuation of the first phase conducted by the Company for a total of 4,901 m in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, targeting higher grade nickel PGE mineralisation in Critical Zone rocks found beneath the existing NI43-101 compliant nickel resource.
The Company is pleased to announce that these Critical Zone rocks have been discovered along a strike length of at least 3 km. 6 holes were completed in the Phase 1 drill campaign and a further 8 holes were completed in the Phase 2 drill campaign (assay results for 5 holes are outstanding). Drill core diameter for all holes is NQ and drill holes are drilled at an inclination of 50 degrees on an azimuth of approximately 45 degrees
Based on whole rock geochemistry and methodologies developed by the Zebediela technical team, this exploration program has now conclusively proved that mineralized Critical Zone rocks are present beneath the historical NI43-101 resource that could be mined using open pit mining methods. The Company is extremely pleased with the successful drill campaign which has confirmed the geological model targeting higher-grade Ni-PGE mineralization beneath the historical NI43-101 resource, and towards the north and south, expanding the strike length of the Critical Zone mineralization. The Company looks forward to reporting the outstanding results from this phase of the drilling program, as well as commencing with the next phase of drilling. This next phase should allow for the declaration of a maiden Ni-PGE resource statement on this higher-grade NiPGE mineralization target and allow for a new PEA with improved project economics.
'With two major mining companies in our area exploiting the same Critical Zone lithologies which host the Ni-PGE mineralization that we have recently discovered as part of our recent exploration campaign, and the recent increases in nickel and palladium prices, we are encouraged with the results to date. We look forward to receiving the remaining assay results and we are confident that these will continue to add value to the overall project economics', commented Wayne Isaacs, Chief Executive Officer and Director.
Contact:
Wayne Isaacs
Tel: +1 416 504 3978
Email: info@zebnickel.com
Web: www.zebnickel.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain information that may constitute 'forward-looking information' under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, drill results relating to the Zebediela Project, the potential thereof, timing of economic studies and mineral resource estimates, the ability to classify the historical resource as a current mineral resource, the ability to sell marketable materials, strategic plans, including future exploration and development results, and corporate and technical objectives. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could affect the outcome include, among others: future prices and the supply of metals, the future demand for metals, the results of drilling, inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the property, environmental liabilities (known and unknown), general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, results of exploration programs, risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, failure to obtain regulatory or shareholder approvals, and the impact of COVID-19 related disruptions in relation to the Company's business operations including upon its employees, suppliers, facilities and other stakeholders. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
ZEB NICKEL CORP. 
