In a recent long form video interview with AGORACOM (see link at the end of this article), Tartisan Nickel Corp. (CSE: TN; OTC: TTSRF; FSE: 8TA) CEO Mark Appleby discussed the high‑grade drill results at the Kenbridge Nickel-Copper Project, Sioux Narrows, Ontario, and how they support the company’s efforts to grow the resource, extend potential mine life and advance toward pre‑feasibility.
AGORACOM Beyond The Mic Feature Article
February 19, 2026
Key Highlights
- Class 1 nickel in a mining-friendly jurisdiction – In the interview, Appleby noted that Kenbridge is located in northwestern Ontario and hosts Class 1 nickel sulphide (often referred to as “battery grade” nickel), a key input for electric vehicles, stainless steel and energy storage.
- A scalable resource with room to grow – As discussed in the interview introduction, the project currently has a defined mineral resource containing approximately 146 million pounds of nickel and 78 million pounds of copper, supported by more than 115,000 metres of drilling in over 617 holes, plus a three-compartment shaft and road access now within a 45‑minute drive off of paved Hwy 71.
New high‑grade drill hits – The conversation focused on recent holes including:
- 11 metres of 1.05% nickel and 0.33% copper, including 2 metres of ~4.8% nickel and 1.25% copper
- 3.5 metres of ~2.9% nickel and 0.8% copper
- A prior hole with 10.7 metres grading 1.58% nickel and 0.8% copper, including intervals above 3% nickel Appleby explained that, for Class 1 nickel deposits, anything over 0.6% nickel is generally considered high‑grade, and he characterized these intercepts as meaningful within that context.
Upgrading and expanding the resource – Appleby stated that there is roughly 1 million tonnes of inferred material grading over 1% nickel. He said the current drill program is intended to:
- Bring a portion of this inferred material into the Measured and Indicated categories to improve confidence for engineering studies
- Test the down‑dip extension of the deposit, which he believes extends below ~1,100 metres and may continue significantly deeper at depth based on current understanding
- Support a targeted 25% to potentially 50% increase in total resources, with the objective of moving from a current 9–10 year mine life toward approximately 15 years or more if drilling results are supportive in 2026
- Path to pre‑feasibility in 2026 – In the interview, Appleby reiterated that Tartisan would like to commence a pre‑feasibility study (PFS) in the summer of 2026, building on baseline work underway since 2021 and a completed Preliminary Economic Assessment. He indicated that drilling in 2026 is expected to contribute data that would feed into PFS economics and help refine capital and operating cost estimates.
- Ongoing drills and targeting tools – Appleby reported that Holes 3 and 4 of the current program have been drilled (with assays pending), and Hole 5 is expected to commence next, targeting depths around 1000+ metres and beneath the existing shaft. He added that all completed holes are planned to undergo borehole geophysics (downhole surveying to detect conductive sulphide zones), with those results expected in May to help guide a potential Phase 2 program into deeper parts of the gabbro‑hosted system.
- Strategic land and new targets – The interview also covered Tartisan’s recent acquisition of the Apex property, contiguous with Kenbridge and adjacent to the historic Mayburn Gold Mine. Appleby said Apex hosts a historical resource of about 250,000 tonnes at 1.03% copper and 0.60% nickel, plus various gold showings. He outlined plans for prospecting, re‑sampling and reviewing historical trenching and sampling at Apex this spring and summer, with the possibility of a dedicated drill program if conditions and funding allow.
- Supportive macro and rising interest – Appleby and the host discussed copper trading around US$6 per pound and nickel recovering from prior lows. Appleby commented that this is supportive to in‑ground values as the company advances work, and noted an increase in inbound calls and interest from industry and capital markets following the first drill hole results, along with higher social media engagement and investor outreach.
- Community and critical minerals backdrop – Appleby emphasized that Kenbridge is advancing in consultation with seven First Nations communities, whose involvement was instrumental in advancing the all‑season access road. He also highlighted growing U.S. and Canadian focus on critical mineral security, including discussions around potential grant programs and strategic stockpiles, and the role that domestically sourced Class 1 nickel and copper could play within that policy environment.
Leadership Perspective
“We’re now starting to bring this million tons in the inferred category that grades over 1% into the measured and indicated category. That helps solidify the overall integrity of the resource, which is exactly what the engineers will want to see as we move into pre‑feasibility in 2026.” – Mark Appleby, CEO
“Anything over 0.6% nickel is considered high grade for Class 1 deposits, and our recent intercepts are 1% and higher. These are meaningful holes and a worthwhile exercise in drilling them.” – Mark Appleby, CEO
Investor Takeaway
In the interview, Appleby outlined how Kenbridge is being advanced from the current nickel-copper deposit toward a deeper and potentially larger asset, with a stated roadmap to grow the resource, work toward extending mine life and enter pre‑feasibility in 2026. Early 2026 drilling has delivered high‑grade intercepts that management believes support this plan, while additional potential catalysts discussed include pending assays, borehole geophysics results, possible Phase 2 deeper & infill drilling and work on the recently acquired Apex property.
For investors following nickel and copper opportunities in Canadian jurisdiction, where critical minerals have become a stated policy focus, the company’s current drill program, resource growth objectives and targeted move toward pre‑feasibility in 2026 were presented in the interview as key elements of the Tartisan story to watch.
TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO GO TO: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfL457LW0vdIGAsX_ean57OmfgUoKfsd9
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