TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 24, 2012) - First Nickel Inc. ("First Nickel", "FNI" or the "Company") (News - Market indicators) announced the Ministry of Labour issued a stop-work order for First Nickel's Lockerby Mine on Monday afternoon after an inspection identified deficiencies primarily relating to the No. 2 shaft manway, the mines second means of egress. The Company is undertaking an assessment and developing a plan over the coming days to correct any deficiencies.

Thomas M. Boehlert, President & Chief Executive Officer, said "The safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is of upmost importance. We intend to address any deficiencies identified by the assessment in order to ensure a safe working environment."

About First Nickel Inc.

First Nickel is a Canadian mining and exploration company. The Company's mission is to be the most dynamic North American emerging base metal mining company in which to work and invest and to be respected in the communities in which we operate. FNI is in the process of ramping up production at its Lockerby nickel / copper mine in the Sudbury Basin in northern Ontario. Once the Lockerby Mine reaches full production (expected by end of 2012), it is expected to produce at a rate of approximately 10 million pounds of nickel and approximately 7 million pounds of copper annually, providing a strong base of cash flow from which to grow the Company. In addition to the Lockerby nickel mine, the Company owns exploration properties in the Sudbury Basin, the Timmins region of northern Ontario, and the Belmont region of Eastern Ontario. First Nickel's shares are traded on the TSX under the symbol FNI.