First Nickel Inc. announced changes to the Board of Directors with the appointment of Joao Carrelo and the retirement of Thomas Pugsley effective February 1, 2013. Mr. Carrelo having over 29 years international operational, project and management experience within the mining, metals, refining and fertilizer industries in Latin America, Europe, Africa and India. Mr. Carrelo is currently President - CEO and Director of Eco Oro Minerals Corp.

Mr. Pugsley is retiring after serving on the Board since 2004. Mr. Pugsley served as Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2012 as well as a member of several committees of the FNI Board. Mr. Pugsley will continue to serve as an advisor to FNI's Board of Directors Technical Committee.