1) World spot nickel prices increased 13.2% to a first quarter average of $9/lb from $7.95 in the final quarter of 2009. In fact, the late-March price surge on the London Metal Exchange (LME) continued into the new month so the spot price on April 1 was $11.55. And, in the LME futures market, nickel for end-of-June delivery has surged 34.9% so far this year to $11.34/lb. (LME markets are closed until April 6.)

2) Throughout the month of March, LME stockpiles have continued to drop.

3) The province will provide $45 million over the next three years for a new project-based skills training program to help Aboriginal Peoples and northern Ontarians participate in and benefit from emerging economic development opportunities.

4) Optimism about an improving labor market and corporate profits could propel U.S. stocks higher this week as earnings season approaches.

5) Fancamp Exploration Ltd. is starting a 3,000-metre-plus drill program. It’s sp has risen from $.45 to $.57 in the past two days. NOT has more aggressive drilling plans, but not yet been appreciated.

6) The blockade. by First nations was lifted.

7) The Eagle's Nest deposit has more than tripled previously reported resources, and now contains:

• Indicated resource of 6.9 million tonnes grading 2.04 per cent Ni, 0.95 per cent Cu, 1.3 grams per tonne Pt and 3.4 g/t Pd;
• Inferred resource of 4.3 million tonnes grading 1.42 per cent Ni, 0.87 per cent Cu, 0.8 g/t Pt and 3.4 g/t Pd.

8) NOT drilling and exploration have resumed at its McFaulds Lake project including two drills to expand the inferred resource below the 1,200-metre level to a depth of at least 2,000 metres. The deep drills NOT is currently mobilizing to site will be able to test below the 2,000-metre elevation.