Pure Nickel Inc. Announces Loss of Chairman and CEO

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2007) - Pure Nickel Inc. (the "Corporation" or "Pure Nickel") (TSX:NIC)(OTCBB:PNCKF) regretfully announced today that J. Jay Jaski, Chairman and CEO, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly yesterday, in Toronto, Ontario.

"The Board of Directors and employees of Pure Nickel are very saddened by the loss of Jay Jaski. He was an extremely talented Chairman and CEO and a great friend who will be missed by his associates and family," said Robert Angrisano, a director of the board.

Jay Jaski was a key figure in building and financing the Corporation during the last two years through his involvement with Regent Securities Capital Corporation, a resource merchant bank. Jay was responsible for the acquisition of numerous property rights for Pure Nickel, including the most recent purchase in July 2007 of 10 properties from Xstrata Nickel for $15.25 million in cash plus other consideration. Several years ago, Jay recognized the need for new quality nickel assets in the marketplace and was highly instrumental in building the Corporation to where it is today in order to capitalize on this trend.

During a meeting this morning the Board of Directors appointed David McPherson as interim President and CEO and Robert Angrisano as interim Chairman of the Corporation. David McPherson has been a director of the Corporation since March 2006 and Robert Angrisano is the former President and CEO of Nevada Star Resource Corp., a company that amalgamated with Pure Nickel in March 2006.

Pure Nickel's focus on its primary properties will continue and the exploration and management team are very committed to the continued growth of the Corporation.

About Pure Nickel Inc.:

Pure Nickel is a mineral exploration company with multiple nickel sulphide and PGE projects in Canada and Alaska. Pure Nickel is well on its way to becoming one of the largest nickel exploration companies in North America. Pure Nickel is currently conducting an aggressive exploration program on its three core properties, William Lake, Manitoba, MAN, and Salt Chuck in Alaska. The Company's 2007-2008 exploration program is fully funded.

Total Shares Outstanding: 44.765 million

Fully Diluted: 53.515 million

52-Week Trading Range: C$0.58 - $1.65

The TSX Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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