Nicola Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: NICM) (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLIA) has announced the commencement of its 2026 exploration diamond drilling program at the New Craigmont Copper Project in British Columbia. The program targets the “Jotun” anomaly, identified through prior ZTEM (Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetic) surveying, and is supported by encouraging results from the 2023 drilling campaign.
The centerpiece of the program is a deep drill hole designed to test a resistivity anomaly at approximately 775 meters depth. This hole aims to evaluate the potential for a porphyry-skarn system and expand the understanding of mineralization, geological structures, and alteration across a newly prioritized exploration zone. The New Craigmont Project is a high-grade copper property covering 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith, adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine.
The significance of this drilling program lies in its potential to uncover a significant copper deposit in a region already known for major copper production. The proximity to Highland Valley Copper enhances the project's strategic value, as any discovery could benefit from existing infrastructure and expertise. For investors, the outcome of this drilling could have substantial implications for Nicola Mining's valuation and future production capabilities.
Nicola Mining is a junior mining company that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility near Merritt, British Columbia. The company has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high-grade gold projects. Its fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. In addition to the New Craigmont Project, Nicola owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, which includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease spanning over 2,200 hectares.
The Jotun anomaly was identified through ZTEM surveying, a technology that helps detect deep-seated mineral deposits. The 2023 drill results provided encouragement to proceed with this deeper drill hole. If the target confirms a porphyry-skarn system, it could represent a significant copper discovery, potentially impacting the global copper supply chain. Copper is critical for electrification and renewable energy technologies, making any new discovery important for the industry.
Investors and industry watchers will be closely monitoring the results of this drilling program. Success could lead to further exploration and development, potentially increasing Nicola Mining's resource base and attracting partnerships or acquisition interest. The company's newsroom provides updates on the program's progress.
For more information on Nicola Mining, visit the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NICM. To view the full press release, go to https://ibn.fm/Iyj8W.
