Nicola Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: NICM) (TSX.V: NIM) (FSE: HLIA) has commenced its 2026 exploration drilling program at Treasure Mountain, a permitted silver mine located approximately 30 km northeast of Hope, British Columbia. The program consists of four drill holes totaling approximately 800 meters at the previously undrilled MB Zone, where the company is targeting high-grade silver-lead-zinc mineralization with additional copper and gold.
Previous surface sampling at the MB Zone returned results of up to 1,300 g/t silver, 2.59 g/t gold, 1.16% copper, 27.4% lead and 27.2% zinc. These grades are significant, suggesting the potential for a valuable polymetallic deposit. Drilling is expected to be completed by the end of September, with assay results anticipated by year-end. Core from the first hole is being submitted to AGAT Laboratories for multi-element analysis, with visual examination identifying intervals of intense mineralization. However, the company cautioned that visual observations are not a substitute for analytical results.
Nicola said the program is designed to determine whether mineralized surface veins at the MB Zone demonstrate continuity and scale at depth. If successful, this could expand the resource potential at Treasure Mountain and enhance the company's overall value proposition.
The announcement matters for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Nicola's commitment to advancing its exploration portfolio, which includes the fully permitted Treasure Mountain Property spanning over 2,200 hectares with 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease. Second, the presence of high-grade silver, lead, zinc, copper, and gold could attract interest from investors seeking exposure to critical minerals and precious metals. Silver and zinc are essential for industrial applications, including solar panels and batteries, while copper is vital for electrification. Gold remains a safe-haven asset.
Moreover, Nicola Mining owns a 100% owned mill and tailings facility near Merritt, British Columbia, which can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes. The company has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high-grade gold projects. This integrated approach could allow Nicola to process ore from Treasure Mountain if the project advances to production, potentially generating revenue and reducing reliance on third-party processing.
The company also owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, 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. This strategic location and infrastructure could facilitate future development.
For readers, this news highlights ongoing exploration in a prolific mining region and the potential for new discoveries that could supply critical metals. For the industry, it underscores the importance of exploration in sustaining mineral supply chains. For the world, successful development could contribute to the global transition to clean energy and technological innovation.
To view the full press release, visit https://ibn.fm/HLLaK. The latest news and updates relating to NICM are available in the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NICM. For more information about Rocks & Stocks, visit https://RocksAndStocks.news.
