Nicola Mining Begins 2026 Diamond Drilling at New Craigmont Copper Project, Targeting High-Grade Porphyry-Skarn Potential
Nicola Mining has launched its 2026 diamond drilling program at the New Craigmont Copper Project in British Columbia, targeting the Jotun anomaly to explore for a porphyry-skarn system, with implications for expanding copper resources near Canada's largest copper mine.
Nicola Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: NICM) (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLIA) has commenced its 2026 exploration diamond drilling program at the New Craigmont Copper Project in British Columbia, marking a significant step in evaluating the project's potential for a large-scale porphyry-skarn copper system. The program, which targets the "Jotun" anomaly identified through prior ZTEM (Z-Axis Tipper Electromagnetic) surveying, aims to test a resistivity anomaly at approximately 775 meters depth. This follows encouraging drill results from 2023 that have supported the company's decision to prioritize this zone.
The New Craigmont Project, which Nicola owns 100% of, covers 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine. This proximity underscores the project's strategic importance, as it lies in a region with established infrastructure and proven copper-gold mineralization. The company's fully permitted mill, located near Merritt, British Columbia, can process both gold and silver mill feed, adding operational flexibility.
The Jotun anomaly represents a newly prioritized exploration target that could significantly expand understanding of mineralization, geological structures, and alteration at the project. The deep drill hole is designed to evaluate the potential for a porphyry-skarn system, which, if successful, could position Nicola Mining as a key player in the copper sector. Copper demand is expected to rise due to its critical role in electrification and renewable energy technologies, making this exploration program timely.
Nicola Mining also owns the Treasure Mountain Property, which includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease spanning over 2,200 hectares. The company is listed on the NASDAQ, TSX Venture Exchange, and Frankfurt Exchange, providing access to international capital markets. For more details on the drilling program, the full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/Iyj8W.
The implications of this drilling program extend beyond Nicola Mining's immediate prospects. If the Jotun anomaly yields significant copper mineralization, it could validate the use of ZTEM surveying as an effective exploration tool in the region, potentially spurring further exploration activity in the Guichon Batholith. Additionally, given the global push for copper as a critical mineral, any new discovery could contribute to supply diversification and reduce reliance on existing mines.
Investors and industry watchers will closely monitor the results from this program, which are expected to provide insights into the depth and continuity of copper mineralization. The company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NICM will provide updates as drilling progresses.