Nicola Mining Inc. has commenced its 2025 diamond drilling campaign at the New Craigmont Copper Project, located near Merritt, British Columbia. The program is set to explore 4,000–5,000 meters across five priority zones, including two new targets identified through a partnership with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.), leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance exploration efforts. This technological approach represents a significant advancement in mineral exploration methodology.
The initiative, with a budget of $1.5–2 million, focuses on delineating porphyry-style copper mineralization and advancing exploration around key areas such as MARB, CAS, West Craigmont/WP, and the newly identified Draken prospect. The drilling campaign, expected to continue through September, incorporates advanced data collection techniques like pXRF and SWIR to refine geological models and support future exploration strategies. These sophisticated methods allow for more precise targeting and resource assessment.
This drilling program underscores Nicola Mining's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in mineral exploration, potentially setting a precedent for future projects in the mining industry. The use of AI to generate targets represents a significant step forward in exploration efficiency and could lead to the discovery of new mineralization zones. The partnership with ALS Geoanalytics demonstrates how artificial intelligence is transforming traditional exploration approaches.
The New Craigmont Copper Project's strategic location in British Columbia's established mining region adds significance to this technological advancement. The integration of AI-driven target generation with conventional geological expertise creates a powerful combination for mineral discovery. This approach could substantially reduce exploration costs and timeframes while increasing discovery probabilities.
The implications of this AI-enhanced drilling campaign extend beyond the immediate project, potentially influencing how mining companies approach exploration globally. As the industry faces increasing pressure to improve efficiency and discovery rates, technological innovations like those being implemented at New Craigmont may become standard practice. The success of this program could validate the use of artificial intelligence in mineral exploration and encourage wider adoption across the mining sector.
