Nicola Mining Launches AI-Enhanced Diamond Drilling Campaign at New Craigmont Copper Project

Nicola Mining Inc. has commenced its 2025 diamond drilling campaign at the New Craigmont Copper Project near Merritt, British Columbia, marking a significant advancement in mineral exploration technology integration. The program, budgeted at $1.5–2 million, will explore 4,000–5,000 meters across five priority zones, including two new targets identified through the company's partnership with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.). This collaboration represents a pioneering approach to mineral exploration by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance target identification and exploration efficiency.

The drilling initiative focuses on delineating porphyry-style copper mineralization and advancing exploration around key areas including MARB, CAS, West Craigmont/WP, and the newly identified Draken prospect. The use of AI-generated targets through the partnership with GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd. demonstrates how advanced computational methods can transform traditional exploration methodologies. This technological integration allows for more precise targeting of mineralization zones that might otherwise remain undetected using conventional exploration techniques alone.

The current drilling campaign, expected to continue through September, incorporates sophisticated data collection techniques including pXRF and SWIR analysis to refine geological models and support future exploration strategies. These advanced methodologies provide real-time geochemical and mineralogical data that enable more informed decision-making during the exploration process. The program's emphasis on technology-driven exploration reflects a broader industry shift toward digital transformation in mineral resource development.

This drilling program underscores Nicola Mining's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in mineral exploration, potentially setting a precedent for future projects throughout the mining industry. The successful implementation of AI-assisted targeting could significantly reduce exploration costs and timelines while increasing discovery probabilities. The use of artificial intelligence to generate exploration targets represents a substantial advancement in exploration methodology that may influence how junior mining companies approach resource development in challenging geological environments.

The New Craigmont Copper Project drilling campaign demonstrates how traditional mineral exploration is evolving through technological innovation. By integrating AI-driven target generation with conventional geological expertise, the program aims to maximize the potential for discovering new mineralization zones while optimizing resource allocation. This approach highlights the growing importance of digital technologies in enhancing exploration success rates and could serve as a model for other mining companies seeking to improve their exploration efficiency and effectiveness in an increasingly competitive resource sector.