Nicola Mining Launches AI-Enhanced 2025 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 leverages artificial intelligence to enhance exploration efficiency and target generation, representing a substantial shift in traditional mineral exploration methodologies.

The drilling campaign 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 technology through the partnership with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.) at https://www.alsglobal.com/en/geochemistry/geological-data-solutions/als-geoanalytics has enabled the identification of previously unrecognized targets, potentially accelerating the discovery of new mineralization zones. This approach combines historical geological data with advanced computational analysis to prioritize drilling locations, optimizing resource allocation and increasing the probability of significant discoveries.

Expected to continue through September, the program incorporates advanced data collection techniques including pXRF and SWIR to refine geological models and support future exploration strategies. The integration of these technologies allows for real-time analysis of drill core samples, enabling immediate adjustments to drilling parameters and target selection. This responsive approach to exploration represents a departure from traditional methods that often relied on post-drilling analysis and delayed decision-making processes.

The New Craigmont Copper Project's strategic location in British Columbia's established mining region provides additional significance to the drilling campaign. The project benefits from existing infrastructure and geological knowledge while the application of AI-driven exploration methods through the partnership with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.) at https://www.goldspot.ca/ could establish new benchmarks for exploration efficiency in the mining industry. The successful implementation of this technology-assisted approach may influence how junior mining companies approach exploration projects globally, potentially reducing discovery timelines and costs while improving success rates.

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 use of artificial intelligence to generate targets represents a significant advancement in exploration methodology that could transform how mineral deposits are discovered and evaluated. As the program progresses through its scheduled completion in September, the results may demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating computational analysis with traditional geological expertise in mineral exploration.