Nicola Mining diamond drilling New Craigmont, British Columbia
Nicola Mining Inc. [TSXV-NIM; OTCQB-HUSIF; FSE-HLIA] completed a 3-D induced polarization survey. Based on 3-D IP Survey results, the company is in the process of commencing of its 2024 diamond drilling program at the New Craigmont Copper Project, situated approximately 11 km from Merritt, BC and adjacent to Teck Resources Ltd.’s Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest open-pit copper mine.
As previously announced in the February 21, 2024 and May 13, 2024 news releases, Nicola engaged Dias Geophysical of Saskatoon, SK, to conduct a 3D IP Survey. This comprehensive survey aimed to better define two principal exploration areas: the MARB-CAS Zone and the West Craigmont Zone. Upon reviewing the data from the approximately 6.5 km2 survey, the Company has commenced its 2024 diamond drilling exploration program.
A significant resistivity anomaly appears in the western section of New Craigmont, near the Lornex Fault, via the company’s 2022 ZTEM Survey. This anomaly was confirmed and refined by the 2024 3D IP Survey. Additionally, the Survey detected chargeability anomalies on the edges of the resistivity anomaly within the area, and a potential structure trending ENE, which coincides with the strongest and largest chargeability anomaly. This resistivity high could represent a felsic intrusion, as was observed in outcrop, and the chargeability high could indicate peripheral sulphidation, likely enhanced along the potential structure.
The 3D IP Survey has generated multiple drilling targets focusing on the chargeability anomalies within the West Craigmont Zone.
The 3D IP Survey at MARB-CAS provided valuable information regarding the lithologies and appears to clearly delineate the contact between Nicola Group rocks and the Guichon Creek Batholith. The major chargeability anomalies are primarily confined within the Nicola Group rocks in the southern portion of the survey area, with some chargeability anomalies detected between the MARB and CAS MINFILE showings.
Peter Espig, CEO, commented, “The 3D IP Survey both confirmed and further defined key targets. Combining numerous geological and geophysical parameters, including bedrock mapping, airborne magnetic survey, and ZTEM survey with the 3D IP Survey gives us a great confidence to have a successful Program.”
A total of 5,000 metres of core drilling is planned for the 2024 exploration program. Drilling will primarily be focused on the West Craigmont Zone initially, with the possibility of also drilling at MARB/CAS later in the summer.
Nicola Mining maintains a 100%-owned mill and tailings facility near Merritt. It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola’s fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.
Nicola owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of over 10,800 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper. The company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, southwest BC which includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease, spanning an area exceeding 2,200 hectares.