Nicola Mining Commences High-Grade Gold and Silver Processing at Merritt Mill Facility

Nicola Mining Inc. has initiated the processing of high-grade gold and silver ore at its Merritt Mill facility, a move that underscores the company's transition into a steady producer within the precious metals sector. With the capacity to process 60,000 tons of ore and produce 21,000 ounces of gold-equivalent concentrate annually at full production, the Merritt Mill is set to become a cornerstone of Nicola's operations, providing reliable revenue and supporting its copper, gold, and silver projects across British Columbia.

Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining, highlighted the significance of this development, noting the rarity of junior miners reaching such production milestones. Espig also pointed to improved efficiencies in British Columbia's permitting process for underground mining operations, which are known for their minimal environmental impact. The company is not only focusing on production but is also expanding its geological team and exploration activities, particularly at the New Craigmont Project and the Treasure Mountain silver mine.

The Merritt Mill stands out as the only permitted third-party processing facility in British Columbia capable of handling both gold and silver mill feed through gravity and flotation processes. This unique position, combined with Nicola's ownership of high-grade projects like the New Craigmont Copper Project and the Treasure Mountain Silver Project, positions the company for significant growth in the mining industry. The processing facility's ability to handle multiple types of ore through different methods provides operational flexibility and competitive advantages in the regional mining landscape.

The commencement of operations at the Merritt Mill represents a critical inflection point for Nicola Mining, transforming the company from an exploration-focused entity to an active producer. This transition is particularly significant given the challenges many junior mining companies face in advancing from discovery to production. The steady revenue stream from mill operations will support ongoing exploration and development activities across Nicola's portfolio of projects, creating a self-sustaining business model that reduces reliance on external financing.

The company's strategic focus on both production and exploration demonstrates a balanced approach to growth in the mining sector. By operating the only third-party processing facility of its kind in British Columbia, Nicola Mining establishes itself as a key infrastructure provider while simultaneously advancing its own high-grade projects. This dual strategy positions the company to capitalize on both production revenues and exploration upside, creating multiple pathways for value creation in the competitive precious metals market.