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 leverages artificial intelligence to enhance exploration efficiency and target generation, representing a substantial shift toward data-driven mineral discovery 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 incorporation of AI-generated targets through the partnership with GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd. demonstrates how machine learning algorithms can process geological data to identify high-potential drilling locations that might otherwise remain undetected using traditional exploration methods. This approach significantly reduces exploration risk and increases the probability of discovering new mineralization zones.

Advanced data collection techniques including pXRF and SWIR are being implemented throughout the drilling program to refine geological models and support future exploration strategies. The integration of these technologies with AI analysis creates a comprehensive exploration framework that could set new standards for the mining industry. The program, expected to continue through September, represents a strategic investment in both immediate resource definition and long-term exploration potential at the New Craigmont property.

The use of artificial intelligence in mineral exploration marks a transformative development for the mining sector, potentially establishing new benchmarks for exploration efficiency and success rates. By combining traditional geological expertise with cutting-edge computational analysis, Nicola Mining's approach demonstrates how technology can accelerate discovery timelines and improve targeting accuracy. This methodology could influence exploration strategies across the industry, particularly in mature mining districts where conventional approaches have yielded diminishing returns.

The implications of this AI-enhanced drilling campaign extend beyond immediate copper discovery potential at New Craigmont. The successful application of these technologies could validate AI-driven exploration as a viable approach for other mining companies, potentially reducing exploration costs industry-wide while increasing discovery rates. As the program progresses through the 2025 field season, the results will be closely watched by industry observers interested in the practical application of artificial intelligence in mineral exploration and its potential to transform traditional mining workflows.