Nicola Mining Launches 2026 Drilling at Treasure Mountain to Test High-Grade Silver Potential

Nicola Mining Inc. (NASDAQ: NICM) (TSX.V: NIM) (FSE: HLIA) has commenced its 2026 exploration drilling program at Treasure Mountain, a fully permitted silver mine located approximately 30 km northeast of Hope, British Columbia. The program consists of four drill holes totaling approximately 800 meters at the previously undrilled MB Zone, where the company is targeting high-grade silver-lead-zinc mineralization with additional copper and gold. This exploration effort is significant as it seeks to determine whether mineralized surface veins at the MB Zone demonstrate continuity and scale at depth, a key factor in assessing the project's economic potential.

Previous surface sampling at the MB Zone returned impressive results, including up to 1,300 g/t silver, 2.59 g/t gold, 1.16% copper, 27.4% lead, and 27.2% zinc. If drilling confirms similar grades at depth, Treasure Mountain could emerge as a substantial high-grade silver resource in a stable mining jurisdiction. The company stated that drilling is expected to be completed by the end of September, with assay results anticipated by year-end. Core from the first hole is being submitted to AGAT Laboratories for multi-element analysis, and visual examination has already identified intervals of intense mineralization. However, Nicola cautioned that visual observations are not a substitute for analytical results.

For investors, the commencement of drilling at Treasure Mountain represents a critical step in advancing the project. Positive results could lead to a maiden resource estimate and potentially attract further investment or partnership interest. The company's fully permitted mill near Merritt, British Columbia, which can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes, provides additional infrastructure advantage. Nicola Mining also owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property covering 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith, adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine. This diversified portfolio strengthens the company's position in the mining sector.

The Treasure Mountain Property includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease, spanning an area exceeding 2,200 hectares. The ongoing exploration program is fully funded and permitted, reducing operational risks. Investors can access the full press release at https://ibn.fm/HLLaK. For the latest news and updates relating to NICM, the company's newsroom is available at https://ibn.fm/NICM. As the drilling progresses, the market will closely watch for assay results, which could significantly impact Nicola Mining's valuation and future development plans.