The 2025 diamond drilling campaign at the New Craigmont Copper Project near Merritt, British Columbia, represents a significant advancement in mineral exploration through technological integration. With a budget of $1.5–2 million, the program will explore 4,000–5,000 meters across five priority zones, including two new targets identified through artificial intelligence. This partnership with ALS Geoanalytics (GoldSpot Discoveries Ltd.) marks a pivotal shift toward data-driven exploration that could enhance efficiency and discovery rates throughout the mining industry.
The drilling focuses on delineating porphyry-style copper mineralization around key areas including MARB, CAS, West Craigmont/WP, and the newly identified Draken prospect. By incorporating advanced data collection techniques like portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectroscopy, the campaign aims to refine geological models and support future exploration strategies. These methods provide real-time geochemical and mineralogical data that help geologists make immediate decisions about drill hole placement and depth, potentially reducing exploration time and costs.
This initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence can transform traditional exploration approaches by analyzing vast datasets to identify subtle patterns indicative of mineralization. The AI-generated targets at New Craigmont represent a methodological breakthrough that could set precedents for other mining companies facing declining discovery rates and increasing exploration costs. As the drilling continues through September, the results will not only advance Nicola Mining's understanding of the property but also contribute valuable data about AI's practical applications in mineral exploration.
The implications extend beyond this specific project to the broader mining sector, where technological adoption has been gradual despite proven benefits. Successful implementation could accelerate industry-wide adoption of AI and advanced analytics, potentially leading to more discoveries with fewer resources. For British Columbia's mining industry, this represents an opportunity to position itself at the forefront of exploration innovation while developing economically significant copper resources essential for global electrification and renewable energy infrastructure.
