Nicola Mining Inc. has initiated a significant production strategy by processing high-grade gold and silver ore from Talisker Resources at its upgraded $33 million Merritt Mill, located in British Columbia. The facility represents the province's only mill currently permitted to accept third-party precious metal feed, marking a pivotal moment for the company's operational expansion. This unique positioning allows Nicola Mining to serve multiple mining operations while leveraging its substantial infrastructure investment.
The company anticipates reaching full production capacity by the third quarter of 2025 and has already begun the process of obtaining a permit amendment to increase mill throughput. This strategic move demonstrates Nicola Mining's commitment to becoming a versatile and efficient processing center for multiple mining projects. The Merritt Mill's ability to process both gold and silver through gravity and flotation processes positions Nicola Mining as a flexible and adaptable player in the mining industry, capable of handling various ore types and mineral compositions.
In addition to processing Talisker Resources' ore, Nicola Mining is preparing to receive ore from Blue Lagoon Resources' Dome Mountain Mine. The company is also advancing a bulk sample at its Dominion Creek project, in which it holds a 75% interest, further diversifying its resource portfolio and revenue streams. This multi-client approach reduces operational risk while maximizing the utilization of the company's processing infrastructure.
Simultaneously, the company is ramping up exploration efforts at the New Craigmont Copper Project and has recently appointed Vicente García as Senior Geologist. This appointment underscores the company's focus on technical expertise and geological exploration. The company's broader portfolio includes 100% ownership of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property spanning 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith. This property is strategically located adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada's largest copper mine, presenting significant potential for future development.
CEO Peter Espig highlighted the significance of this operational transition, emphasizing the strategic value of the company's fully permitted infrastructure and the potential for long-term partnerships. Nicola Mining's current strategy reflects a calculated approach to resource processing and exploration, leveraging its unique infrastructure and strategic partnerships to create value in the mining sector. The combination of third-party processing capabilities with owned exploration projects provides multiple pathways for growth and revenue generation in the competitive mining industry.
