Nicola Mining Commences High-Grade Gold and Silver Ore 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 facility's processing capabilities provide Nicola with a competitive advantage in the region, allowing it to serve both its own mining operations and potentially other mining companies seeking third-party processing services.

The transition to active production represents a critical milestone for Nicola Mining, as it moves from exploration and development phases to revenue-generating operations. The company's ability to process ore at its Merritt Mill facility demonstrates operational readiness and establishes a foundation for future expansion. This development is particularly significant given the challenges many junior mining companies face in advancing projects from exploration to production stages, making Nicola's achievement noteworthy within the mining sector.

The combination of production capacity at the Merritt Mill with Nicola's portfolio of high-grade projects creates a vertically integrated operation that could generate sustained cash flow. This operational model reduces dependency on external processors and provides greater control over production timelines and costs. The company's focus on both gold and silver processing diversifies its revenue streams and positions it to benefit from fluctuations in precious metals markets, while the copper projects add another dimension to its resource portfolio.