Nicola Mining Inc.: A public resource mining company with a successful management team experienced in consolidating and unlocking asset value of high-potential assets

Nicola Mining Inc. operates at the intersection of responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and community engagement in the resource extraction sector. Based in British Columbia, the company offers investors exposure to precious and green metals, solid cash flow, and significant exploration upside. Under the leadership of a committed management team, Nicola has built a portfolio of synergistic assets and secured five mining and milling permits that drive its operational success and community responsibilities.

Strategic Portfolio and Permitting

At the heart of Nicola Mining’s operations is the New Craigmont Copper Project, a historically significant site that boasts North America’s highest-grade major copper mine. The company holds 100% ownership of this largely unexplored project, which is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine. The project has a permitted mine site (Permit M-68) and is compliant with the NI 43-101 standards on historic mine waste terraces. The management team is actively working towards a new copper discovery at this promising site.

Additionally, Nicola operates a permitted mill site that is generating operational revenues. It is the only site in British Columbia permitted to process material province-wide, featuring a modern facility valued at $30 million located near Merritt, BC. Multiple revenue streams from this facility support operational cash flow and bolster the company’s financial sustainability.

The Treasure Mountain Silver Mine complements Nicola’s strategic asset portfolio. This site is fully permitted under Permit M-239 and has received a 10-year mine extension through 2032, alongside an NI 43-101 resource estimate, providing further assurance of the company’s long-term prospects.

Commitment to Community and Environment

Nicola Mining’s approach goes beyond mere operational success; it is deeply vested in its environmental and community responsibilities. The management team emphasizes foundational principles of safety, teamwork, respect, integrity, and excellence. This corporate culture is designed to foster a positive atmosphere that supports individual and corporate success.

Recognizing the rights of Indigenous communities, Nicola Mining is committed to strong Indigenous relations and mutual initiatives. The philosophy within the company is that engaging with those holding traditional rights over the land where they work is not just about social responsibility; it is also economically beneficial. For local Indigenous partners and neighbors, Nicola strives to create revenue, job opportunities, and collaboration in dialogues regarding environmental, health, safety, and wellness issues for the broader community.

Notably, Nicola Mining was nominated by First Nations for an environmental reclamation award, showcasing its efforts to address past environmental issues. This recognition is underscored by the nomination of Nicola Mining Inc. for the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Award as the top metal mines reclamation company for 2024, as highlighted by the Spuzzum First Nations. The company continues to expand its focus on minimizing dust from historic tailings located at the New Craigmont Mine Site, which were deposited until 1982. Current management places a significant emphasis on solving the historic dust issues left by the site’s operations, working diligently on a multi-year project that includes depositing fill on top of the historic tailings to reduce dust.

Furthermore, Nicola Mining’s commitment to excellence in leadership has been recognized as Peter Espig, the company’s President and CEO, has been awarded as one of the Top 10 Admired Leaders of 2023 by Industry Era. This distinction highlights his impactful leadership style and vision for the company. To learn more about Espig’s recognition, please visit Industry Era.

The company has also been recognized as the runner-up for top miner at the London Mines and Money Conference. Additionally, Nicola contributes significantly to the University of British Columbia’s athletics and provides academic scholarships as part of its commitment to giving back to the community. The City of Merritt, BC, also expressed gratitude through a letter recognizing Nicola’s efforts in environmental cleanup initiatives.

Management Excellence

Under the strategic leadership of Peter Espig, the CEO, Nicola Mining has undergone substantial transformation. Espig took the reins as President and CEO on November 7, 2013, and has led the company through a critical restructuring phase, enhancing its market capitalization by 15 times since his appointment.

His unique background—having started his career as a helper and later as a diamond driller—provides him with a distinct bottom-up perspective on the mining industry. With fluency in English, Japanese, and German, and having received his B.A. from the University of British Columbia and an MBA from Columbia Business School, Espig exemplifies the multifaceted expertise that drives Nicola’s operational success. For more information on Nicola Mining’s leadership and board of directors, please visit the Board of Directors pages.

Growth Path and Future Outlook

Nicola Mining’s growth path has been marked by historical achievements, strategic mergers, and collaborations. The company has established a $30 million gold and silver mill, which not only serves as a critical processing facility but also as the only permitted site for processing materials from across British Columbia. This has secured several milling and profit-sharing agreements with notable partners, ensuring a stable operational framework.

Furthermore, Nicola operates a gravel pit, rock quarry, and ready-mix plant in partnership with First Nations. This integrated approach facilitates ESG practices, solidifies community relations, supports exploration, and minimizes dilution to shareholders.

Looking ahead, Nicola Mining recognizes the importance of embracing ESG principles and making significant environmental commitments. Current projects targeting dust mitigation from historic tailings at the New Craigmont Mine site highlight the company’s long-term commitment to addressing the legacies of past operations. The Spuzzum First Nation’s nomination of Nicola for the Annual BC Mine Reclamation Award for 2024 exemplifies the recognition of these efforts.

The company’s future outlook includes ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities, transparent reporting, and a commitment to community engagement, all while navigating the challenges posed by climate change and evolving regulatory environments.