Nicola Mining Inc. announces that it has commenced a diamond drilling exploration program (the "2023 Program") at its wholly-owned New Craigmont Copper Project ("New Craigmont"), located near Merritt, BC, and 33 km south of Teck Resources Ltd.'s Highland Valley Copper, Canada's copper mine. Mr. Whitty subsequently worked for Nevada Gold Mines, a Barrick-Newmont joint venture, Goldrush Mine Project, which is located within the Cortez district in northern Nevada. As Senior Geologist at a newly producing mine, he successfully built and developed a team of geologists and managed multi-million dollar drill programs. Responsibilities included leading all surface and underground drilling, which included both exploratory and underground grade-control responsibilities, as well as providing senior management key recommendations.