Author: Atrium Research September 18, 2026
Ben Pirie | Equity Research Analyst | [email protected] | 647-688-9661
Nicholas Cortellucci, CFA | Equity Research Analyst | [email protected] | 647-391-3314
PLEASE REVIEW THE DISCLOSURES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
What you need to know:
-
Nicola announced that it has commenced the first-ever drill program at the MB Zone, a previously untested target ~1km northwest of the historical Treasure Mountain silver mine.
-
The program comprises four holes (~800m) with drilling expected to finish by the end of September and assays by year-end.
-
Historical 2019 to 2022 surface sampling at MB returned 1,300 g/t Ag, 2.59 g/t Au, 27.4% Pb, and 27.2% Zn from exposed vein.
-
Visual logging of the first hole (TM26-001) shows intervals of intense sulphide mineralization, giving excitement to the pending assays.
This morning, Nicola Mining (NIM:TSXV, NICM:NASDAQ) announced it has commenced its 2026 exploration drilling program at Treasure Mountain, marking the first-ever drilling at the MB Zone. The four-hole ~800m program is designed to test whether the high-grade silver-lead-zinc-copper-gold veins mapped at surface continue at depth, with drilling expected to wrap up by the end of September and assays due by year-end. Encouragingly, visual logging of the first hole has already identified intervals of intense mineralization, though assays remain pending. We are maintaining our BUY rating and increasing our target price to $1.60/share (previously $1.50/share) on Nicola Mining.
A first drill test of the MB Zone. The MB target sits about 1km northwest of the past-producing Treasure Mountain mine and has never been drilled, despite hosting a silver-lead-zinc vein system exposed at surface along a northeast-southwest trend, with the additional presence of copper and gold. The target was defined through soil and rock sampling carried out between 2019 and 2022. Standout historical surface samples include 1,300 g/t Ag, 2.59 g/t Au, 1.16% Cu, 27.4% Pb, and 27.2% Zn from the exposed vein, alongside a separate sample grading 813 g/t Ag, 0.52 g/t Au, 19% Zn, and 4.66% Cu. We note these are historical surface samples rather than drill results but frame the grade potential that the current drill program is testing.
The 2026 program consists of four diamond drill holes totalling ~800m, which are designed to intersect the previously sampled quartz-sulphide veins below surface. Core from the first hole, TM26-001, has been submitted for multi-element analysis. Visual examination has flagged intervals of intense, semi-massive pyrite-pyrrhotite-sphalerite mineralization (see the core photos on page 2), which is geologically encouraging.
Our Take Today’s news moves Treasure Mountain from preservation to active exploration, with the first holes ever drilled at the MB Zone. The intense sulphide mineralization logged in the first core excites us as we await the assay results which are due at year-end. Paired with the planned 2027 restart of the main mine (see our prior note here), a successful MB program would add a second leg to the Treasure Mountain story, and we continue to view the asset as low-cost project with significant upside as it sets itself up for mining in the near-term and processing at Nicola’s Merritt Mill.
Catalysts
-
New Craigmont Exploration – Ongoing
-
Merritt Mill Production Growth & Throughput Permit Amendment – Ongoing
-
Treasure Mountain Drill & Sampling Results – Q4/26
-
Cash Flow Acceleration – Ongoing
To view the complete report, click on the button above.
Analyst Certification
Each authoring analyst of Atrium Research on this report certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in this research accurately reflect the authoring analyst’s personal, independent and objective views about any and all of the designated securities discussed (ii) no part of the authoring analyst’s compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in the research, (iii) to the best of the authoring analyst’s knowledge, she/he is not in receipt of material non-public information about the issuer, (iv) the analyst does not own common shares, options, or warrants in the company under coverage, (v) the analysts adhere to the CFA Institute guidelines for analyst independence, and (vi) this report belongs to the CFA Institute.
Atrium Research Ratings System
BUY: The stock is expected to generate returns of over 20% over the next 24 months.
HOLD: The stock is expected to generate returns of 0-20% over the next 24 months.
SELL: The stock is expected to generate negative returns over the next 24 months.
NOT RATED (N/R): Atrium does not provide research coverage on the respective company.
COVERED COMPANIES: 55
About Atrium Research
Atrium Research provides institutional quality company sponsored research on public equities in North America. Our investment philosophy takes a 3-5 year view on equities currently being overlooked by the market. Our research process emphasizes understanding the key performance metrics for each specific company, trustworthy management teams, and an in-depth valuation analysis. For further information on our team, please visit https://www.atriumresearch.ca/team.
General Information
Atrium Research Corporation (ARC) has created and distributed this report. This report is a general discussion of the merits and risks of a security or securities only, was prepared for general circulation, is not in any way meant to be tailored to the needs and circumstances of any recipient and does not provide investment recommendations specific to individual investors. As such, the securities discussed in this report may not be suitable for all investors and investors must make their own investment decisions based upon their specific investment objectives and financial situation, utilizing their own financial advisors as they deem necessary.
This report is based on information we considered reliable; we have not been provided with any material non-public information by the company (or companies) discussed in this report. We do not represent that this report is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such; further any information in this report is subject to change without any formal or type of notice provided. Investors should consider this report as only one factor in their investment decisions; this report is not intended as a replacement for investor’s independent judgment.
ARC is not a CIRO registered dealer and does not offer investment-banking services to its clients. ARC (and its employees) do not own, trade or have a beneficial interest in the securities of the companies we provide research services for and does not serve as an officer or Director of the companies discussed in this report. ARC does not make a market in any securities. This report is not disseminated in connection with any distribution of securities and is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be illegal.
ARC does not make any warranties, expressed or implied, as to the results to be obtained from using this information and makes no express of implied warranties for particular use. Anyone using this report assumes full responsibility for whatever results they obtain. This report does not constitute a personal recommendation or take into account any financial or investment objectives, portfolio holdings, strategy, financial situations or needs of individuals. This report has not been prepared for any particular individual or institution. As such, any advice or recommendation in this report may not be suitable for a particular recipient. ARC assumes recipients of this report are capable of evaluating the information contained herein and of exercising independent judgment. A recipient of this report should not make any investment decision without first considering whether any advice or recommendation in this report is suitable for the recipient based on the recipient’s particular circumstances and, if appropriate or otherwise needed, seeking professional advice, including tax advice. ARC does not perform any suitability or other analysis to check whether an investment decision made by the recipient based on this report is consistent with a recipient’s investment objectives, portfolio holdings, strategy, financial situation, or needs. Past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future results, future returns are not guaranteed, and loss of original capital may occur. By providing this report, ARC does not accept any authority, discretion, or control over the management of the recipient’s assets. Any action taken by the recipient of this report, based on the information in the report, is at the recipient’s sole judgment and risk. The recipient must perform his or her own independent review of any prospective investment. Neither ARC nor any person employed by ARC accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or indirect loss resulting from any use of its research or the information it contains.
This report contains “forward-looking” statements. Forward-looking statements regarding the Company and/or stock’s performance inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from such forward-looking statements. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competition, market demand, and the company’s (and management’s) ability to correctly forecast financial estimates. As a result, the actual results, events, performance or achievements of the financial product may be materially different from those expressed or implied in such statements. Please see the Company’s MD&A “Risk Factors” Section for a more complete discussion of company specific risks for the company discussed in this report. Any opinion or estimate constitutes the preparer’s best judgment as of the date of preparation, and is subject to change without notice. ARC assumes no obligation to maintain or update this report based on subsequent information and events.
ARC is receiving a cash compensation from Nicola Mining Inc. for 12-months of research coverage. This report was disseminated on behalf of Nicola Mining Inc. ARC retains full editorial control over its research content. ARC does not have investment banking relationships and does not expect to receive any investment banking driven income. ARC reports are primarily disseminated electronically and, in some cases, printed form. Electronic reports are simultaneously available to all recipients in any form. This report or any portion hereof may not be copied, reprinted, sold, or redistributed or disclosed by the recipient or any third party, by content scraping or extraction, automated processing, or any other form or means, without the prior written consent of ARC. Any unauthorized use is prohibited. Neither ARC nor any of its respective directors, officers or employees is responsible for guaranteeing the financial success of any investment, or accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses arising from any use of this report or its contents.
To receive future reports on covered companies please visit https://www.atriumresearch.ca/research or subscribe on our website.
This report has been prepared independently of any issuer of securities mentioned herein and not as agent of any issuer of securities. No ARC personnel have authority whatsoever to make any representations or warranty on behalf of the Company. Any comments or statements made herein are those of ARC.
The information contained herein is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an offer to sell securities described herein, or solicitation of an offer to buy securities described herein, in Canada or any province or territory thereof. Any offer or sale of the securities described herein in Canada will be made only under an exemption from the requirements to file a prospectus with the relevant Canadian securities regulators, if applicable, and only by a dealer properly registered under applicable securities laws or, alternatively, pursuant to an exemption from the dealer registration requirement in the relevant province or territory of Canada in which such offer or sale is made. The information contained herein is under no circumstances to be construed as investment advice in any province or territory of Canada and is not tailored to the needs of the recipient. To the extent that the information contained herein references securities of an issuer incorporated, formed or created under the laws of Canada or a province or territory of Canada, any trades in such securities must be conducted through a dealer registered in Canada. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed judgment upon this research report, the information contained herein or the merits of the securities described herein, and any representation to the contrary is an offence.
The information contained in this report is intended to be viewed only in jurisdictions where it may be legally viewed and is not intended for use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction where such use would be contrary to local regulations or which would require any registration requirement within such jurisdiction.
