Grant Fuels Copper Push in Bathurst Mining Camp
Nine Mile Metals has secured vital financial support for its California Lake East Project in New Brunswick through the province’s Junior Mining Assistance Program (JMAP), which is overseen by the regional government’s mining and energy authority. The grant recognises the company’s strong technical proposal and its strategic position in one of Canada’s most prolific mineral belts—the Bathurst Mining Camp.
The financial support will enable Nine Mile to accelerate its 2025 exploration campaign at California Lake East, focusing on targets rich in copper, zinc, lead, silver, and gold.
“This grant affirms both the geological significance of the project and the credibility of our team,” said Nine Mile President and CEO, Patrick J. Cruickshank. “We are excited to move forward with expanded fieldwork this season.”
Source: YouTube Nine Mile Metals Ltd.
Focus on Stratigraphic Horizons and Base Metals
The California Lake East Project is strategically positioned along a highly prospective stratigraphic horizon within the Bathurst Mining Camp, which is known for hosting Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) deposits. The area is known for hosting complex mineral systems rich in copper, zinc, and lead, with traces of silver and gold often present in favourable geological settings.
The grant will help fund geophysical surveys, detailed mapping, and diamond drilling across several high-priority targets that have shown geochemical signatures consistent with VMS mineralisation. Exploration teams are particularly focused on areas where conductive zones align with favourable stratigraphy, a potential indicator of buried mineralised systems.
Cruickshank noted that the new funding would allow Nine Mile to deploy advanced techniques in collaboration with geological consultants familiar with the district.
“We are committed to leveraging every resource at our disposal to unlock the project’s full potential,” he added.
Government’s Junior Mining Assistance Program Expands Reach
The Junior Mining Assistance Program is part of New Brunswick’s long-term strategy to support junior exploration companies and attract investment into mineral-rich but underexplored regions of the province. By providing partial reimbursement for eligible exploration expenses, the initiative helps junior companies like Nine Mile take bold steps in early-stage exploration without bearing the full financial risk.
New Brunswick’s Minister for Energy and Resource Development praised the latest round of grants, emphasising the importance of supporting projects that align with global demand for critical minerals.
“Projects like Nine Mile’s are not only important for our provincial economy but also for the global supply chain of metals essential for clean energy and infrastructure,” the Minister said in a statement.
Source: Geology for Investors
California Lake East: A Strategic Asset for Nine Mile
Nine Mile’s presence in New Brunswick has steadily grown, and the California Lake East Project is now seen as a cornerstone in the company’s exploration portfolio. In addition to the new grant, the project benefits from established infrastructure, proximity to historical mines, and year-round access—factors that are crucial for efficient exploration in Canada’s often rugged terrain.
The company’s technical team has already completed preliminary surface sampling and is preparing to commence a summer drill program once permits are finalised. Results from this campaign will help determine the continuity and depth potential of known mineralised zones.
“We see California Lake East as a long-term play with potential to support both bulk-tonnage and high-grade discoveries,” said Nine Mile’s VP of Exploration.
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Industry Response and Market Reaction
The announcement has been welcomed by industry observers who see New Brunswick emerging as a hotspot for junior exploration activity, especially in light of tightening global supply for base metals and the strategic shift toward electrification and green energy. Investors have also responded positively, with Nine Mile shares seeing modest gains on the ASX following the announcement.
“It’s a good sign when public support aligns with quality geological projects,” said an analyst with Mining North of 60°. “Grants like these can be catalytic for junior companies seeking their next big discovery.”
Conclusion: A Grant with Long-Term Impact
With the Nine Mile California Lake East grant now secured, the company is poised to ramp up exploration in one of Canada’s most prospective terrains. By aligning its exploration efforts with both provincial support and global demand for base metals, Nine Mile continues to position itself at the forefront of junior resource development in eastern Canada.
As fieldwork commences and assays begin to flow in, the mining community will be watching closely to see if Nine Mile can convert this promising geology—and this critical funding—into a significant discovery.
