Nine Miles Metals (CSE:NINE) - Record Copper-Gold Grades Drive 2026 Expansion Drilling

Interview with Patrick Cruickshank, Director & CEO of Nine Mile MetalsOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/nine-mile-metals-csenine-vms-drilling-unlocks-expansion-potential-5410Recording date: 5th February 2026Nine Miles Metals (CSE: NINE) is emerging as a significant explorer in New Brunswick's Bathurst Mining Camp, controlling 140 square kilometers of continuous land across four volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) projects. Following a transformative year of advanced geophysical work, CEO Patrick Cruickshank has outlined an aggressive 2026 exploration strategy backed by recently completed $5.5 million financing providing two years of capital.The company's flagship Nine Mile Brook project hosts what Cruickshank describes as the highest-grade lens ever recorded in Bathurst: 12% copper, 38% lead-zinc, 1,200 grams per ton silver, and 2.4 grams per ton gold over 15 meters of solid mineralization. While these exceptional grades present processing challenges—the hybrid nature requires specialized milling solutions—the company is developing a unique bulk sample processing approach with updates expected shortly.The historic Wedge mine represents a different opportunity. This past-producing deposit operated by Caminco in the 1950s-60s was abandoned when its head pillar collapsed, leaving two-thirds of known mineralization in place. Recent drilling discovered an eastern extension with intercepts up to 134 meters, while a just-completed program tested depth and southwestern extensions with assays pending. Management targets proving 7-10 million tons at Wedge to reach economic thresholds.Nine Miles Metals' competitive edge lies in systematic application of modern technology. The company flew 1,400 line kilometers of UAV drone geophysics, identifying 11 new mineralized trends. This approach delivered an 80% drill success rate at California Lake East, hitting mineralization in eight of ten holes.With 185 million shares outstanding, reduced overhead ($300,000 annual savings from office relocation), and drilling costs of just $85-100 per meter in a jurisdiction offering 30-day permitting, the company is positioned to execute multiple 2026 catalysts: pending Wedge assays, April drilling resumption at both Nine Mile Brook and Wedge, and government-funded California Lake exploration—all while maintaining optionality for strategic partnerships or sector consolidation.View Nine Mile Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/nine-mile-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com