Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) is advancing its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia, reporting substantial placer gold recovery from underground crosscut development and stabilization work in crosscut #2. The company also announced receipt of a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation, addressed to the British Columbia government.
Mining partner D&L Mining has completed preparation of Crosscut #2 for advance across the paleochannel and through the pay gravel zone, which has already yielded substantial quantities of placer gold. The company is awaiting BC ministry approval to continue across the channel using the current mining method—grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support—designed by the Engineer-of-Record and performing exceptionally well.
The Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band) has submitted a formal letter of support for the Wingdam Project to the British Columbia government. This expression of support reflects the positive, long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation. Omineca is deeply committed to responsible resource development and to advancing the Wingdam Project in a manner that creates meaningful and lasting benefits for the Lhtako Dene Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
The Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project is located along the Barkerville Highway, approximately 30 kilometres west of Barkerville. The underground project covers more than 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along the Lightning Creek valley and sits within the central portion of Omineca's land package, which exceeds 600 square kilometres of combined hard rock and placer claims. The objective is full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel approximately 50 metres beneath the active Lightning Creek. The economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when the first bulk sample from a single 2.4 metre by 2.4 metre by 24 metre crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of placer gold.
During the 2026 operating season, steady progress has continued using the grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground stabilization method designed by MineTech International Limited. D&L Mining has provided all required documentation and is awaiting approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals. The ministry has become much more proactive in overseeing operations, adding significant time to the reporting and development cycle. Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed, providing systematic ground support to safely advance workings through complex, water-bearing ground conditions.
This spring, work shifted to crosscut #2 due to high spring freshet water inflows through drill holes near crosscut #3A. Work will recommence in that area at a future date. Through real-time operating trials, D&L has changed grout from a cementitious formulation to an epoxy-based chemical grout to enhance performance across variable ground conditions. The chemical grout works regardless of host rock variations and is immune to water infiltration, with a setup time of less than 1 hour versus 1 day for cement grout.
Upon successful demonstration of safe paleochannel crossing, Omineca intends to file its Five-Year Mine Plan for full development along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel. The company extends its sincere appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation for their formal letter of support. All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by or approved by Stephen Kocsis, PGeo, an independent qualified person under NI 43-101.
For further information, contact Tom MacNeill, President and CEO, at 306-653-2692. This release includes forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties. Omineca undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by securities laws.
