Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) has provided a program update for its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia. The company reports that underground crosscut development and stabilization work in crosscut #2 has yielded substantial quantities of placer gold.
Mining partner D&L Mining has completed preparation of Crosscut #2 for advance across the paleochannel and through the pay gravel zone, where significant placer gold has already been encountered. The company is awaiting approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to continue across the channel using the current mining method, which employs grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support as designed by the Engineer-of-Record.
In a significant development, Omineca announced receipt of a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), addressed to the British Columbia government. This endorsement underscores the positive relationship between the company and the First Nation, reflecting ongoing consultation and collaboration.
The Wingdam project aims for full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel located approximately 50 metres beneath Lightning Creek. The economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when a bulk sample from a single crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of placer gold. The project covers more than 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along the Lightning Creek valley within Omineca's broader land package exceeding 600 square kilometres.
During the 2026 operating season, 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 for continued operations and awaits ministry approval. The ministry has become more proactive in overseeing mining projects, adding time to the development cycle.
Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed. Both D&L and Omineca are pleased with the engineered ground stability program, which provides systematic support for advancing through complex, water-bearing ground conditions beneath the Lightning Creek valley.
Earlier this spring, work shifted to crosscut #2 due to high spring freshet water inflows through drill holes near crosscut #3A. Work at #3A will recommence at a future date. Through real-time trials, D&L has changed from cementitious grout to an epoxy-based chemical grout, which performs better across varying ground conditions and sets in under one hour compared to one day for cement grout. This change has proven highly effective.
Once safe tunnelling and gold recovery across the paleochannel from multiple locations is demonstrated, Omineca intends to file its Five-Year Mine Plan for full development along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel.
Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation expressed support in a letter to the BC government, reflecting a positive long-term relationship. Omineca is committed to responsible resource development that creates lasting benefits for the Nation and the Cariboo region.
All scientific and technical information in this release has been prepared or approved by Stephen Kocsis, PGeo, an independent qualified person under NI 43-101.
