Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) has provided a program update for its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project, located in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia. The company reports that underground crosscut development and stabilization work in crosscut #2 has resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of placer gold from the workings.
Mining partner D&L Mining has completed preparation of Crosscut #2 for advance across the paleochannel and through the pay gravel zone. The company is awaiting BC ministry approval to continue across the channel with the current mining method, which utilizes grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support as designed by the Engineer-of-Record. The Lhtako Dene Nation has submitted a formal letter of support for the Wingdam Project to the British Columbia government, reflecting long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation.
The Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project is located along the Barkerville Highway, approximately 30 kilometres west of Barkerville. The objective of the project is the full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel located 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 utilizing 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 more proactive in overseeing operations, adding time to the development cycle. Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed.
This spring, work shifted to crosscut #2 due to high spring freshet water inflow through drill holes near crosscut #3A. Work will recommence in that area at a future date. Through real-time trials, D&L has changed grout from a cementitious formulation to an epoxy-based chemical grout to enhance performance. 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.
Once the ability to safely tunnel and recover placer gold across the paleochannel from multiple locations is demonstrated, Omineca intends to file its Five-Year Mine Plan to fully develop operations along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel. The company is deeply committed to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Lhtako Dene Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared or approved by Stephen Kocsis, PGeo, an independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101. For further information, contact Tom MacNeill, President and CEO, at 306-653-2692 or tmacneill@fnr.ca.
