Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) provided a program update for its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia. The company reported 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, where substantial quantities of placer gold have already been encountered. 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.
Omineca also announced receipt of a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), specifically addressed to the British Columbia government. This expression of support reflects the positive, long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation. The company stated its deep commitment 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, and covers more than 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along the Lightning Creek valley. The objective is full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel located about 50 metres beneath the active Lightning Creek. The economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when a bulk sample from a single crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of placer gold.
During the 2026 operating season, progress has continued utilizing the grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground stabilization method designed by MineTech International Limited, the Engineer of Record. 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 reporting and development cycle.
Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed. D&L changed grout from a cementitious formulation to an epoxy-based chemical grout to enhance performance across varied ground conditions. The chemical grout works regardless of host rock variations and is immune to water infiltration, with a setup time of less than one hour compared to one day for cement grout.
Earlier this year, work shifted temporarily to crosscut #2 due to high spring freshet water inflows through drill holes near crosscut #3A. Work at crosscut #3A will recommence at a future date. Once the ability to safely tunnel 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.
The Lhtako Dene Nation's support is a significant milestone for the project. Omineca extended appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Nation for their letter, which was addressed to the British Columbia government. The company looks forward to continued collaboration as the project progresses.
All scientific and technical information in this release has been prepared or approved by Stephen Kocsis, PGeo, an independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101. Omineca's flagship Wingdam gold exploration and placer recovery projects are located along the Barkerville Highway, 45 km east of Quesnel. The property includes mineral tenures totaling 61,392 hectares and over 15 linear kilometers of placer claims.
More details and visuals of Crosscut #2 can be found at the original release.
