Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) has provided an update on its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in south-central British Columbia, reporting the recovery of substantial placer gold from underground operations and formal support from the Lhtako Dene Nation.
The company's mining partner, D&L Mining, has completed preparation of Crosscut #2 for advance across the paleochannel, where the pay gravel zone has already yielded significant quantities of placer gold. The operation uses a grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support method designed by MineTech International Limited, the Engineer of Record. However, the company awaits approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to continue crossing the channel with this method. The ministry has become more proactive in oversight, adding time to the reporting and development cycle.
Omineca also announced receipt of a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), addressed to the British Columbia government. Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Nation expressed support for the Wingdam Project, reflecting positive long-standing consultation. The company emphasized its commitment to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Nation and the Cariboo region.
Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed. D&L Mining has shifted from a cementitious grout to an epoxy-based chemical grout, which sets in under one hour (versus one day for cement) and is immune to water infiltration, enhancing performance in variable ground conditions. This spring, work temporarily moved to Crosscut #2 due to high water inflow from spring freshet through drill holes near Crosscut #3A; work there will resume later.
The Wingdam Project covers over 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along Lightning Creek valley, part of Omineca's 600+ square kilometre land package. The objective is full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel 50 metres beneath the active creek. Economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when a bulk sample from a 2.4m by 2.4m by 24m crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of gold.
Upon demonstrating safe paleochannel crossing, Omineca intends to file a Five-Year Mine Plan for full development along an initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel. The company also holds the Fraser Canyon Project, which involves a 15.8 km long underground paleochannel for placer gold recovery.
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. For more details, including photos and videos of Crosscut #2, click here.
