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 have resulted in the recovery of 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 substantial placer gold has already been encountered. The company is awaiting BC ministry approval 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.
Omineca is also pleased to announce the receipt of a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), addressed to the British Columbia government. This expression of support reflects the positive, long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation.
The Wingdam project covers more than 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along the Lightning Creek valley and sits within Omineca's land package exceeding 600 square kilometres. The objective is 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 a bulk sample from a single crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of placer gold. More photos and video of Crosscut #2 are available online.
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 to move forward. The ministry has become more proactive in overseeing operations, adding time to the development cycle.
Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed. D&L has changed grout from a cementitious formulation to an epoxy-based chemical grout to enhance performance across varying 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.
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 for full development along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel.
Omineca extends its appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation for their formal letter of support. The company is committed to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
