Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) has provided an update on its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia. Underground crosscut development and stabilization work in crosscut #2 have resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of placer gold from the workings. 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 approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to continue across the channel using the current mining method, which involves grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support as designed by the Engineer-of-Record. 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, and both D&L and Omineca are pleased with the engineered ground stability program.
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. This support reflects the positive, long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation. The company is committed to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Lhtako Dene Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
The Wingdam project is located along the Barkerville Highway, approximately 30 kilometres west of Barkerville, covering over 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along 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. Photos and videos of crosscut #2 are available at this link.
During the 2026 operating season, progress has continued using the grouted spiling and shotcrete arch method designed by MineTech International Limited. D&L Mining has provided all required documentation and is awaiting ministry approval. Work temporarily shifted to crosscut #2 due to high spring freshet water inflow at crosscut #3A, which precluded advancement there. Work will recommence in that area at a future date. D&L has changed grout from cementitious to an epoxy-based chemical grout to enhance performance across varying ground conditions. The chemical grout works regardless of host rock variations, is immune to water infiltration, and sets in less than one hour compared to one day for cement grout.
Once safe tunnelling and gold recovery across the paleochannel from multiple locations is demonstrated, Omineca intends to file its Five-Year Mine Plan with provincial authorities. The plan is designed to fully develop operations along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel. The company extends its appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation for their formal letter of support. Omineca looks forward to continued collaboration as the project progresses.
