Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM) (OTCQB: OMMSF) has announced continued progress at its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of British Columbia. Underground crosscut development and stabilization work in crosscut #2 have yielded substantial quantities of placer gold, with mining partner D&L Mining completing preparation for advance across the paleochannel. The company is awaiting approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to proceed with the current mining method, which utilizes grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support designed by the Engineer-of-Record.
Omineca also received a formal letter of support from the Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band), addressed to the British Columbia government, expressing backing for the Wingdam Project. This support underscores the positive consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation, reflecting the company's commitment to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Lhtako Dene Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
Project highlights include the recovery of placer gold from crosscut #2, with operations temporarily shifted from crosscut #3A due to high spring freshet water inflows. D&L Mining has changed grout from a cementitious formulation to an epoxy-based chemical grout, which offers faster setup times and is immune to water infiltration, proving highly effective in the variable ground conditions. Photos and videos of crosscut #2 are available here.
The Wingdam Project targets full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel located approximately 50 metres beneath Lightning Creek. The economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when a bulk sample from a single crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of gold. Once safe paleochannel crossing is demonstrated, Omineca intends to file a Five-Year Mine Plan for development along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel.
Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation's support, as conveyed in the letter to the BC government, marks a significant milestone for the project. Omineca looks forward to continued collaboration with the Nation as the project progresses. All scientific and technical information has been prepared or approved by Stephen Kocsis, PGeo, an independent qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.
