Omineca Advances Wingdam Underground Gold Recovery with First Nations Support

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 has 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, already encountering substantial quantities of placer gold. The company is awaiting BC ministry approval to continue across the channel using the current mining method—grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support as designed by the Engineer-of-Record.

The Lhtako Dene Nation (Red Bluff Indian Band) has submitted a formal letter of support for the Wingdam Project to the British Columbia government. Omineca expressed appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Nation for their support, which reflects the positive, long-standing consultation and relationship between the company and the Nation.

During the 2026 operating season, steady progress has continued utilizing the grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground stabilization and tunnelling method designed by MineTech International Limited. D&L Mining has provided all required documentation and support for continued operations and is awaiting approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals. The ministry has become much more proactive in overseeing operations, adding significant time to the reporting and development cycle.

Operationally, the mine plan at Wingdam is performing as designed, providing the systematic ground support required to safely advance workings through complex, water-bearing ground conditions beneath Lightning Creek valley. This spring, work temporarily shifted to crosscut #2 due to unexpectedly high spring freshet water inflow through existing drill holes near crosscut #3A. Work will recommence in that area at a future date.

Through real-time operating trials, D&L 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 short setup time (less than 1 hour vs 1 day for cement grout), the current formulation is proving highly effective.

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 with provincial authorities. The plan is designed to fully develop operations along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel.

Omineca is deeply committed 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 company looks forward to continued collaboration with Chief Lebrun and Council as the project progresses.

All scientific and technical information in this news 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 east of Quesnel, BC. The Wingdam Property includes mineral tenures totaling 61,392 hectares and over 15 linear kilometers of placer claims.