Omineca Mining and Metals Ltd. (TSXV: OMM; OTCQB: OMMSF) has announced a program update for its Wingdam Underground Paleoplacer Gold Recovery Project in the Cariboo Mining District of south-central British Columbia. The company reported that 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.
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 employs 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. D&L Mining has provided all required documentation for continued operations.
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. The company expressed appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Nation for their support, reflecting a positive, long-standing consultation relationship. Omineca is committed to responsible resource development and creating lasting benefits for the Nation and the broader Cariboo region.
The Wingdam project, located along the Barkerville Highway approximately 30 kilometres west of Barkerville, covers more than 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along the Lightning Creek valley. The objective is full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel 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. For more details, see photos and videos of crosscut #2.
During the 2026 operating season, progress has continued with the grouted spiling and shotcrete arch method designed by MineTech International Limited. In spring, work shifted to crosscut #2 due to high water inflow through drill holes near crosscut #3A. D&L Mining changed from cementitious grout to an epoxy-based chemical grout, which sets in less than one hour and is immune to water infiltration, proving highly effective. Both D&L and Omineca are pleased with the technical progress.
Once safe tunnelling across the paleochannel is demonstrated from multiple locations, Omineca intends to file its Five-Year Mine Plan for full development along the initially indicated 1.4 kilometres of paleochannel. The company is deeply committed to responsible development and collaboration with the Lhtako Dene Nation as the project advances.
