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 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, with the company awaiting BC ministry approval to continue using the current mining method—grouted spiling and shotcrete arch ground support 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, reflecting positive long-standing consultation and relationship between Omineca and the Nation. Omineca extends its appreciation to Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Nation for their support.
During the 2026 operating season, steady progress has continued with the ground stabilization method designed by MineTech International Limited. D&L Mining has provided all required documentation for continued operations and is awaiting approval from the BC Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals. The ministry has become more proactive in oversight, adding time to the reporting and development cycle. Operationally, the mine plan is performing as designed, and both companies are pleased with the engineered ground stability program.
This spring, work shifted to crosscut #2 due to high water inflow through drill holes near crosscut #3A from spring freshet. Work will recommence in that area later. Through real-time trials, D&L has changed from cementitious grout to an epoxy-based chemical grout, which enhances performance across varying ground conditions, sets in less than an hour (vs. one day for cement), and is immune to water infiltration. The companies are pleased with the technical progress.
Once safe tunneling and placer gold recovery 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. The Wingdam Project is located along the Barkerville Highway, covering over 15 linear kilometres of placer claims along Lightning Creek valley, within Omineca's 600+ square kilometres of claims. The project aims for full-scale recovery of high-grade placer gold from a paleochannel about 50 metres beneath the active creek. The economic potential was demonstrated in 2012 when a bulk sample from a single crosscut recovered 173.4 ounces of placer gold.
Click here to see more video and photos of Crosscut #2. Photos and videos of 2026 underground operations are also available.
