Midland announces joint venture agreement near Eleonore mine and Cheechoo gold discovery

16 June 2016

Montreal, June 16, 2016. Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce the signing of a joint-venture agreement (50%-50%) with Osisko Exploration James Bay Inc. (“Osisko”) whereby Midland and Osisko will cooperate and combine their efforts to explore geological settings favourable for gold deposits in the vicinity of the Eleonore gold mine and the new gold discovery recently announced at Cheechoo. Osisko and Midland will share their collective databases and experienced exploration teams and co-fund exploration programs over an important area of interest. A total budget of approximately $1,000,000 will be allocated to the 2016 first phase field campaign.

This new joint-venture comprises several properties for a total of 1,827 claims covering a surface area of about 952.9 square kilometers. These new properties are located about 15 kilometres southeast and northwest of Goldcorp’s Éléonore deposit. This world-class gold deposit contains proven reserves of 2.99 million tonnes at a grade of 6.27 g/t Au (0.60 Moz Au) and probable reserves of 21.58 million tonnes at a grade of 6.30 g/t Au (4.37 Moz Au). The deposit also contains a measured resource of 0.86 million tonnes at a grade of 8.03 g/t Au (0.22 Moz Au), an indicated resource of 4.33 million tonnes at a grade of 6.00 g/t Au (0.83 Moz Au) and an inferred resource of 12.09 million tonnes at a grade of 7.19 g/t Au (2.80 Moz Au).

This strategic alliance on properties with strong gold potential is strategically located related to the recent gold discovery made by Sirios Resources Inc. (“Sirios”) on its Cheechoo project. (“Sirios”) on its Cheechoo project. Recently, Sirios confirmed gold mineralization at the contact between metasediments and a tonalite which returned 12.08 g/t gold over 20.3 metres, including 48.38 g/t gold over 4.4 metres (see Sirios press release by dated March 29, 2016). Previous drilling reported by Sirios between 2012 and 2015 on Cheechoo includes intercepts of 15.04 g/t Au over 12.35 meters and 15.61 g/t Au over 9.70 metres in hole #20, drilled under hole #18 which had previously intersected the same two zones with 7.24 g/t Au over 7.9 meters and 2.04 g/t Au over 8.8 meters respectively (all preceding information reported by Sirios and not independently verified by Midland). The gold mineralization is reportedly hosted in a tonalitic intrusion.

The area covered by this new alliance has received limited exploration work in the past. The southern property covers sedimentary sequences and intrusions belonging to the La Grande Subprovince, whereas the two others cover metasedimentary rocks and intrusions of the Opinaca Subprovince. The sedimentary sequence on the southern property is believed to be similar to the one on the Cheechoo property, according to geological mapping conducted by the MERN, and therefore possesses strong potential for gold mineralization.

Maps showing the location of the new properties included in the strategic alliance may be consulted using the following link: Figures

About Midland Exploration

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements, base metals and rare earth elements. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Osisko Exploration James Bay Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Teck Resources Limited, SOQUEM INC., Japan Oil and Gas and Metals National Corporation and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value.

This press release was prepared by Mario Masson, VP Exploration for Midland, certified geologist and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. For further information, please consult Midland’s website or contact

Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer
Tel. : 450 420-5977
Fax : 450 420-5978
E-mail : info@midlandexploration.com

Website : www.explorationmidland.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midland’s periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. –

Documents

MARIO MASSON, P. GEO.

V.P. Exploration

More than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration in Quebec.

Mario Masson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the Université de Montréal. Before joining Midland’s team, Mario worked several years has a geologist at Nipadex and Muscocho. In 1990, he started working for Noranda Exploration in Matagami has a Project Geologist and was a part of the team that found the Orchan West and Bell Allars deposits. He was also involved in the discovery of the Perseverance deposit in the Matagami Mining Camp in 2000. After this discovery, Mario and his team win the PDAC Bill Dennis Award in 2001. From 2002 to 2007, he was in charge of the exploration activities in the Noranda Mining Camp has a Senior Geologist for Noranda Inc – Falconbridge ltée – Xstrata Copper. In addition, he was also involved in the discovery of the West Ansil deposit in the Noranda Mining Camp in 2005, which allowed the Falconbridge ltée exploration team to win the Prospector of the Year award at the QMEA. Since January 2008, he is a part of Midland Exploration team as VP Exploration.

Gino Roger, ing.

President,CEO, Director

Since November 1, 2006, Gino Roger has been President and CEO of Midland Exploration Inc. In 1990, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Laval University in Geological Engineering. . From May 1990 to October 2006, Mr. Roger was a senior and regional project geologist for Xstrata, Falconbridge and Noranda. He actively participated in the generation, acquisition and negotiation of a number of projects and the discovery of base metal deposits. He mainly worked in Quebec, Ontario, BC-Yukon and Sweden on different metallogenic projects and environments: gold, VMS, Sedex, MVT and IOCG. He and his team received the prestigious QMEA prospector of the year award in 2005 for the discovery of the West-Ansil deposit. Mr. Roger is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec. He acted as an administrator of the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) for more than 28 years and is still an administrator of CONSOREM.

Jean-Pierre Janson

Chairman of the Board

Since 2019, Jean-Pierre Janson has been a consultant for Richardson Wealth Limited. From 2005 to 2019, he was Senior Director, National Wealth Management, at Richardson GMP Limited. He has also been a director and Chairman of the Board of Midland Exploration Inc. since 2005. Over the past 30 years, Mr. Janson has served as Managing Director at CIBC Wood Gundy Financial Services (Quebec) Inc. (Eastern Canada) and held executive positions at Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and Midland Walwyn Inc. He has also been a director of Tri Origin Exploration Ltd. since May 2004 and a trustee of BTB Real Investment Trust since September 2007. In addition, he is a director of SIDEX s.e.c. and Harfang Exploration. In over 30 years in the financial services industry, he has built a reputation of trust and respect.

RENÉ BRANCHAUD

Secretary and Director

René Branchaud holds an LLB from Université Laval obtained in 1982. He has been a lawyer since 1983 and is a partner of the law firm Lavery, de Billy L.L.P. He has a vast experience as secretary and director of mining corporations.

INGRID MARTIN

Chief Financial Officer

Ingrid Martin holds a Bachelor in Business Management from the École des hautes études commerciales (HEC), in Montréal, Quebec. She is a member of the Order of Chartered professional accountants of Quebec since 1990 and possesses a vast experience as consultant for public companies. She acts, also, as Chief Financial Officer of Vior Inc. Mrs. Martin is devoting 40% of her time to Midland Exploration.

PAUL ARCHER

Director

Paul Archer has a Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering and a Master’s degree in Earth Science. He has more than 35 years of experience in the mining industry, particularly in exploration for gold and base metals in Archean terrains. He developed his expertise working with various companies, including Shell Minerals, Noranda Exploration, Northgate Explorations, Westminer Canada and SOQUEM, where he was Regional Manager for Northern Quebec. On May 1, 1996, Mr. Archer joined Virginia Mines as Vice-President of Exploration and Acquisitions and Director. Mr. Archer was actively involved in the discovery and development of the Eleonore project, from the preliminary field campaign through to the sale of the deposit to Goldcorp. In November 2014, he joined Osisko’s management team following the Osisko/Virginia merger. He was elected President of the Quebec Prospectors Association in 1996 and 1997. Over the years, Mr. Archer has received, on behalf of Virginia, several prestigious prizes, including the Bill Dennis Award from the PDAC in 2006 for the discovery of the Eleonore deposit.

ANNIE DUTIL

Director

Annie Dutil is a member of the Quebec CPA Order and is Nomad’s corporate controller. Ms. Dutil brings over 15 years of extensive mining knowledge, specifically in the areas of public accounting, compliance with financial information obligations and regulatory matters. Prior to joining Nomad, Ms. Dutil has held a number of positions at PwC, including a role as director where she has led the Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services group in Montréal. In her current and previous roles, she has assisted several companies in their capital markets activities, including initial public offerings, financings, cross-border transactions and complex accounting and regulatory matters. Ms. Dutil is the co-founder of the Montreal chapter of Women in Mining and is involved in many community and philanthropic activities, currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Factry, the School of the Creative Sciences, and Théâtre de la Banquette Arrière.

Jean des Rivières

Director

Mr. Jean des Rivières holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Université du Québec à Montréal and a Master’s degree of Science in Geology from École Polytechnique de Montréal affiliated to the University of Montreal. He has over 35 years of diversified experience in the exploration and mining industries while working in more than 50 countries touching base and precious metals. He most recently held the position of global Vice President Metals Exploration at BHP and previously held managerial and technical positions at Rio Algom, BHP, and Noranda. With BHP, Mr des Rivières chaired the Inclusion and Diversity committee of the Americas. After a successful career, he recently joined the board of directors of First Majestic Silver Corp., Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd., and Midland Exploration Inc.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS LARIVIÈRE, P.GEO.

Project geologist

More than 20 years of experience in mineral exploration in Quebec.

Project geologist for Midland Exploration, Jean-François holds a PhD from Université du Québec à Chicoutimi in Mineral resources, specialist in zinc-bearing mineralization with an expertise in metallogeny of metalliferous deposits.

RICHARD ST-CYR, P. GEO.

Project geologist

More than 30 years of experience in mineral exploration in Quebec, British Colombia and Dominican Republic.

Project Geologist for Midland Exploration since 2012, Richard holds a Bachelor degree in Resources Geology from Université du Québec à Montréal. Before joining Midland’s team, he was a Project Geologist for Services Technominex – Aurizon Mines, Sirios and Unigold on several gold exploration projects. Between 1997 and 2006, he worked has a Project Geologist (5 years) and Technical Director (4 years) for the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund. At the beginning of his career, Richard worked as a Prospector for SOQUEM, Virginia Gold / Barrick Gold on gold projects in James Bay and Northern Quebec. He was also involved in the exploration of the Eskay Creek discovery in British Colombia.

LOUIS-PHILIPPE RICHARD, P.GEO.

Project geologist

More than 10 years of experience in mineral exploration in Quebec.

Project geologist for Midland Exploration, Louis-Philippe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Université Laval. Prior to joining the team, he worked 4 years for Nemaska Exploration / Monarch Resources / Nemaska Lithium in the Nemiscau area where he managed and participated exploration campaigns for lithium, gold and base metals. He also participated in the development of the Whabouchi lithium project.

Romain Deflin, P.Geo.

Project Geologist

Project Geologist for Midland Exploration, Romain Deflin holds a degree in geological engineering from l’ENSG (École National Supérieure de Géologie in Nancy) and a master degree in Mineral Resource Exploration from Université de Lorraine. He completed a 4 months internship with Midland before joining the team permanently in 2019.

Philippe Allard, Geo. M.Sc.

Project geologist

More than 20 years of experience in mineral exploration in Québec, Canadian Arctic, and Dominican Republic.

Project Geologist for Midland Exploration since May 2019, Philippe holds a Bachelor degree in Geology and a master in Earth Sciences from UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal). Before joining Midland’s team, Philippe worked as an Exploration Geologist for Goldcorp, Ressources Sirios, Unigold and the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund (NMEF). At the beginning of his career, he also worked as an assistant geologist and a geologist for Virginia Gold Mines, Cambiex, Miramar Mining, Noranda Exploration, SOQUEM and Services Miniers du Nord on gold and base metals projects, mainly in James Bay. Moreover, he was at the origin of the discovery by prospection of the Cheechoo deposit in James Bay in 2010.

SYLVAIN TRÉPANIER, P.GEO.

Geologist Consultant

More than 20 years of experience in mineral exploration and research in Quebec.

Sylvain Trépanier holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology, a Master’s degree in Earth Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Université du Québec à Montréal. Sylvain began his career for Noranda in 1995 and worked on various projects in Quebec until 2001. From 2004 to 2012, he worked has a research geologist at CONSOREM. During his years working at CONSOREM, he has carried out numerous research projects applied to mineral exploration and has developed expertise recognized in Quebec in various fields related to exploration: lake-bottom, streams and tills sediments geochemistry, alterations lithogeochemistry, statistical data processing and potential mineral evaluation by artificial intelligence. He is the author of several scientific articles, research reports and public presentations. He designed and developed the Lithomodeleur software for geochemistry treatment, which is now widely used in Quebec by exploration companies, governments and universities. From 2012 to 2016, he worked for Virginia Mines and Osisko Gold Royalties as a Senior Research Geologist and was involved in most of the company’s projects in James Bay and the Labrador Trough. He is co-recipient of the QMEA Jean-Descarreaux Award in 2011 with the CONSOREM team. Mr. Trépanier joined Midland in November 2016 as a VP Exploration James-Bay/Northern Quebec.