Midland and Altius discover new gold showings in the James Bay Area

12 October 2017

Montreal, October 12, 2017. Midland Exploration inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce the discovery of several new gold showings, as part of its strategic exploration alliance with Altius Minerals Corporation (“Altius”) (TSX: ALS). These new gold showings were found on targets that were identified during the target generation phase of winter-spring 2017.

On the Elrond project, located about 80 kilometers south of Radisson, Quebec, grab samples from an amphibolite strongly mineralized in arsenopyrite and pyrite yielded values of 4.52 g/t Au and 3.23 g/t Au, (note that grab samples are selective by nature and values reported may not be representative). About 100 meters to the north, a grab sample of silicified amphibolite yielded 1.81 g/t Au. Overall, 10 grab samples out of 59 collected from the Elrond project returned gold values over 0.1 g/t Au. Three of these Au-anomalous samples are late pegmatitic dykes that have a Au±Mo±Bi±As signature (up to 0.89 g/t Au, 268 ppm Bi, and 628 ppm Mo). The presence of Au-Bi-Mo bearing, late pegmatitic/granitic dykes, suggests that the area has a potential for Alaska-type intrusion-related gold deposits. The Elrond project is located directly at the prolific contact between the La Grande and Opinaca geological subprovinces, which hosts many important gold deposits and showings in the James Bay region (such as Eleonore, La Grande Sud, Cheechoo, Corvet-Est, Orfée and La Pointe). There is no previous exploration recorded on the project.

The Minas Tirith project is located directly on the James Bay road, about 90 kilometers south-east of Eastmain, Quebec. It is located very close to the Pontax regional shear zone that forms the boundary between the La Grande and Opinaca subprovinces in the area. The project was staked based on historical anomalous gold values in grab samples reported from a previous exploration campaign. A grab sample from wacke displaying Eleonore-type calc-silicate alteration and injected with quartz veins returned 5.23 g/t Au. Four (4) grab samples out of 16 collected from Minas Tirith returned anomalous gold values over 0.1 g/t Au. This is the first known significant gold showing (> 1g/t Au) in the area, the closest one being more than 40 kilometers away to the north-east.

The new Helm’s Deep project is located on the shore of the Eastmain-1 reservoir, about 20 kilometers south-east of the Clearwater gold deposit. The project was staked following the discovery of a new gold showing that yielded 2.42 g/t Au in a grab sample, in a strongly sheared sandstone with trace pyrite. Grab sampling of quartz-tourmaline-biotite veins within sandstones also returned anomalous gold values of 0.72 g/t Au and 0.68 g/t Au. Four (4) grab samples out of a total of 39 collected in the western part of the project returned more than 0.1 g/t Au. Gold mineralization is hosted in sandstones and polymictic conglomerates that exhibit widespread calc-silicate alteration peripheral to zones of biotite-tourmaline alteration. The alteration and host rocks at Helm’s Deep are reminiscent of the Eleonore gold deposit. There is no previous exploration recorded on the project.

Midland and Altius are very pleased by the results of this first phase of prospect generation work. These gold showings as well as nickel (“Gimli” showing, Moria project) and zinc (“O’Connor” showing, Shire project) showings were all found during just four weeks of reconnaissance in July 2017. An electromagnetic airborne survey will be performed in the next few weeks on both the Shire and Moria projects (combined total of 755 kilometers of survey lines) to identify new massive sulfide drill targets. An additional prospecting campaign is also planned for the Shire, Moria and Helm’s Deep projects in October to expand on these new showings.

Figures showing the location of the new discoveries as well as photos of mineralization can be consulted using the following link: Click here

Quality control

Rock samples on the project are assayed by standard 30 gram fire-assaying with AA or gravimetric finish at ALS Minerals laboratories in Val d’Or, Québec or Sudbury, Ontario. All samples are also analysed for multi-elements, using four-acid ICP–AES method. Exploration program design and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices, including the use of standards and blanks with every 20 samples. 

About Altius

Altius directly and indirectly holds diversified royalties and streams that generate revenue from 15 operating mines. These are located in Canada and Brazil and produce copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, potash and thermal (electrical) and metallurgical coal. The portfolio also includes numerous pre‐development stage royalties covering a wide spectrum of mineral commodities and jurisdictions. In addition, Altius holds a large portfolio of exploration stage projects which it has generated for deal making with industry partners that results in newly created royalties and equity and minority interests.

Altius has 43,208,291 common shares issued and outstanding that are listed on Canada’s Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol ALS. It is a member of both the S&P/TSX Small Cap and S&P/TSX Global Mining Indices.

About Midland

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 Altius Resources Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Teck Resources Limited, IAMGOLD Corporation, Osisko Mining Inc., SOQUEM INC., Japan Oil Gas and Metals National Corporation, NioBay Metals Inc. 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 other opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value.

This press release has been prepared by Sylvain Trepanier, P.Geo., VP Exploration for James Bay and Northern Quebec at Midland, a “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

Email : info@midlandexploration.com

Web : 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, P.ENG.

President,CEO, Director

Gino Roger has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1, 2006. Mr. Roger has graduated as a geological engineer from Laval University in 1990. From May 1990 to October 2006, Mr. Roger was a Project Geologist, Senior Geologist and Regional Geologist for Xstrata, Falconbridge and Noranda. During those years he was actively involved in the generation, acquisition and negotiation of many significant projects and discovery of mineral deposits. He worked in Quebec, Ontario, B.C., Yukon and Sweden on a wide variety of projects involving gold, VMS, SEDEX, MVT, and IOCG ore deposits. Mr. Roger and his team received the AEMQ’s prestigious Prospector of the Year Award in 2005, for the discovery of the West Ansil deposit. He is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec and of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. He is a director of the Quebec Mineral Exploration Association.

JEAN-PIERRE JANSON

Chairman of the Board

Jean-Pierre Janson joined Richardson GMP in January 2005 as Managing Director, National Wealth Management. As such, he oversees the development of branches nationwide, and seeks new opportunities to bring some of the industry’s Top Investment Advisors to the firm. In addition, Mr. Janson also serves on the Richardson GMP’s executive committee and in that capacity works closely with the Executive Management Team on the firm’s strategic direction.

Mr. Janson was previously Managing Director of CIBC Wood Gundy Financial Services (Eastern Canada Region) and held senior management positions with both Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and Midland Walwyn Inc. Having built a reputation of trust and respect during more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Mr. Janson continues to demonstrate his involvement through Richardson GMP Limited. He also serves as trustee of BTB Real Estate Investment Trust and as member on the board of Tri-Origin Exploration Limited.

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 10 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, Geo., Jr

Trainee Geologist

Trainee 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.