Midland completes drilling program on Vortex and indentifies several new exploration targets on its Abitibi properties

10 May 2018

Montreal, May 10, 2018.  Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to report that its drilling program on Vortex has been completed, and that several new high-priority exploration targets have been defined on its properties in the Abitibi region based on the results of several recently completed geophysical surveys.

Drilling program completed on Vortex

The drilling program targeting the Vortex zone, which began in early April, was completed with a total of eight (8) drill holes totalling nearly 3,000 metres. The main objective of this important campaign was to test the extensions of the Vortex gold zone at vertical depths of 150 and 250 metres, over a strike length of 700 metres. The complete set of final assay results for this program is expected by the end of May. Following reception of these results, the next drilling campaign, targeting the best zones identified, is scheduled to begin in June. The Vortex zone on the Casault project is located near the Sunday Lake Fault, approximately 35 kilometres east of the Detour Lake mine. The Casault project is a 50/50 joint venture with SOQUEM INC (“SOQUEM”).

New exploration targets identified on Abitibi properties

During the months of January through March 2018, geophysical surveys were conducted on the Adam property (area east of SOQUEM’s B26 deposit), Samson property (Lower Detour Fault area),  Mistaouac and Turgeon properties (Casa Berardi area) and Laflamme property (in the vicinity of the Copernick Ni-Cu-PGE discovery). The Adam, Samson, Mistaouac and Turgeon properties are wholly owned by Midland and consist of an aggregate of more than 1,100 claims covering a total surface area of more than 600 square kilometres. The Laflamme property consists of a total of 668 claims covering a surface area of approximately 356 square kilometres and is held in joint venture by Midland (72.6%) and Abcourt Mines Inc. (27.4%). 

On the Adam property, three OreVision® IP type grids were completed in the southern portion of the property. These surveys targeted VTEM conductors as well as historical gold anomalies in tills near the northern contact of the Taibi sediments. On the West grid, two drilling targets were identified while three other drilling targets were defined on the East grid. The Adam property is located about 15 kilometres east of the B26 zone owned by SOQUEM.

In March 2018, three grids were covered during a ground TDEM-type electromagnetic survey on the Samson property. As a result of this work, a weak conductor was detected and modeled on each of the three grids. These areas were initially targeted due to the presence of weak airborne conductors located in structurally complex areas. A drill hole has been proposed to test each conductor. The Samson property is located near the Lower Detour Fault.

A ground SQUID-EM-type geophysical survey was completed during the winter in the vicinity of the Copernick (Ni-Cu-PGE) discovery on the Laflamme property. As a result of this work, a weak conductor associated with ultramafic rocks was detected a few hundred metres east of the Copernick discovery. The latter discovery occurred in the spring of 2016, when drill hole LAF-16-38 intersected a new Ni-Cu-PGE zone with disseminated, locally semi-massive and net-textured mineralization grading 0.45% Ni, 0.33% Cu, 0.15 g/t Pt and 0.24 g/t Pd over 42.60 metres, from 446.50 to 489.10 metres depth.  Note: True thicknesses cannot be determined with the information available at this time; intervals are therefore reported in core length. 

In early April, a major helicopter-borne VTEM-type electromagnetic survey totalling 2,830 kilometres was conducted on the Mistaouac and Turgeon properties, respectively located approximately 30 kilometres east and 25 kilometres southwest of the Casa Berardi mine. Final results are pending, but preliminary results suggest the presence of several new conductors on the Turgeon block and in the west block of the Mistaouac property. These new targets will be the focus of a follow-up field program over the course of the summer.

About Midland

Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold, platinum group elements and base metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, IAMGOLD Corporation, Osisko Mining Inc., Altius Minerals Corp., SOQUEM INC., 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 was prepared by Mario Masson, P.Geo, VP Exploration for Midland 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

Email: 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, 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 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.