Rio Tinto in Partnership with Midland Begins First Drilling Program on New Targets on the Tête Nord Ni-Cu Project

15 November 2022

Montreal, November 15, 2022. Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce the start of a maiden drilling program by Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. (“RTEC”) on the Tête Nord nickel-copper (“Ni-Cu”) property. This property, located near the town of La Tuque, Quebec, is currently wholly owned by Midland but is under option by RTEC since December 2021.

Highlights:

  • Commencement of a drilling program totalling 3,750 metres on 10 new VTEM targets including extensions of several known showings.
  • Five (5) areas of interest: Bonhomme, Savane, Rochette, Cabouron, and Tête Sud.
  • Rochette Ni-Cu showings grading up to 0.84% Ni and 0.16% Cu (grab sample)
  • Whole-rock geochemistry from most Lac Matte samples and some samples from Savane, Rochette, and Flamengo (a prospect found 4km south of Bonhomme) plot in opx-cumulate ultramafic field favourable for dynamic conduits.
  • Samples from most showings show evidence of base metal enrichment.
  • Rochette shows both base metal and Pt enrichment.

Following the helicopter-borne VTEM-type electromagnetic survey totalling 6,635 line kilometres that was completed in 2022, a drilling campaign totalling 3,750 metres is set to begin in early December to test 10 new targets, mainly consisting of new VTEM conductors. These conductors are strategically positioned along the extensions, or proximal to historical Ni-Cu occurrences such as Savane and Rochette, or in new areas of interest including the Bonhomme area located north of the former Lac Edouard Ni-Cu mine, as well as the Cabouron and Tête Sud areas.

RTEC geology crews were very active in the field during the summer of 2022, prospecting and mapping prospective areas where new VTEM conductors were identified. The Rochette showing returned 0.84% Ni and 0.16% Cu (Tenor of 4.26% Ni calculated at 100% sulfides) in a grab sample. The Lac Matte showing returned a grab sample grading 0.36% Ni and 0.18% Cu (Tenor of 6.96% Ni calculated at 100% sulfides).

Prospecting in the Bonhomme area north of Lac Edouard former mine led to the identification of several anomalous values in Ni-Cu in ultramafic intrusions. This area is also characterized by the presence of several untested VTEM conductors that will be tested during this drilling program.

Whole-rock lithogeochemistry results indicate that most of the Lac Matte samples and some of the Savane, Rochette and Flamengo samples (a new prospect found 4km south of Bonhomme) plot in orthopyroxene-cumulate ultramafic field favorable for dynamic conduits. Samples from most showings show evidence of base metal enrichment. The Rochette showing shows both base metal and platinum (Pt) enrichment.

A budget of US$2.6 million has been approved for this drilling program, which is scheduled to begin in early December 2022 and continue through the first quarter of 2023. First anniversary payment of CAN$100,000 was received. RTEC is project operator.

About the Tete Nord Ni-Cu property

The Tete Nord property comprises 995 claims covering a surface area of about 545 square kilometres in mafic and ultramafic rocks of the La Bostonnais Complex north of La Tuque. The largest claim block is located south of the former Lac Edouard mine, which historically produced 50,000 tonnes grading 1.50% Ni and 0.50% Cu (Source: SIGEOM NTS sheet 31P09).

This property hosts a few mineral occurrences, including the Savane showing, located approximately 25 kilometres south of the former Lac Edouard mine, consisting of a Ni-Cu showing discovered by prospecting in 1995 in a pyroxenite, where historical values of 1.80% Ni and 0.20% Cu were reported in grab samples. Another grab sample from a subcropping boulder also yielded grades of 1.98% Ni and 0.46% Cu about 250 metres north of the Savane showing (Source: SIGEOM NTS sheet 31P07; GM55352). Calculated nickel tenors (grades normalized to 100% sulfides) of historical sampling at the Savane showing reaches up to 3.5% Ni(see Midland press release dated February 23,2021). Bedrock exposures in the Savane area exhibit undeformed magmatic breccia textures, indicative of a dynamic system conducive to the emplacement of Ni-Cu mineralization. No historical drilling has been reported in this highly favorable area.

Cautionary statements:

Grab samples are selective by nature and reported values are not necessarily indicative of mineralized zones.

Mineralization occurring at the former Lac Edouard mine is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be found on the Lewis property held by Midland.

Option Agreement with RTEC

Under this agreement, RTEC may earn an initial 50% interest (First Option) in the Tete Nord property over a period of four years, by fulfilling the following conditions:

  • Exploration expenditures totalling $4,000,000, including a minimum of $500,000 in the first year.
  • Cash payments totalling $500,000, including $100,000 within 60 days of execution of the agreement

After earning an initial 50% interest, RTEC may elect to increase its interest to 70% (Second Option) over a period of four years by fulfilling the following conditions:

  • Exploration expenditures totalling up to $10,000,000 and cash payments totalling $500,000, gaining interest on the following schedule:
  • An additional 1% interest (for a total of 51%) by funding an additional $250,000 of exploration expenditures;
  •  An additional 1% interest for each additional $500,000 of exploration expenditures (for a total of up to 69%) ; and
  •  An additional 1% (for a total of 70%) by funding an additional $750,000 of exploration expenditures.

Quality Control

Rock samples were sent to ALS Thunder Bay for preparation and ALS Vancouver for analysis. Samples were prepared by the RIORCK package where the entire sample is crushed to 70% less than 2mm using a Boyd crusher-splitter combination, then 1kg of material is pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. This method includes between-sample washes on both the crushers and pulverizers. The samples were analyzed for a full element suite using lithium borate fusions (ME-ICP06 and ME-MS81) with a four acid digestion (ME-4ACD81), S and C by induction furnace (ME-IR08) and Au-Pt-Pd by an ultralow detection 30g fire assay (PGM-MS23L). This batch of 54 samples included 7 CRMs and 1 blank for a QC insertion rate of 15%. The certified reference materials were in-house standards TAM-29B and CL-MG, plus a commercial standard OREAS600 from Ore Research Ltd. ALS included laboratory QC of a range of blank and CRM materials, and 10 RTX samples were analyzed twice as pulp duplicates.

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 RTEC, BHP Canada Inc., Probe Metals Inc., Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Osisko Development Corp., SOQUEM Inc., Brunswick Exploration Inc., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, 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 Corporation 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: https://www.midlandexploration.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.