Midland Identifies New Gold-Bearing Boulders During the First Phase of Its 2026 Exploration Program on the Caniapisc Au Project

15 October 2026

Montreal, October 15, 2026.  Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to announce the results from the first phase of its summer exploration program on its Caniapisc Au project, in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay and Caniapiscau regions. The Caniapisc Au project is wholly owned by Midland and consists of 315 exclusive exploration rights (“EER”) covering an area of 159 square kilometres.

Highlights:

  • The 2026 first phase exploration program successfully identified several new gold-bearing boulders, with a maximum value of 15.8 g/t Au on a selected boulder grab sample in a new area;
  • A total of nine (9) selected boulder grab samples returned gold values exceeding 0.5 g/t Au, including five (5) values greater than 1.0 g/t Au;
  • The Au-Zn-Ag-Mn signature continues to be present in the south of the project;
  • LiDAR and high-resolution imagery successfully used to identify potential boulder fields and outcrops on the project.

The multiphase 2026 exploration program included three phases of prospecting, soil sampling and a LiDAR and high-resolution imagery survey. The three phases prospecting program targeted the 2025 gold-bearing mineralized boulders area (see press releases by Midland dated September 9 and October 28, 2025), unexplained soil anomalies, electromagnetic (“EM”) airborne anomalies, and identified induced polarization (“IP”) anomalies (see press release by Midland dated May 28, 2026).

The early summer exploration program was completed and this first phase included geological mapping, prospecting, soil sampling and completion of the LiDAR survey. The LiDAR survey and its high-resolution imagery were successful in identifying sectors susceptible to contain boulder fields or possible outcrops and were used to prioritize the prospecting areas. Outcrops continue to be sparse due to the glacial deposits cover, so boulder prospecting combined to geophysics remains the effective exploration technic for this environment. A total of 152 selected grab samples and 532 soil samples were collected during this campaign. From these rock samples, five (5) show values greater than 1.0 g/t Au with a maximum of 15.8 g/t Au, four (4) are between 0.5 and 1.0 g/t Au, while 18 others returned values between 0.1 and 0.5 g/t Au. B-horizon soil sample results are pending.

Table 1: New selected rock samples returning a value greater than 0.1 g/t Au and/or a value greater than 1,000 ppm Zn.

SampleTypeEasting (m)*Northing (m)*Au (g/t)Ag (g/t)Zn (ppm)
C2449822Boulder481129595713915.83.16106
C1353863Boulder481026595707515.45.5984
C2449722Boulder47956159549292.46>1008,060
C2449701Boulder47905959532971.120.3186
C1353757Boulder47883759540181.048.973,530
C1353774Boulder47950059550870.74617.41,760
C2449623Boulder48101659571080.7232.6549
C2449530Boulder48108559573310.5981.1628
C2449826Boulder47841759538360.5515.08568
C2449702Boulder47923259531560.4111.01268
C2449519Subcrop48128659576440.3714.53147
C2449703Boulder47941559539390.3241.98275
C2449813Boulder47942559541710.2810.7558
C2449705Boulder47959959542740.2713.5888
C2449522Outcrop48123659568630.2622.09288
C2449704Boulder47944459540610.2582.8373
C2449521Boulder48132759576720.2060.8159
C2449533Outcrop48114059574960.2010.6492
C2449706Boulder47942659543010.1811.29207
C2449814Boulder47937459543530.1762.38224
C2449808Boulder47842559536020.1713.2916
C2449501Boulder48020859531760.1610.8387
C1353764Boulder48109159571510.1612.8536
C1353751Boulder47904359533070.1351.73107
C2449811Boulder47817659532800.1310.62178
C1353766Outcrop48112859571140.1165.6233
C1353852Boulder47925959534660.1031.011,010
C2449625Boulder47641459525420.0211.931,780

*Coordinates in UTM Zone 19 (NAD83)

Samples with analytical values exceeding 1.0 g/t Au were collected from angular boulders. The maximum result of 15.8 g/t Au was obtained from a selected grab sample of a boulder of banded amphibolite containing a pyritic quartz vein. The 15.4 g/t Au value was obtained from a selected grab sample of a boulder of a felsic gneiss. These boulders highlight a new area of interest about 2.5 kilometres northeast of the 2025 Au-Zn-Mn-Ag and Au-Zn-Ag-(Pb)-bearing boulders and also near the fuchsite bearing boulder that returned 6.47 g/t Au when resampled (see press releases by Midland dated September 9 and October 28, 2025). Also, three (3) amphibolite and gneissic outcrops in this new area returned gold values between 0.20 and 0.12 g/t Au. New Au-Ag-Zn-(Pb)-bearing boulders were again identified in the southern portion of the project, where several IP chargeability anomalies were found (see press release by Midland dated May 28, 2026). Selected boulder grab sample C2449722 returned values of 2.46 g/t Au, >100 g/t Ag, 0.8% Zn, >5000 ppm Pb, and 7.7% MnO. These values, combined with low sulfur contents, again points towards the Au-Zn-Mn-Ag association observed in 2025 and the presence of these additional boulders could suggest that these manganese garnets (spessartine) boulders have a local source. New gold-bearing boulders (>1.0 g/t Au) were also identified close to chargeability anomalies. However, these IP anomalies remain unexplained, due to the absence of outcrops in this area.

These new mineralized boulders will add to further understanding the geological context and refine the boulder dispersal train. Additionally, two more phases of prospecting were conducted in August and September. Results are pending.

Caniapisc Au Project

The Caniapisc Au project lies south of the Caniapiscau Reservoir and is geologically located within the Ashuanipi Subprovince, a lesser-known and explored portion of the Archean Superior Province. The project is more specifically located in the Raynouard Complex, characterized by a 50 kilometre-long volcanosedimentary belt comprising bimodal volcanic sequences, metasedimentary rocks and iron formations. Historical exploration work, to the south of the Caniapisc Au project, highlights the potential of the Raynouard Complex with the presence of volcanogenic Cu-Zn-Ag-Au and porphyry Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralization. The Caniapisc Au project is strategically located north of these showings, where a historical 2014 till sampling survey identified gold anomalies. Results from five (5) till samples in 2025 confirm the historical gold-in-till anomalies (see press release by Midland dated May 20, 2025).

The 2025 exploration programs on the Caniapisc Au project included geological mapping, prospecting, soil sampling, and a magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey. These programs successfully identified several Au-Zn-Mn-Ag and Au-Zn-Ag-(Pb)-bearing boulders within a 2-kilometre radius up-ice from gold-in-till anomalies where 16 selected grab samples yielded values greater than 2.0 g/t Au, including a sample returning 24.5 g/t Au (see press releases by Midland dated September 9 and October 28, 2025). While boulders are mostly observed until now in the project area, an amphibolite outcrop in the south-western part of the project returned a value of 0.56 g/t Au from a selected grab sample (see press release by Midland dated October 28, 2025). A 2,001-kilometres magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey covering the Caniapisc Au project was completed and the final data is being evaluated to further understand the geological and structural context of the project.

Quality Control

Rock samples from the project were analyzed at Actlabs laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario, by ICP-MS with 4-acid digestion for metals, and by standard fire assay on 30-gram fractions with atomic absorption finish for gold and by ICP-OES fusion for major elements (including MnO). Soil samples are processed and analyzed at Actlabs laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario, by neutron activation (namely for Au) and ICP-OES with 4-acid extraction (namely for Zn and Mn), after sieving to -177 microns. Exploration programs are designed, and results are interpreted by Qualified Persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with industry best practices, including the alternate use of standards and blanks for every 20 samples

Cautionary statements

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

Mineralization occurring at deposits and former mines mentioned in this press release is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be intersected on projects held by Midland described in this press release.

About Midland

Midland targets the mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new deposits of gold and critical metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., BHP Canada Inc., Centerra Gold Inc., Barrick Mining Corporation., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Fresnillo plc, Electric Elements Mining Corp., SOQUEM 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 Midland’s portfolio and generate shareholder value.

Qualified Person and Vice-President Exploration Jean-François Larivière, P. Geo, Ph. D, prepared, reviewed and approved this press release and verified the project data as Midland’s qualified person (QP) within the meaning of National Instrument 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.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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to the Corporation’s expectations regarding the conclusion of additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties, and other estimates and statements that describe Midland’s future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that Midland or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets, changes in demand and prices for minerals, failure to obtain the requisite permits and approvals from government bodies and third parties, regulatory and governmental policy changes (laws and policies) and those risks set out in Midland’s public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Although Midland believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Midland disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Projets

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Projects

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

JEAN-FRANÇOIS LARIVIÈRE, P.GEO. Ph.D.

VP Exploration

More than 25 years of experience in mineral exploration in Quebec.

VP Exporation for Midland Exploration, Jean-François Larivière holds a B.Sc. with Honours in Earth Science, with a concentration in Economic Geology, as well as a Ph.D. in Mineral Resources from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He is also an active member of the Ordre des géologues du Québec and has served on CONSOREM’s scientific management committee since 2013.

With his metallogenist background, he has worked at Midland as a project geologist and a specialist in 3D modelling, GIS data processing and information technology for 15 years. He has worked on the Company’s projects in the James Bay and Abitibi regions, in the Grenville and the Labrador Trough, which has given him the opportunity to work in a variety of geological settings. Since 2023, he has been Midland’s Chief Geologist.

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.

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.

ANNIE DUTIL

Director

Annie Dutil is a member of the Quebec CPA Order and is Evolve Royalties’ CFO. 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 Evolve Royalties, Ms. Dutil was CFO at Nomad Royalties, which was acquired by Sandstorm Gold Royalties. She also 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.