Midland Signs Definitive Joint-Venture Agreement Near Eleonore Mine and Cheechoo Gold Discovery and Provides an Update on Exploration Work
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Aug 30, 2016) - Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") (TSX VENTURE:MD) is pleased to announce the signing of a definitive joint-venture agreement (50%-50%) with Osisko Exploration -James Bay Inc. ("Osisko"), whereby Midland and Osisko will collaborate and combine their efforts to explore geological settings favourable for gold deposits in the vicinity of the Éléonore gold mine and the recent gold discovery at Cheechoo (see Midland press release dated June 16, 2016). A total budget of approximately $1,000,000 has been allocated for 2016; the first phase of the field campaign is currently underway.
This new joint venture comprises several properties totalling 1,827 mining claims and covering a surface area of about 952.9 square kilometres. These new properties are located about 12 kilometres to the southeast and northwest of Goldcorp's Éléonore deposit. This world-class gold deposit contains proven reserves of 4.17 million tonnes at a grade of 6.49 g/t Au (0.87 Moz Au) and probable reserves of 24.15 million tonnes at a grade of 5.76 g/t Au (4.48 Moz Au). The deposit also contains measured resources of 0.94 million tonnes at a grade of 6.84 g/t Au (0.21 Moz Au), indicated resources of 3.65 million tonnes at a grade of 5.14 g/t Au (0.60 Moz Au), and inferred resources of 9.97 million tonnes at a grade of 7.11 g/t Au (2.28 Moz Au).
Phase 1 of the exploration program, including till and lake-bottom sediment sampling, began last June. A total of 675 till samples and 101 lake-bottom sediment samples were collected, in an effort to complete the coverage provided by SIGÉOM databases. This regional sampling program covered an area of more than 100 kilometres, deemed highly favourable and respectively located northwest of the Eleonore gold mine and southeast of the new Cheechoo gold discovery. Assay results, including those for the fine fraction of till samples, heavy mineral concentrates and gold grain counts, are pending.
This strategic alliance, on properties with strong gold potential, is favourably located relative to the recent gold discovery made by Sirios Resources Inc. ("Sirios") on its Cheechoo project. Sirios recently confirmed the presence of gold mineralization along the contact between metasedimentary rocks and a tonalitic unit, with grades of 12.08 g/t gold over 20.3 metres, including 48.38 g/t gold over 4.4 metres (see Sirios press release dated March 29, 2016). Previous drill results reported by Sirios between 2012 and 2015 on the Cheechoo property include gold-bearing intervals grading 15.04 g/t Au over 12.35 metres and 15.61 g/t Au over 9.70 metres in hole #20, drilled below hole #18, which had previously intersected the same two zones with grades of 7.24 g/t Au over 7.9 metres and 2.04 g/t Au over 8.8 metres respectively. This 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 properties included in the new strategic alliance may be consulted using the following link:
http://file.marketwire.com/release/MD%20OR%20JV_Localisation_30aout16.pdf
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 Ltd., Teck Resources Ltd., 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, Midland's VP Exploration, certified geologist and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.
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.
Contact
Gino Roger, President and Chief Executive Officer
450 420-5977
Fax: 450 420-5978
info@midlandexploration.com
www.midlandexploration.com
