Midland Exploration Commences New Survey for Copper-Nickel Exploration
MONTREAL — Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is excited to kick off a significant copper-nickel exploration program in Nunavik. This initiative follows successful exploration activities conducted from 2020 to 2024, which unearthed promising new mineralized showings.
This latest initiative is part of a strategic alliance, termed “the Alliance,” established in 2020 between Midland’s subsidiary, Midland Base Metals Inc., and Rio Algom Limited, a subsidiary of BHP Group Limited (“BHP”).
Exploration Program Focus
The exploration effort for 2025 will concentrate on a newly identified major crustal-scale structure and its subsidiary faults. These structures, which were brought to light during a regional magnetotelluric (MT) survey and the Z-Tipper axis airborne electromagnetic (ZTEM) survey conducted between 2022 and 2023, hold considerable promise for copper-nickel mineralization. The program is set to include an airborne HeliTEM time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) survey.
Highlights of the Exploration Initiative
The agenda for this exploration initiative is packed with exciting highlights:
- The 2022 regional MT survey revealed a major crustal-scale structure in a relatively unexplored region, identified as favorable for copper-nickel mineralization.
- Follow-up surveys led to the discovery of lake-bottom copper-nickel anomalies, stemming from a comprehensive 1,383-sample survey carried out in July 2023.
- A significant helicopter-borne ZTEM survey conducted in July 2023 unveiled numerous new conductive features indicative of mineralization.
- The 2024 exploration program successfully made new Cu-Ni-Co mineralized intrusions through targeted prospecting.
- A regional airborne TDEM survey, covering approximately 6,600 linear kilometers, is scheduled for completion in June 2025.
New Mineral Showings from Recent Surveys
The Copper-Nickel Exploration Alliance with BHP has strategically targeted mafic troctolite and olivine gabbro intrusions, reflecting geological features similar to those found at the renowned Voisey's Bay. Historically, these areas in Quebec have seen limited exploration, yet recent discoveries have sparked new interest.
The 2024 program emphasized investigating a significant crustal-scale structure revealed during earlier MT surveys and refined in the subsequent ZTEM survey. This endeavor led to the identification of the Target 22 showing, where grab samples displayed promising grades of 0.81% Ni, 0.22% Cu and 0.19% Co, alongside the recognition of the Soisson Intrusive Suite over an extent of 15 kilometers.
Regional MT Surveys and Their Findings
Extensive regional MT surveys encompassing approximately 230 stations across three blocks were completed in 2022 within the Alliance prospect area. The surveys aimed at uncovering structural pathways that could have facilitated copper-nickel-bearing magmas from the Earth’s mantle to its crust. A notable crustal-scale structure, similar to the Abloviak Shear Zone found at Voisey’s Bay Cu-Ni-Co Mine in Labrador, emerged from these evaluations, marking it as a prime exploration target.
Lake Sediment Survey Insights
A high-density lake sediment survey in July 2023, which analyzed around 1,383 samples, targeted the previously identified crustal-scale structure. Numerous copper-nickel anomalies surfaced, leading to the discovery of new mineralized intrusions in the 2024 prospecting season.
HeliTEM Survey Planned for June 2025
The ZTEM electromagnetic survey conducted in July 2023 added depth to the understanding of the explored structures. Despite facing adverse weather conditions, the regional HeliTEM survey planned initially for 2024 will now commence in June 2025 with an approved budget for approximately 6,600 line-kilometers of airborne data collection.
Quality Control in Exploration
To ensure data integrity and reliability, Midland implemented a rigorous QA/QC program during the recent prospecting campaign. Assay samples were submitted to a certified laboratory for analysis, following stringent protocols that included the addition of mineralized standards and blanks.
About Midland Exploration
Midland's focus remains on unleashing Quebec's incredible mineral wealth, aiming to discover new world-class deposits of gold and critical metals. The company is proud to partner with reputable organizations like BHP, Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, and others. Midland is actively exploring additional opportunities and partnerships to enhance its property portfolio and drive shareholder value.
Management stresses the commitment to fostering growth and pursuing exploration initiatives that align with these goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Midland Exploring in Nunavik?
Midland is starting a new copper-nickel exploration program in Nunavik as part of its strategic alliance with BHP.
What structures are being investigated?
The exploration will focus on a new major crustal-scale structure and its subsidiary faults that are favorable for mineralization.
What discoveries were made previously?
Recent explorations uncovered Cu-Ni-Co mineralized intrusions and several conductive features through various surveys conducted in the area.
When will the HeliTEM survey be conducted?
The HeliTEM airborne survey is planned to begin in June 2025.
What quality control measures does Midland use?
Midland employs a strict QA/QC program during its sampling and analysis process to ensure accurate results.
