Midland, in Partnership with Barrick, Commences an Exploration Program for Gold on the Lewis Project
Barrick Gold begins mapping at its Lewis project in Quebec, advancing exploration efforts at the Quebec gold deposit.
Midland Exploration Inc. (MD), in partnership with Barrick Gold Inc., has commenced its 2026 exploration program on the Lewis gold project in Quebec's Abitibi region. Barrick acts as the project operator under the option agreement signed in November 2025.
The program is divided into two phases. Phase 1 involves geological mapping and structural data measurements across approximately 76 linear kilometers, focusing on the Red Giant and Golden Nest showings. Phase 2 is a comprehensive till sampling survey scheduled for September 2026, covering 167 sample sites at 300-meter spacing on 1,000-meter lines.
The project is strategically located near IAMGOLD's Nelligan deposit and the former Lac Shortt mine, providing strong regional geological context for orogenic and magmatic-hydrothermal gold targets.
Midland Exploration Inc. (MD) announced that Barrick is executing on its initial $3 million exploration commitment, which includes a $200,000 firm payment, required to earn a 51% interest in the Lewis project by December 31, 2028. This development represents a routine, expected operational follow-up to the definitive option agreement signed in November 2025, which granted Barrick the right to earn up to a 75% interest in the project. The announcement validates the partnership's execution phase without altering the deal structure or providing new financial milestones, and it does not materially change the company's valuation or cash position.
Midland Exploration Inc. (MD) is a junior prospect generator and joint venture partner focused on gold and critical metals, including nickel, copper, and lithium, in Quebec. The company leverages a partnership model, collaborating with major miners such as Barrick, Rio Tinto, Centerra, BHP, and Wallbridge. Its business model relies on generating exploration targets and sharing upside through option agreements and joint ventures, rather than direct production. Flagship projects include the Lewis gold project, which carries a Barrick option; the Galinée lithium project, subject to a Rio Tinto option; the Willbob gold project; and the Malaco Mountain copper-gold-REE zone, held in a joint venture with SOQUEM.