#Canada #Quebec #First Mining Gold #Duparquet Project #Forage Anicinape

First Mining Starts 2026 Drilling Campaign at Duparquet

First Mining Gold Corp. is thrilled to announce the initiation of its 2026 drilling program at the Duparquet Gold Project located in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada. This strategic move comes alongside the establishment of a groundbreaking partnership with Forage Anicinape, a drilling company rooted in Indigenous leadership. Forage Anicinape is a collaboration between Forages Rouillier and the Coopérative de solidarité de Pikogan, representing the Pikogan First Nation.

The essence of this partnership lies in First Mining's commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and businesses while propelling forward exploration efforts at Duparquet. The initial drilling campaign for 2026 aims to cover approximately 12,000 meters, emphasizing the enhancement of resource confidence and identifying potential avenues for resource growth. This drilling will also support essential future studies related to geotechnical, metallurgical, and hydrogeological aspects.

Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of building strong ties with Indigenous groups for the sustainable advancement of their operations. Wilton stated, “Developing strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses is vital to our operations and advancing our projects responsibly.” He highlighted how this partnership is poised to create lasting opportunities and drive success for both parties involved as they navigate the development of the Duparquet Project.

Echoing this sentiment, Kenny Ruperthouse, General Manager of the Coopérative de solidarité de Pikogan, stressed the importance of the partnership for Indigenous employment and the broader community, stating, “This partnership signifies a key step in promoting Indigenous involvement in the mining sector.” The foundation of Forage Anicinape was laid in 2024, and its establishment reflects a larger ambition to bolster Indigenous presence and participation in mineral exploration undertakings throughout Quebec.

The 2026 drilling initiative commenced in the second quarter and is set to run year-round using two diamond drill rigs. The program will include follow-up drilling at the Miroir target, a focal area identified for its potential after positive results from the previous year. Notable findings from the 2025 drilling program revealed impressive results including hole DUP25-085, which showed 3.74 grams per tonne of gold (g/t Au) over 15.5 meters. Similar success was noted in hole DUP25-090, which returned 4.08 g/t Au over 12.0 meters.

About the Duparquet Gold Project

Located about 50 kilometers northwest of Rouyn-Noranda in the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, the Duparquet Gold Project covers an area of approximately 5,800 hectares. This project is situated within a region that boasts ready access to a well-established workforce and vital infrastructure, including roads, railways, and an electrical grid.

The project's resource estimates indicate a measured and indicated gold resource of 3.44 million ounces, grading 1.55 g/t Au, alongside additional inferred resources amounting to 2.64 million ounces, at a grade of 1.62 g/t Au. In 2023, a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) was completed for the project to evaluate its economic feasibility.

The geological structure of the Duparquet Project is particularly promising due to its location along the famed Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone, benefiting from a 19-kilometer strike length adorned with numerous mineralized zones and secondary structures. Notable historical production from the area includes previous mines like Beattie, Donchester, and Duquesne, which were integral to the region's mining history.

In summary, First Mining Gold is poised to make significant strides in its exploration endeavors at the Duparquet Gold Project through this dynamic partnership with Forage Anicinape, establishing a framework for inclusive collaboration that promises to benefit both the company and the Indigenous communities involved.