First Mining Announces Initial 2024 Duparquet Exploration Drilling Results Highlights include the Company’s first ever targeting of the North Zone mineralization returning 3.11 g/t Au over 13.16 m and 3.07 g/t Au over 10.32 m
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NEWS RELEASE
First Mining Announces Initial 2024 Duparquet Exploration Drilling Results
Highlights include the Company’s first ever targeting of the North Zone mineralization
returning 3.11 g/t Au over 13.16 m and 3.07 g/t Au over 10.32 m
May 21, 2024 – Vancouver, Canada – First Mining Gold Corp. (“First Mining” or the “Company”) (TSX:
FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce initial drilling results from the 202 4
Phase 2B winter diamond drilling program at its Duparquet Gold Project (“Duparquet Project” or the
“Project”) located in Quebec, Canada. The results reported from the winter drill program include targeted
exploration areas of the North Zone which forms a foundational part of the Project’s gold resource, as
well as discovery-level drilling of the Rex Target, an important exploration trend immediately north of the
current resource.
Highlights include drill hole DUP24-018 returning 3.11 g/t Au over 13.16m, and hole DUP24-019 returning
3.07 g/t Au over 10.32m and 3.19 g/t over 4.53m . These results, coupled with additional holes through
the winter program, continue to support ongoing testing and delineation of deeper mineralization trends
at the North Zone target areas of the Duparquet deposit.
“These initial results from our winter program are encouraging and continue to demonstrate the upside
potential at the Duparquet Gold Project ,” stated Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining. “ These results
demonstrate the strong continuity of higher-grade mineralization at Duparquet, and the near-surface high
grade open pit potential at this past-producing mine. We continue to leverage our integrated geoscience
model as we build resource and exploration confidence at the Project. Follow-up programs are underway,
and we are excited to increase our exploration activity in the heart of the prolific Abitibi gold belt.”
The Phase 2 winter program commenced in February 2024 and included a seven -hole, 2,856 m drill
program. First Mining’s 2024 winter exploration strategy aimed to explore plunge controls in several key
mineralization trends, further supporting additional resource growth through grade optimization and
depth extension. Drill holes DUP24-018 and DUP24-019 were successful in the intended approach, with
intersections of significant gold mineralization consistent with the higher-grade trends that were targeted.
Further assay results from the winter drilling are pending and are expected to be released in the coming
weeks.
Table 1: Selected Significant Drill Intercepts, 2024 Phase 2B Drill Program
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t) Target
DUP24-018 144.00 144.69 0.69 20.00
North Zone
DUP24-018 175.52 188.68 13.16 3.11
DUP24-018 376.47 377.00 0.53 11.70
DUP24-018 385.82 399.97 14.15 1.53
DUP24-018 inc. 393.74 394.24 0.50 17.70
DUP24-019 87.94 98.26 10.32 3.07
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Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t) Target
DUP24-019 inc. 90.35 91.20 0.85 9.19
DUP24-019 102.30 106.83 4.53 3.19
*Reported intervals are drilled core lengths (true widths are estimated at 75- 85% of the core length interval , assay
values are uncut)
A plan map of the select Phase 2B winter exploration targets and drillhole locations are presented in Figure
1, and assay highlights of the initial holes from the 2024 Phase 2B drill program are presented in Table 1,
with full assay results returned listed in Table 2 and drill hole locations included in Table 3.
Figure 1: Plan view of select drill holes within the North Zone and Rex Target Zone
Additional Details on Drilling Results at the North Zone and Rex Target Zone
The North Zone drilling strategy is focused on targeting strike extension opportunities as well as drill
testing multiple deeper, higher -grade trends that support an extension down-plunge. The North Zone
mineralization is hosted within porphyritic syenite with strong sericite and silica alteration , with higher
grades being returned in zones with increased alteration, 2-5% sulphides, quartz carbonate veining, and
brecciation associated with sheared contacts (Figure 2). The increased alteration and veining are spatially
coincident with project modelling associated with D2 high strain zones that are interpreted splay shear
zones from the Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone.
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Figure 2: Representative core sample from the North Zone, highlighting alteration and veining.
Drill hole DUP24-018 (Figure 3) was drilled across the mineralized shear zone at the northern contact of
the Beattie syenite body and returned multiple intercepts of significant gold values. Highlights from the
main mineralized shear zone include 20 g/t Au over 0.69 m at 144 to 144.69 m and 0.94 g/t Au over 3.78
m at 149.22 to 153 m that is hosted within a strong sheared and silica-altered basalt, and 3.11 g/t Au over
13.16 m at 175.52 to 188. 68 m that is hosted within highly sheared and altered porphyritic syenite unit.
This main zone has been characterized as a higher-grade area that is interpreted to have a strong potential
for continuity down -plunge. First Mining has undertaken a systematic approach to explore this and a
number of similar trends that will build further confidence in targeting drill extensions to depth in an effort
to expand the mineral resource.
Additionally, further downhole within drill hole DUP24-018, several significant intercepts occur at 376.47-
377.0 m which returned 11.70 g/t Au over 0.53 m, and at 385.82 - 399.97 m which returned 1.53 g/t Au
over 14.15 m, including 17.70 g/t Au over 0.50 m from 393.74 - 394.24 m. These intercepts are all hosted
within the syenite, and mineralization is associated with shearing, brecciation , and zones of silica and
sericite alteration, increased veining and up to 1% disseminated pyrite. The Duparquet Project continues
to demonstrate excellent mi neralization continuity down-dip and along strike through the se
mineralization zones, trending both within and at the contact with syenite(s).
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Figure 3: North Zone Target - DUP24-018 highlighting significant intercepts downhole in relation to modelled wireframes and PEA
stope designs, demonstrating upgrade and extension opportunities along the structure. This cross section is looking west.
Hole DUP23-019 (Figure 4) was drill testing additional higher -grade zones along the mineralized shear
zone at the northern contact of the Beattie syenite body. Highlights from the main mineralized shear zone
include 0.7 g/t Au over 1 m at 84.5 to 85.5 m, 3.07 g/t Au over 10.32 m at 87.94 to 98.26 m (including 9.19
g/t Au over 0.85 m), and 3.19 g/t Au over 4.53 m at 102.3 to 106.83 m. These significant intercepts are
hosted within syenite that is associated with strong silica and sericite alteration, quartz carbonate veining
covering up to 40% of the core in localized areas, and up to 10% disseminated pyrite.
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Figure 4: North Zone Target - DUP24-019 highlighting significant intercepts downhole, with higher grade zones identified along
the contact of the syenite. This cross section is looking west.
The North Zone target is a priority area for exploration optimization and potential extension of the open
pit and underground resource. The recent drill results continue to support the area as a highly prospective
target zone for the project, with potential to unlock meaningful upside along strike and at depth (Figure
5).
Figure 5: Representative long section through the North Zone, highlighting the exploration opportunities along strike and depth.
A new brownfields discovery target outside of the main Beattie syenite was identified in the 2023 summer
campaign. The Rex Target (Figure 6) borders the northern contact of the Beattie Syenite and is
approximately 500 m from the current mineral resource, and is hosted at the contact of a regional D2
structure where it is coincident with mafic volcanic stratigraphy established in mapping and supported by
geophysical magnetic expression . A mafic volcanic surface grab sample collected during 2023 (sample
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571507) returned 0.694 g/t Au, and a historical drill hole, DON10-122, returned 0.87 g/t Au over 9 m from
348.5 - 357.5m. First Mining has further tested the area with the drilling of two exploration holes the Rex
Target during the winter 2024 program (DUP24-020 and DUP24-021), targeting a steep D2 structure that
is projected from surface. The structure was intersected in both holes, with DUP24-021 returning 0.73 g/t
Au over 3.85 m from 205.85 – 209.70 m, and 0.61 g/t Au over 1.0 m from 267.7 to 268.70 m. Mineralization
is hosted within a brecciated graphitic structure with quartz carbonate veining and up to 1% disseminated
sulphides. Additional follow-up exploration including an airborne magnetic survey will further support
ongoing field work in advancing next steps for the Rex Target.
“Our first 2024 drill results at Duparquet demonstrate our ability to open up exploration space with a
systematic, integrated geoscience approach”, stated James Maxwell, VP of Exploration and Project
Operations. “ We see tremendous upside as we continue to advance both deposit -level and regional
growth opportunities across the Project.”
Figure 6: Plan Map highlighting DUP24-020 and DUP24-021 at the Rex Target area, with regional geophysics magnetic survey
(first vertical derivative product)
Duparquet 2024 Exploration Programs
Exploration activities will be advancing at the Duparquet project through 2024 with continued focus on
the drilling, regional field work programs, the airborne geophysical magnetic and LiDAR surveys as well
as a property wide expanded 3D geological and target model.
Table 2: Phase 2B Winter Program Drill Results
Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t)
DUP24-018 130.95 131.50 0.55 0.49
DUP24-018 144.00 144.69 0.69 20.00
DUP24-018 149.22 153.00 3.78 0.94
DUP24-018 inc. 149.22 149.80 0.58 3.35
DUP24-018 175.52 188.68 13.16 3.11
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Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Grade (Au g/t)
DUP24-018 192.00 192.88 0.88 0.44
DUP24-018 209.00 210.00 1.00 0.47
DUP24-018 210.88 211.64 0.76 0.45
DUP24-018 212.40 213.00 0.60 0.47
DUP24-018 247.20 248.34 1.14 0.58
DUP24-018 252.19 252.95 0.76 0.60
DUP24-018 256.00 257.65 1.65 0.99
DUP24-018 264.00 264.68 0.68 0.58
DUP24-018 271.20 271.70 0.50 0.70
DUP24-018 278.47 280.32 1.85 1.41
DUP24-018 321.21 321.90 0.69 0.91
DUP24-018 376.47 377.00 0.53 11.70
DUP24-018 385.82 399.97 14.15 1.53
DUP24-018 inc. 393.74 394.24 0.50 17.70
DUP24-018 408.00 409.00 1.00 1.50
DUP24-018 425.00 428.00 3.00 1.52
DUP24-018 436.05 437.00 0.95 0.49
DUP24-018 439.86 441.00 1.14 0.68
DUP24-019 63.00 64.00 1.00 0.58
DUP24-019 84.50 85.50 1.00 0.70
DUP24-019 87.94 98.26 10.32 3.07
DUP24-019 inc. 90.35 91.20 0.85 9.19
DUP24-019 102.30 106.83 4.53 3.19
DUP24-020 no significant assay results
DUP24-021 205.85 209.70 3.85 0.73
DUP24-021 267.70 268.70 1.00 0.61
*Reported intervals are drilled core lengths (true widths are estimated at 75- 85% of the core length interval ; assay
values are uncut)
Table 3: Phase 2B Winter Drill Hole Locations, Duparquet Gold Project
Hole ID Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Length (m) Easting Northing
DUP24-018 185 -68 531 631782 5374621
DUP24-019 10 -45 150 631542 5374501
DUP24-020 0 -47 300 633009 5374503
DUP24-021 0 -53 348 633104 5374461
Note: Collar coordinates in UTM NAD 83 z17
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About the Duparquet Gold Project
The Duparquet Project is geologically situated in the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Belt and is
geographically located approximately 50 km north of the city of Rouyn-Noranda. The Project benefits from
easy access and proximity to an existing workforce and infrastructure, including road, rail and
hydroelectric grid power. The Duparquet Project currently hosts a 43 -101 compliant gold resource base
of 3.44 million ounces Measured & Indicated category grading 1.55 g/t Au, and an additional 2.64 million
ounces in the Inferred category, grading 1.62 g/t Au. First Mining completed a Preliminary Economic
Assessment1 (“PEA”) in 2023 (see news release dated September 7, 2023 and October 23, 2023).
The Duparquet Project totals approximately 5,800 hectares focused along an area of 19 kilometres of
strike length along the prolific Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone, along with numerous mineralized splays and
influential secondary lineaments. The Duparquet Project includes the past-producing Beattie, Donchester
and Duquesne mines as well as the Central Duparquet, Dumico and Pitt Gold deposits.
1 See October 20, 2023, NI43 -101 Report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment
Duparquet Gold Project"
Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures
All sampling completed by First Mining within its exploration programs is subject to a Company standard
of internal quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) programs which include the insertion of certified
reference materials, blank materials and a level of duplicate analysis. Core samples from the 2023 drilling
program at Duparquet were sent to AGAT Laboratories, with sample preparation in Val d’Or and analysis
in Thunder Bay , where they were processed for gold analysis by 50 gram fire assay with an atomic
absorption finish. Samples from selected holes were sent to AGAT Laboratories in Calgary, Alberta, for
multi-element analysis (including silver) by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) method with a four acid
digest. AGAT Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and
meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101.
Qualified Person
Louis Martin, P.Geo., Senior Geologic Consultant of First Mining, is a “Qualified Person” for the purposes
of NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , and has reviewed and approved the scientific
and technical disclosure contained in this news release.
About First Mining Gold Corp.
First Mining is a gold developer advancing two of the largest gold projects in Canada, the Springpole Gold
Project in northwestern Ontario, where we have commenced a Feasibility Study and permitting activities
are on-going with a draft Environmental Impact Statement (“EIS”) for the project published in June 2022,
and the Duparquet Project in Quebec, a PEA-stage development project located on the Destor-Porcupine
Fault Zone in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the Cameron Gold Project in Ontario and a
portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow Gold Project (being advanced in partnership