First Mining Provides Springpole Exploration Update on District-Scale Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt District exploration programs returned high-grade gold mineralization in rock sampling up to 42.4 g/t Au, favourable soil geochemistry anomalies and saw the completion of a regional
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NEWS RELEASE
First Mining Provides Springpole Exploration Update on
District-Scale Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt
District exploration programs returned high-grade gold mineralization in rock sampling up to
42.4 g/t Au, favourable soil geochemistry anomalies and saw the completion of a regional
airborne geophysical survey
January 17, 2023 – Vancouver, Canada – First Mining Gold Corp. (“First Mining” or the “Company”) (TSX:
FF) (OTCQX: FFMGF) (FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities at its
Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt (“BUGB”) Project located in the Red Lake Mining District of Ontario, Canada,
near the Company’s Springpole Gold Project (“Springpole”).
First Mining has commenced a district-scale exploration program as part of a multi-year strategy to unlock
the exploration potential on the +70,000-hectare property position located in the underexplored BUGB.
The mineral tenure comprising the BUGB Project surrounds Springpole, which was advanced to a Pre -
Feasibility Study that was completed in January 2021 and contains an Indicated Resource of 4.6 Moz Au
at 0.94 g/t and additional Inferred Resource of 300 koz Au at 0.54 g/t, including Probable Reserves of 3.8
Moz Au at 0.97 g/t , as set out in the technical report entitled “NI 43 -101 Technical Report and Pre -
Feasibility Study on the Springpole Gold Project, Ontario, Canada ”, which was prepared for First Mining
by AGP Mining Consultants Inc. (“AGP”) in accordance with National Instrume nt 43 -101 Standards of
Disclosure for Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and has an effective date of January 20, 2021. First Mining is
currently advancing Springpole toward a Feasibility Study.
The BUGB exploration work programs have included widespread initial screening campaigns comprised
of geochemi cal, geolog ical, and geophysic al surveys over key transects and favourable exploration
features of the BUGB property setting that include components around structur e, lithology, and
mineralization (see Figure 1). The Company’s exploration team has also been actively completing data
acquisition that is targeted across the project area in a first ever district-scale regional program that aims
to establish priority targeting at a meaningful and modern scaled approach.
“We are very excited to be embarking on our first district -scale exploration program in the Birch -Uchi
Greenstone Belt. We are encouraged by the initial results of the rock and soil sampling programs and the
results of the regional airborne ge ophysical survey,” stated Dan Wilton, CEO of First Mining. “ Our
exploration program represents the next pillar of growth, and we are confident that our c ontinued
exploration success will add significant optionality by delivering sizeable exploration growth potential for
First Mining and socio-economic benefits in the region as we aim to grow our current 21% Indigenous
employee base.”
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Figure 1: The consolidated First Mining Birch -Uchi Greenstone Belt mineral tenure around Springpole,
highlighting the regional 2022 BUGB exploration campaigns
Work Program and Exploration Highlights
• District rock sampling programs have returned significant gold results acro ss multiple centres of
mineralization over the project area and are highlighted by higher grade samples including 42.4
g/t Au at the Sirius target, 34.7 g/t Au at the historic Sol D’Or Mine, 15.4 g/t Au at the Bronco
target, and 15.3 g/t Au at the Canamer target.
• Additional significant and anomalous supporting gold results ( see Table 1) from rock samples
continue to build up a size able district dataset for targeting of mineralization hot spots and
favourably endowed gold trends.
• Regional airborne geophysics coverage has now been completed o ver much of the BUGB area
following the flying of a 3 ,843 line -kilometre, high resolution magnetic and electro -magnetic
survey.
• The geophysical survey provides a core supplement to the existing geophysical coverage in the
region and was successfully supported by industry -leading service providers and partners in
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SkyTEM and Mira Geoscience; survey outputs and processing products will further provide district
base layers of geoscience data that are fundamental in supporting a path to large-scale systematic
targeting involving a modern scale and approach.
• Soil geochemical gap analysis, infill and pioneering surveys have been completed over conducive
terrains, where an additional + 700 samples were col lected over var ying grid scales by area;
targeted B -horizon soil geochemistry is providing a tool in resolution when coupled with
additional geoscience datasets that is linked in evolving a structural, stratigraphic and mineralizing
framework that will be supportive in forward geoscience modelling and targeting initiatives.
• A five drillhole campaign, totalling 1 ,560 m was completed at the Swain property ; initial results
are visually indicative of favo urable host litholog ies, zones of meaningful width , and increased
mineralization around key structures. Full gold and ICP data are expected by the end of Q1 2023
and are pending QA/QC and program data integration.
Table 1: Rock Sampling Highlights
Sample
ID
Easting
(NAD83)
Northing
(NAD83)
Gold Grade
(g/t)
Sample
Type Target Area Property
B1055002 545754 5689298 42.4 Grab Sirius Springpole
B1055352 533115 5680767 34.7 Muck Sol D’Or Sol D’ Or
B1055423 536303 5692072 15.4 Grab Bronco Horseshoe
(Springpole)
B1055078 556499 5695341 15.3 Grab Canamer Birch
B1055051 527750 5681880 9.3 Grab Bullseye Swain
B1055346 534811 5702376 6.2 Float Fox Vixen North
B1055032 529458 5683437 2.9 Grab Mystical Swain
B1055294 533521 5691237 2.7 Grab Mustang Horseshoe
(Springpole)
*Rock grab samples are selective in nature and may not represent the true grade or style of mineralization across the project area. A total of 537
samples were selected for analysis with only a portion returning significant or anomalous results. The results as listed include all samples received
to date >2 g/t Au, with additional samples returning values below this threshold, or below detection limits (5 ppb). Easting and northing
coordinates for samples are Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), NAD83 datum.
About the Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt Project
The BUGB Project hosts significant geologic elements, including historic production centres that are
demonstrative of a strong gold endowment and affinity for new discovery. First Mining’s extensive BUGB
property position (Figure 1) is located within the Red Lake Mining District and is situated approximately
80 km east of the Red Lake Mines Complex of Evolution Mining and 75 km northeast of Kinross Gold’s
Dixie Project (formerly owned by Great Bear Resources Ltd). The geology of the region is comprised of
Archean Greenstone terranes that are endowed by significant gold mineralization inclusive of orogenic
and alkaline intrusion related deposit styles. Initial data compilation and validation to date has indicated
that the region demonstrates an underexplored and previously fragmented exploration immaturity that
is well levered to the C ompany’s strategy of consolidation and district screening. With initial field
programs now completed, the Company anticipates additional updates as datasets and analytical results
become available.
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First Mining’s VP Exploration, James Maxwell, commented: “Our teams have embarked on the exploration
path to demonstrate the future resource discovery potential of the Birch-Uchi Greenstone Belt taking
advantage of the recent tenure consolidation completed by First Mining in 2021 and 2022.”
BUGB Project Target Overview
The BUGB h osts multiple gold mineralization styles throughout, which supports having a strong multi-
discipline geoscience foundation that can be applied in an integrated and iterative targeting approach
that can be leveraged for distinction or in combination. Early targeting and vectoring elements highlight
consolidated target opportunities surrounding the Swain - Sol D’Or, Horseshoe, Sirius, and Canamer target
areas.
The Swain - Sol D’Or target area is situated along the Grace Deformation zone (GDZ), a splay off the
regional Swain Deformation Zone (SDZ) that is coincident with the geology of the historical Sol D’Or Mine,
where a 34.7 g/t Au muck sample was returned proximal to an area of historic workings (Table 1) . The
Swain - Sol D’Or targeting effort within the larger scale setting comprises gold bearing quartz veins of
orogenic affinity that a re hosted in felsic to intermediate volcanic s interbedded with Banded Iron
Formations (BIF). Early target evolvement and the 2022 exploration drilling are supporting further
exploration and prioritization of favourable geological gold mineralization system(s) along the GDZ. The
Mystical showing (Table 1) and favo urable gold and arsenic soil geochemical anomalies located in the
southeast corner of the property are highlighted preliminary targets for 2023 follow-up that will be further
resolved with processing and integration of the geophysical airborne campaign.
The Horseshoe target area is currently characterized as an intrusion-hosted gold occurrence, with
mineralization concentrated along structural contacts that have acted as favourable pathways . The
Horseshoe occurrence, as well as newly discovered Mustan g and Bronco showings (Table 1) are all
situated within a setting of regional shearing and faulting occurring along the SDZ on the Horseshoe
property. The Horseshoe target is evolving as a priority 2023 drill ready target and further follow-up field
work is now being planned to advance drill stage targets for Bronco and Mustang. The Bronco showing is
hosted within a felsic volcanic unit, that is strongly sheared and foliated supporting favourable host rock
preparation. The Mustang showing is also coincident with a felsic volcanic unit and hosts sheared quartz
veins and iron-oxide alteration.
The Sirius target is located approximately 2.5 km SW of Springpole and returned this season’s highest rock
grab sample with 42.4 g/t Au during a follow-up campaign of favourable targets identified from our 2021
reconnaissance and compilation recommendations. The mineralization is hosted in a structurally complex
area with ductile deformed quartz veins associated with local volcanic – sedimentary contacts. Preliminary
indications consider a series of intersection lineations within a sheared setting that defines a component
of mineralization plunge control open for exploration down dip and along strike.
The Canamer target returned favourable gold results during the 2022 field campaign (15.3 g/t Au) and has
been followed up with property scale modelling that has generated a strong preliminary drill ready model
focused in targeting local banded iron formation hosted gold mineralization along strike and at depth. The
property wide BIFs are hosted in a volcanic sequence where mineralization is structurally controlled in
relation to a series of regional folding events. The mineralization is interpreted to include higher grade
shoots (example - 244.73 g/t Au over 2.45 m in historic drill hole TWD-DDH-91) where targeting for new
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discoveries with scale is a focus and will be supported by b oth geological and geophysical inputs .
Preliminary outcomes of the 2022 airborne geophysics are becoming available and further advancing
favourable resolution of the target areas.
Upcoming Exploration Activities
• First Mining is committed to an Anishinaabe Impact Assessment working with local First Nation
communities with a focus on increasing the ability of community members to participate in
current and future negotiations and contract and employment opportunities. First Mining is
committed to support ing initiatives that promote community health and well- being, and is
seeking to collaborate with communities, industry, and all levels of government on sustainable
programs for the region to ensure a healthy and productive workforce for the future.
• As the 2022 exploration campaigns results are finalized, Swain – Sol D’Or target diamond drilling
and additional district grab sample results are under review and interpretation. The First Mining
exploration team continues to integrate the data for consolidation, analysis and target
evolvement.
• Geophysical survey data from SkyTEM was delivered in December 2022, whereby First Mining has
further engaged with technical specialists at Mira Geosciences to develop advanced geophysical
interpretation, modelling and 3D inversion support products at the start of 2023.
• The aim is to develop a modern, integrated approach of data processing and consolidation by
leveraging all datasets for exploration target assessment and building out a district -scale
geological model with a focused pipeline of targets that vary from grassroots to drill ready
discovery level.
• Early results have already highlighted that the 2023 field season will build out, infill and follow-up
on highlighted anomalies from the 2022 field campaign, advancing the favourable geos cience
metrics and extent of mineral showings. The team is also focusing on the development of priority
drill ready targets on the Satterly, Swain-Sol D’Or, Horseshoe, Springpole and Birch properties.
• This integrated consolidation approach will support the development and advancement for 2023
and the Company’s future exploration strategy.
Analytical Laboratory and QA/QC Procedures
All sampling completed by First Mining described within exploration programs is subject to a C ompany
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. All rock samples were
sent to Activation Laboratories located in Thunder Bay, Ontario where they were processed for gold
analysis by 50 gram fire assay, with finish by a combination of atomic absorption and gravimetric methods.
Activation Laboratories systems conform to requirements of ISO/IEC Standard 17025 guidelines and
meets assay requirements outlined for NI 43-101.
Qualified Person
Hazel Mullin, P.Geo., Director, Data Management and Technical Services of First Mining , is a “Qualified
Person” for the purposes of N I 43-101, and she has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical
disclosure contained in this news release.
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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 an Indigenous community -based Anishnaabe Impact Assessment expected in 2023 , and the
Duparquet, Pitt and Duquesne Gold Projects in Quebec, a collection of advanced stage development
assets located on the Destor -Porcupine Fault in the prolific Abitibi region. First Mining also owns the
Cameron project in Ontario and a portfolio of gold project interests including the Pickle Crow gold project
(being advanced in partnership with Auteco Minerals Ltd.), the Hope Brook gold project (being advanced
in partnership with Big Ridge Gold Corp.), an equity interest in Treasury Metals Inc., and a portfolio of 20
royalties.
First Mining was established in 2015 by Mr. Keith Neumeyer, founding President and CEO of First Majestic
Silver Corp.
ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING GOLD CORP.
Daniel W. Wilton
Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact:
Toll Free: 1 844 306 8827 | Email: [email protected]
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain “ forward-looking infor mation” and “ forward-looking statements” (collectively
“forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation
including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forw ard-looking statements are
made as of the date of this news release. Forward -looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by
words such as “ expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “plans”, “projects”, “ intends”, “estimates”, “envisages”,
“potential”, “possible”, “strategy”, “goals”, “opportunities”, “objectives”, or variations thereof or stating that certain
actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative
of any of these terms and similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to future events or future performance and reflect current
estimates, predictions, expectations or beliefs regarding future events. All forward-looking statements are based on
First Mining's or its consultants' current beliefs as well as various assumptions made by them and information
currently available to them. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual
results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward- looking
statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a
number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently
subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such
factors include, without limitation the Company’s business, operations and financial condition potentially being
materially adversely affected by the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID-19, and
by reactions by government and private actors to such outbreaks; risks to employee heal th and safety as a result of
the outbreak of epidemics, pandemics or other health crises, such as COVID -19, that may result in a slowdown or
temporary suspension of operations at some or all of the Company's mineral properties as well as its head
office; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities;
fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and
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local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and
hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental
hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures , cave-ins and flooding); the presence of
laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by
local communities, indigenous populations and other stakeholders; availability and increasing costs associated with
mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; title to properties.; and
the additional risks described in the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2021 filed
with the C anadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com, and in
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 40-F filed with the SEC on EDGAR.
First Mining cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying
on our forward -looking statements to make decisions with respect to First Mining, investors and others should
carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. First Mining does not undertake
to update any forward- looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by the
Company or on our behalf, except as required by law.
Cautionary Note to United States Investors
The Company is a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b- 4 under the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and is eligible to rely upon the Canada-U.S. Multi-Jurisdictional Disclosure System, and is therefore
permitted to prepare the technical information contained herein in accordance with the requirements of the
securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of the securities laws currently in effect in the
United States. Accordingly, information concerning mineral deposits set forth herein may not be comparable with
information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards.
Technical disclosure containe d in this news release has not been prepared in accordance with the requirements of
United States securities laws and uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada with certain estimates
prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.
NI 43- 101 is a ru le developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public
disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning the issuer’s material mineral projects.