Midland Provides an Overview of Its 2026 Exploration Activities FOR Its GOLD and Copper-GOLD Projects, Including Those with Its Partners
MIDLAND PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF ITS 2026 EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES FOR
ITS GOLD AND COPPER-GOLD PROJECTS, INCLUDING THOSE WITH ITS PARTNERS
Montreal, February 12, 2026. Midland Exploration Inc. (“Midland”) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to give
an overview of its gold and copper-gold exploration activities on its projects planned for 2026 in Quebec,
including on its several projects in partnership in the Abitibi belt, in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region,
and in the Labrador Trough. The exploration activities aim at advancing several gold and copper projects
in Midland’s portfolio of projects.
In 202 5, Midland continued to apply its business model as a “Project Generator” with the recent
acquisition of several new high-quality properties and the formation of several new partnerships across
Quebec. With a 2026 exploration budget of more than $12.0M ($9.5M Midland - $2.5M Partners), and
nearly 15,000 metres of drilling , Midland will be very busy working to advance several projects in
partnership with major companies such as BHP Canada Inc. ( “BHP”), Rio Tinto Exploration Canada
Inc. (“RTEC”), Barrick Gold Corporation (“Barrick”), Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (“Agnico Eagle”),
SOQUEM Inc. ( “SOQUEM”), Probe Gold Inc. ( “Probe”), and Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd.
(“Wallbridge”).
Highlights:
• Diamond drilling program for gold currently active on the Jouvex project;
• Diamond drilling program for gold is planned in partnership with Wallbridge on the Casault
project;
• Airborne geophysical magnetic and gravity survey completed in partnership with Probe on
the Gaudet-Fenelon project;
• Exploration program to follow up on the 2025 gold showings is planned on the Caniapisc Au
project;
• Exploration program to follow up on refined Cu-Au-Zn lake bottom anomalies on the Lac
Bernard and Viau projects;
• Exploration and diamond drilling for gold is planned on the Willbob project;
• Exploration program to follow up on the Cu -Au-REE mineralization found is planned in
partnership with SOQUEM on the Malaco Mountain project.
Gold and Copper Projects (Au, Cu-Au); Abitibi
Jouvex Project – 100% Midland
The Jouvex project is located approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the Douay gold deposit. Based
on an internal compilation of historical drilling data, the geology was modified by adding a band of
felsic tuffs and volcanic rocks between Taïbi sediments and Cartwright mafic volcanic rocks. These
units, encountered in several historical drill holes signal potential for volcanic massive sulfide -type
mineralization. In addition, drone-supported magnetic surveys conducted by Midland indicate the main
magnetic fabric is truncated in the south part of the project. This interference, at the contact between
felsic and mafic volcanic rocks may be attributed to structures, which may be favourable emplacement
sites for potential syenitic intrusions , a common metallotect for gold deposits in the Abitibi belt and
present in the Douay area (see press release by Midland dated January 15, 2026).
A helicopter-supported diamond drilling program is currently underway on the project. Of the five (5)
drill holes initially planned, a sixth hole has been added to bring the planned total program from the
initial 1,600 to 1,900 metres (see press release by Midland dated January 15, 2026). The program aims
to test magnetic anomalies and interpreted structures coinciding with IP anomalies derived from
geophysical surveys completed in 2025 . Positive magnetic anomalies associated with chargeability
anomalies are being targeted by drilling. This association could indicate the presence of disseminated
sulphide, and could also be interpreted as the Casa-Berardi deformation zone.
Casault Project – 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Wallbridge
In 2023, Wallbridge completed a high -resolution magnetic survey on select areas over the western
portion of the property, as well as a till sampling program ( sonic drilling) in the eastern part of the
property. A gold-in-till anomaly suggesting relative proximity to a bedrock source was identified (see
press release by Midland dated September 24, 2024). This anomaly is associated with a magnetic low
that extends along an interpreted northwest-trending subsidiary fault splay extending from the regional
scale Sunday Lake Deformation Zone (‘SLDZ’). The SLDZ is the primary fault system that serves as
the underlying control to gold mineralization along the Detour -Fenelon gold trend, which hosts the
Detour Lake mine owned by Agnico Eagle, and Wallbridge’s Martiniere and Fenelon deposits.
During 2024, Wallbridge completed a new regional scale structural interpretation and targeting
analysis, which coupled with field reconnaissance mapping and sampling identified more than fifteen
(15) new exploration targets along the SLDZ as it extends across the Casault project. These new
exploration targets, some of which are located near a northwesterly trending structure that returned
gold values and located 8 km northeast of the Vortex gold mineralization (see press release by Midland
dated October 21, 2021), add to a growing pipeline of exploration target opportunities that merit further
investigation. In September 2024, Wallbridge tested two of the se exploration targets with a first pass
diamond drilling program comprising 5 holes totalling 1,211 meters. Drilling at both exploration
targets intercepted multiple zones of fault and shear -related deformation accompanied by localized
quartz veining, sulphide mineralization and related alteration.
Building on work completed in 2024, Wallbridge completed a focused targeting study during 2025,
supported by continued field reconnaissance and geological mapping, to advance the regional
geological framework and refine exploration priorities at the Casault project. The 2025 targeting study
identified twenty-three (23) additional areas considered prospective for gold mineralization, providing
a broader and more robust pipeline of exploration targets. Key outcomes included improved definition
of structural c ontrols associated with the Vortex zone and the identification of several untested
structural intersections between SLDZ and northwest -trending secondary structures. These
intersections and strike extensions along the secondary structures are known to prov ide the structural
setting for the gold deposits at Detour Lake, Martiniere and Fenelon, providing a sound technical basis
for follow-up exploration.
On December 17, 2025, Wallbridge announced plans for its 2026 exploration program, which includes
a drilling campaign of 3,000 metres designed to test a selection of targets generated from this work at
the Casault project. Subject to permitting ,, Wallbridge expects the drilling program to commence in
the second quarter of 2026.
La Peltrie Project – 50% Midland, in joint venture with Probe
The La Peltrie project is located 15 kilometres southeast of Agnico Eagle’s Zone 58N gold deposit and
approximately 25 kilometres west of the former Selbaie mine. The 2022 copper -gold-silver-
molybdenum (“Cu-Au-Ag-Mo”) mineralization intersected by drilling was extended in 2023 (see press
release by Midland dated January 23, 2024 ). In 2024, a MMI soil sampling program totalizing 768
samples was completed at the spacing of 50 -100 metres and along lines separated at 200 -400 metres.
The grid covers the Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralization area and extends northward to the southern contact
with the Carheil intrusion (see press release by Midland dated December 10, 2024). In 2025, a second
MMI soil sampling program totalizing 889 samples was completed on the project.
The soil sampling program successfully identified the known Cu-Au-Ag-Mo mineralization area and
also suggests extension towards the west. Some anomalies correlate with Induced Polarization (“IP”)
anomalies from the geophysical survey conducted in March 2024 and have yet to be drill -tested.
Moreover, SRK Consulting performed a structural analysis of the high-resolution aeromagnetic survey
conducted in 2020 to improve the structural and geological understanding of the copper mineralized
zone.
Gaudet-Fenelon Project – 50% Midland, in joint venture with Probe
The Gaudet-Fenelon project is adjacent to Wallbridge’s Fenelon gold project and covers several
kilometres of the Lower Detour Gold Trend (“LDGT”) . In 2020 several geophysical surveys were
completed on the project, including high -resolution magnetic surveys and an IP survey of about 42
kilometres targeting the LDGT (see press release by Midland dated July 7, 2020).
An airborne magnetic and gravity survey was completed early 2026 on part of the project to provide
further information on the position of geological contacts and structures. Results are pending.
Patris Project – 100% Midland
The Patris project is located less than 10 kilometres northwest of the prolific Doyon/Westwood -
Bousquet-La Ronde gold mining camp, and covers the Manneville Fault over more than 8 kilometres
and the La Pause Fault over more than 10 kilometres, both recognized as subsidiary faults to the well-
known Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone. In 2024, 90 sonic drilling holes totalizing 2,075.4 metres were
completed on public lands to characterize geochemical dispersion trains in the glacial till overlain by
lacustrine clays (see press release by Midland dated July 9, 2024 ). A consistent till layer has been
documented all over the surveyed area,
In 2025, a sonic drilling campaign was done to complete the till survey on private lands along the La
Pause Fault and also in the Manneville sedimentary basin to the northeast of the project where a fluvial
basin sharing similarities with Timiskaming basins has been mapped in 2024. A total of 108 sonic
drilling holes totalizing 1,180.7 metres were completed. Results from the till survey s are being
internally evaluated to generate exploration targets.
Lewis Project – 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Barrick
The Lewis project covers a position characterized by a regional flexure proximal to the Guercheville-
Opawica deformation zone . The project is located approximately 60 kilometres northwest of the
Nelligan deposit, which hosts 106.395 million tonnes of inferred resources grading 0.96 g/t Au for 5.16
million ounces of gold and also 102.845 million tonnes of indicated resources grading 0.85 g/t Au for
3.12 million ounces of gold (see press release by IAMGOLD Corporation dated February 20, 2025).
In addition, approximately 10 kilometres west of the Lewis property lies the former Lac Shortt mine,
which historically produced 2.7 million tonnes at a grade of 4.6 g/t Au (Source: MRNF-SIGEOM).
The project is under an option agreement with Barrick which may earn an initial 51% interest in the
Property by paying in cash $250,000 to Midland and funding exploration work of at least $3,000,000,
including a guaranteed amount of $200,000 on or prior to December 31, 2028, at which point Barrick
and Midland will form a joint venture (see press release by Midland dated November 17, 2025). Barrick
is the project operator.
Gold, Copper-Gold Projects (Au, Cu-Au); Eeyou Istchee James Bay
Caniapisc Au Project – 100% Midland
The Caniapisc Au project lies south of the Caniapiscau Reservoir and is geologically located within the
Ashuanipi Subprovince, a lesser -known and explored portion of the Archean Superior Province. The
project is more specifically located in the Raynouard Complex, characterized by a 50 kilometre -long
volcanosedimentary belt comprising bimodal volcanic sequences, metasedimentary rocks and iron
formations. Historical exploration work, to the south of the Caniapisc Au project, highlights the potential
of the Raynouard Complex with the presence of volcanogenic Cu-Zn-Ag-Au and porphyry Cu-Au-Ag-
Mo mineralization. The Caniapisc Au project is strategically located north of these showings, where a
historical 2014 till sampling survey identified gold anomalies. Results from five (5) till samples in 2025
confirm the historical gold-in-till anomalies (see press release by Midland dated April 20, 2025).
The 2025 exploration programs on the Caniapisc Au project included geological mapping, prospecting,
soil sampling, and a magnetic and electromagnetic geophysical survey . These programs successfully
identified several Au-Zn-Mn-Ag and Au-Zn-Ag-(Pb)-bearing boulders within a 2-kilometre radius up-
ice from gold-in-till anomalies where 16 selected grab samples yielded values greater than 2.0 g/t Au ,
including a sample returning 24.5 g/t Au (see press releases by Midland dated September 9 and October
28, 2025). While boulders are mostly observed until now in the project area, an amphibolite outcrop in
the south-western part of the project returned a value of 0.56 g/t Au from a selected grab sample (see
press release by Midland dated October 28, 2025). A 2001-kilometres magnetic and electromagnetic
geophysical survey covering the Caniapisc Au project was completed and the final data is being
evaluated to further understand the geological and structural context of the project.
Several exploration programs are in preparation for 2026, such as a follow -up prospecting and
geological mapping program, a soil sampling program to complete the coverage of the project, and a n
airborne LiDAR survey to orient the ground exploration phases. Summer mechanical trenching and
ground geophysics are also currently being evaluated.
Lac Bernard and Viau Projects – 100% Midland
The positive exploration results for the 2025 exploration programs on the Caniapisc Au project prompted
Midland to further evaluate and conduct a regional study to identify new exploration targets based on
the recent metallic signatures identified on the project. Public regional geological, geophysical and
geochemical data from the Ministère des Ressources Naturelles et des Forêts (“MRNF”) was used for
the evaluation and led Midland to map designate two new projects near Caniapisc Au (see press release
by Midland dated September 23, 202 5). The Lac Bernard project is located 30 kilometres south of
Caniapisc Au and covers several Au, Cu, Mo, and Zn lake bottom anomalies, from the MRNF database,
that are located in an area showing a favourable magnetic complexity, as observed on the available
federal magnetic data covering the region. The Viau project is located 16 kilometres west of Caniapisc
Au and covers several Zn and Mo lake bottom anomalies, from the MRNF data bases, located on a
magnetic high that could represent the signature of a fluorite granite identified by the MRNF in the same
area.
A higher resolution lake bottom sediment sampling program has been completed on the Lac Bernard
and Viau projects to refine and generate exploration targets. Results from t his lake bottom survey
confirms that several Cu and Au anomalies are present on the Lac Bernard project , and allow further
delimitation of these anomalies. Results on t he Viau project confirms, and also refines, the Zn lake
bottom anomalies and identifies several rare earth elements (“REE”) anomalies. A follow -up
prospecting program to these anomalies is planned for 2026 on these projects.
Gold and Copper-Gold and Gold Projects (Au, Cu-Au); Nunavik
Willbob – 100% Midland
The Willbob project is located about 70 kilometres west and southwest of Kuujuaq. In 2025, Midland
acquired 100% interest in the Kan project from Ressources Tectonic (private company), and integrated
it into its Willbob gold project (see press release by Midland dated April 22, 2025). The Willbob project
now contains a total of 742 exclusive exploration rights covering about 340 square kilometres of
favourable stratigraphy and structures for gold mineralization in the Labrador Trough. Before the
acquisition of the Kan project, several exploration programs since 2015 on the Willbob project by
Midland has led to the identification of several gold mineralizations, two of which were drill tested in
2019. Drill hole WB-19-33 returned 1.81 g/t Au over 12.06 metres from 32.14 to 44.20 metres, including
2.99 g/t Au over 4.56 metres from 32.14 to 36.70 metres ( see press release by Midland dated October
23, 2019). Gold mineralization on Willbob occurs disseminated and hosted by a diorite altered in iron
carbonate and albite. The integration of the Kan project adds several new gold mineralization hosted in
altered iron formations.
Data from the Willbob project, including the Kan area, are being reviewed, compiled and verified to
generate several exploration drilling targets to test gold mineralization in the altered iron formations and
the altered diorite. A summer 2026 exploration program, including drilling and prospecting is currently
being planned.
Nachicapau Project – 50% Midland, Strategic Alliance with SOQUEM
The Nachicapau project is located in the Labrador Trough, Nunavik. Exploration programs since 2022
has identified several Cu-Au-Ag mineralized zones which are interpreted to be structurally controlled
and suggest extension over several kilometres. In 2022, a total of eight (8) selected grab outcrop
samples returned values greater than 1.0 % Cu, including a selected grab sample grading 25.6 % Cu,
4.90 g/t Au and 162 g/t Ag on selected grab samples (see press release by Midland dated October 4,
2022). In 2023, d igenite-bornite-malachite mineralization hosted in calcite -clinochlore veins were
identified and six (6) selected grab samples, including three (3) boulders, returned values greater than
1.0 % Cu, including a selected outcrop and boulder samples which respectively returned 13.8 % Cu,
0.05 g/t Au, 51.1 g/t Ag, and 20.4 % Cu, 0.16 g/t Au, 200 g/t Ag (see press release by Midland dated
December 7, 2023).
In 2024, prospecting identified more digenite, bornite, and malachite mineralization with a total of
fifteen (15) selected grab samples, of which one is a boulder, returned grades higher than 1.0% Cu,
including a selected grab sample returning 39.9 % Cu, 0 .04 g/t Au and 308 g/t Ag ( see press release
by Midland dated August 22, 2024). The mineralization is injected in rocks of the Murdoch Formation
as veins and also contain s calcite, dolomite, clinochlore and specularite. They range from a few
centimetres to several decimetres in thickness, with a lateral extent of a few metres. Their distribution
now extends up to 3.7 km to the southeast of the Cu -Au-Ag mineralization of 2022. A selected grab
outcrop sample located about 10 kilometres further to the southeast returned 5.22 % Cu, 0.65 g/t Au,
and 13.8 g/t Ag (see press release by Midland dated August 22, 2024).
In 2025, a total of eleven (11) selected grab samples, of which two are boulders, returned grades greater
than 1.0 % Cu, including a selected grab outcrop sample which returned 13.7% Cu, 4.38 g/t Au, and
65.4 g/t Ag (see press release by Midland dated December 4, 2025). The density and distribution of
these veins over several kilometres could suggest the presence of a regional-scale hydrothermal system.
An IP geophysical ground survey totalizing 20.45 kilometres was completed in the principal Cu -Au-
Ag mineralization area and identified several anomalies which are undergoing in -depth analysis to
determine exploration targets for upcoming exploration phases and lead to drilling.
Malaco Mountain Project – 50% Midland, Strategic Alliance with SOQUEM
The Malaco Mountain project is located in the Labrador Trough, Nunavik and consists of the recent
discovery of Cu-Au-REE mineralization. Chalcopyrite mineralization and malachite alteration are
hosted in altered siltstones and mudstones and observed as disseminations spatially associated with
fractures and breccias. Local veining containing more sulfides are also observed. Two sampling
transects were completed where a total of ten (10) selected grab outcrop samples returned grades
greater than 1.0 % Cu, including a selected grab sample that returned 27.6 % Cu, 0.88 g/t Au, 0.07 %
REE, 3,450 ppm Co, and 32.4 g/t Ag. Another selected grab sample returned 6.12 % Cu, 0.28 g/t Au,
1.77 % REE, 675 ppm Co, and 6.80 g/t Ag (see press release by Midland dated November 4, 2025).
A follow-up exploration program is being planned in 2026 and includes discussions about geophysics
to further evaluate the project and lead to drilling.
Cautionary statements
Grab samples are selective by nature and reported values are not necessarily indicative of mineralized
zones. The true thickness of reported channel or drilling intervals cannot be determined with the
information currently available; intervals are thus reported in channel and/or core length.
Mineralization occurring at deposits and former mines mentioned in this press release is not necessarily
indicative of mineralization that may be intersected on projects held by Midland described in this press
release.
About Midland
Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world -class
deposits of gold and critical metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as Rio Tinto
Exploration Canada Inc., BHP Canada Inc., Centerra Gold Inc., Barrick Gold Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines
Limited, Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Probe Gold Inc., La Pulga Mining Corp., SOQUEM Inc.,
Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and
intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management
is currently reviewing othe r opportunities and projects to build up Midland’s portfolio and generate
shareholder value.
Qualified Person and Chief Geologist Jean -François Larivière, P. Geo, Ph. D, prepared, reviewed and
approved this press release and verified the projects data as Midland’s qualified person (QP) within the
meaning of National Instrument 43-101.
For further information, please consult Midland’s website or contact:
Gino Roger, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Tel.: 450 420-5977
Fax: 450 420-5978
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.midlandexploration.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward -looking statements and forward -looking information (together, “forward -
looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward -looking statements include
statements relating to the Corporation’s expectations regarding the conclusion of additional agreements in regard
to newly acquired properties, and other estimates and statements that describe Midland’s future plans, objectives
or goals, including words to the effect that Midland or management expec ts a stated condition or result to occur.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward -looking statements. Forward -looking
statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, pro spects
and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward -looking statements include, without
limitation, changes in gen eral economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets, changes in demand
and prices for minerals, failure to obtain the requisite permits and approvals from government bodies and third
parties, regulatory and governmental policy changes (laws and policies) and those risks set out in Midland’s
public documents, including in each management discussion and analysis, filed on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.com. Although Midland believes that the as sumptions and factors used in preparing the forward -
looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as
of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times
frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, Midland disclaims any intention or obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Abitibi Projects
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Volcanic
Sedimentary
Intrusive
Water body
Main Road
Midland
Lithium Deposit
Gold Deposit
Geological
subdivision
Maritime-Cadillac