Exploration
Wesdome’s exploration activities are focused within our existing mine leases and on mineral claims adjacent and proximal to our operations, spanning established brownfield areas and new areas with exploration potential. By acquiring Angus Gold in 2025, we have increased the number of mineral claims the Company holds in Ontario, allowing for significantly expanded surface exploration programs. In 2026, we plan to conduct multiple surface exploration programs with a total drilling campaign of 50,000 metres at Eagle River and Kiena respectively, totalling 100,000 metres for both operations, supporting our growth-oriented corporate strategy (see Corporate Strategy).
We plan and budget for exploration activities annually, with the scope of surface programs varying year to year based on corporate priorities. In 2025, drilling programs included helicopter support at Eagle River and barge support at Kiena for drill mobilization and relocation.
During the reporting period, we expanded our exploration team and strengthened our exploration management processes. Our Senior Vice President (SVP) Exploration and Resources joined Wesdome in 2025, and we created and filled the role of Director, Geology - Near Mine Surface & Greenfield Exploration. In 2026, we plan to finalize and implement an Exploration Policy that will guide our exploration activities.
We conduct all exploration programs in accordance with applicable exploration permits, strictly adhering to permit conditions and consultation requirements. Since our exploration programs typically take place on or near our active mining operations, all site-level standards, policies, and procedures apply. In addition, we have specific procedures and protocols in place, including protocols for handling fuel and equipment such as drills. All procedures and protocols prioritize environmental protection and worker safety.
Working together with site environment and sustainability departments, exploration teams conduct periodic inspections of exploration areas within our mineral claims as part of our mine site environmental compliance programs. Inspections are performed to ensure all required internal procedures, environmental standards, and regulatory requirements are being met.
In Quebec, the Company holds a number of mineral claims that cover a lake (Lac de Montigny). This is the same lake that surrounds the Kiena mine, where mine site infrastructure is located on a small parcel of land accessed by a causeway. Exploration drilling on these claims is performed from a motorized barge that is able to move around the lake. Because of this, additional measures are undertaken to be protective of the environment, for example, using a bio-oil product as a lubricant as an alternative to hydrocarbons. In addition, we also closely monitor the noise levels associated with our drilling program using noise monitoring stations around the lake. We strive to minimize drilling-related noise impacts on neighbouring communities through the use of noise suppression measures, including sound baffling panels, to reduce potential disturbances as much as possible.
We consult with potentially affected communities throughout the planning and execution of exploration programs on our mineral claims. This includes consultation with Indigenous groups potentially affected by our activities, where we provide summaries of planned activities, maps of drill site locations, and information regarding reclamation activities. Often at Eagle River, permitting applications are shared with interested Indigenous groups in advance of submission to the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines to allow for feedback to be received prior to formally filing the application. We have also entered into, or are actively negotiating, agreements related to our surface exploration activities with several Indigenous groups.
At Kiena, given the proximity of residential properties to our mineral claims, we actively engage with residents to share information about our programs, including the location of activities, and we share Company contact information in the event of any questions or concerns.
Wherever possible, we alter our exploration activities to accommodate any concerns that may arise from communities or Indigenous groups, and there are dispute resolution processes available as part of our site grievance mechanisms to address any outstanding concerns. In 2025, we did not receive any grievances from local or Indigenous groups concerning our exploration activities. For more information, see Community and Indigenous Relations.
We monitor and report on our exploration-related sustainability and ESG performance internally and have included relevant data in site-level performance numbers presented in this report.
Performance
Indicators:
GRI: 2-22 (partial)
