McFarlane Lake Mining has secured an exploration permit for its Juby gold project in Ontario, Canada.

The permit authorises diamond drilling, line cutting, geophysical surveys and related support activities, advancing the company’s work in the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt.

The approval follows McFarlane’s announcement on 11 December 2025, which detailed the continued progress towards restarting exploration at Juby.

The company said that it will now move ahead with an expanded drilling programme targeting priority areas identified via updated geological modelling, structural analysis and resource assessment.

Ahead of the 2025–26 programme, McFarlane has awarded drilling contracts to two operators.

The first is Bagone’an, a partnership majority-owned by Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation alongside Jacob & Samuel Drilling as partners.

The second is Wiijiiwaagan Drilling Limited Partnership, owned by Matachewan First Nation Limited Partnership (MFNLP) and Longyear Canada.

These partnerships are set to enhance local participation and strengthen operational capacity.

Three First Nation communities – Matachewan, Temagami and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek – hold territorial rights within the Juby gold project.

The programme aims to strengthen relationships with local and indigenous communities through ongoing participation in project activities.

McFarlane CEO Mark Trevisiol said: “Receiving the exploration permit is a key milestone for McFarlane as we advance toward the largest drilling campaign seen on the property.

“With established drilling partners and clear technical objectives, we are well-positioned to move into the next phase of exploration and unlock additional potential of the project. We welcome the participation of First Nations and their partners in the exploration programme at the Juby gold project.”

In July, Aris Mining signed a definitive asset purchase agreement to sell the Juby gold project to McFarlane for a total consideration of $22m (C$30.29m).