#Canada #LaFleur Minerals #Beacon Gold Mill #Swanson Gold Deposit #Val-d'Or, Québec

LaFleur Minerals Advances Gold Production Plans

LaFleur Minerals Inc., a Canadian mining company, has recently initiated a confirmation drilling program at the Swanson Gold Deposit located in Val-d'Or, Québec. This move is a strategic step aimed at reviving gold production at the company's owned Beacon Gold Mill. As gold prices remain at historic highs, LaFleur's operations are well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning market.

The confirmation drilling consists of a 10-hole twinned-drilling campaign designed to validate previous drilling results and enhance the geological confidence surrounding the Swanson Gold Deposit. This effort not only seeks to provide verification of high-grade gold shear zones but also aims to inform a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), which will play a crucial role in guiding the mill's restart plans.

Enhancing Geological Confidence

Historical exploration at the Swanson Gold Deposit has revealed promising intervals, such as 69.3 meters of ore with an impressive grade of 3.03 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold and 51.0 meters at 3.46 g/t gold. The aim of the current drilling program is to connect under-sampled areas and strengthen the estimates of grade and tonnage for enhanced resource estimation. The newly acquired data will feed directly into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and the PEA, which is being conducted by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a respected entity in mining sustainability.

Paul Teniere, CEO of LaFleur Minerals, stated, "Advancing the Beacon Gold Mill to restart production with gold prices exceeding $4,000 per ounce presents extraordinary economic potential." The company is actively pushing towards completing the PEA once the assays from the twinned holes are obtained, showcasing a proactive approach to project advancement.

Beacon Gold Mill Preparations

The Beacon Gold Mill has been undergoing significant upgrades and modernization since 2022. Recently revamped with a $20 million investment, the mill boasts a capacity of processing 750 tonnes per day and is equipped with cutting-edge technology including crushing, grinding, flotation, leaching, and Merrill-Crowe circuits. As the company prepares for near-term gold production, critical enhancements include mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as the installation of a new gravity concentrator circuit.

Currently, LaFleur has between 10,000 to 20,000 tonnes of mineralized stockpiles ready for trial runs once the mill is operational again. The proximity of the Beacon Gold Mill to the Swanson Gold Deposit provides LaFleur with a significant advantage in integrating production activities and cutting operational costs.

Strategic Position in a Prominent Mining District

The Val-d'Or mining district continues to draw interest from major producers looking for reliable, long-lasting assets. LaFleur Minerals is strategically positioned with its two projects—Swanson and Beacon—traversing the same mineralized corridor, enabling potential synergies in production and resource consolidation. The rising valuations in this region coupled with record gold prices further enhance LaFleur's competitive edge.

Future Outlook

As LaFleur Minerals Inc. stands on the verge of restarting production at its Beacon Gold Mill, the company is not only eyeing immediate cash flow but also aiming for long-term growth and sustainable operations within the Abitibi Gold Belt. With the mining industry witnessing a resurgence, particularly for gold, LaFleur’s strategy is set to meet the increasing global demand while establishing itself firmly in the competitive mining landscape. The combination of an advanced mill with a nearby deposit places LaFleur in an advantageous position to transition quickly from exploration to production, ensuring they play a crucial role in the burgeoning gold market in the upcoming years.