LaFleur Minerals Inc. is advancing plans to restart production at its Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d'Or, Québec, targeting early 2026 operations. This strategic initiative is supported by a Preliminary Economic Assessment and an ongoing 5,000-metre diamond drilling program at the nearby Swanson Gold Project. The Beacon Mill represents a significant operational asset with capacity to process 750 tonnes per day and has received over C$20 million in upgrades, making it fully permitted and ready for production in a region known for substantial gold deposits.
The Swanson Gold Project serves as the cornerstone of LaFleur's development strategy, featuring an NI 43-101 mineral resource of 123,400 ounces indicated and 64,500 ounces inferred. The company is currently finalizing a bulk sample plan that could involve up to 100,000 tonnes of material, complemented by additional mill enhancements estimated at C$5.6 million. With gold prices currently exceeding $3,300 per ounce, LaFleur is positioned to accelerate its production timeline while expanding its resource base through targeted exploration activities.
Situated within the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt, the Swanson Gold Project encompasses approximately 16,600 hectares and contains multiple gold-rich prospects. The project benefits from excellent infrastructure with road accessibility and a rail line traversing the property, providing direct access to nearby gold processing facilities. LaFleur's Beacon Gold Mill, now fully refurbished and permitted, is being considered not only for processing mineralized material from Swanson but also for potential custom milling operations serving other gold projects in the vicinity.
This comprehensive approach by LaFleur Minerals demonstrates the company's commitment to maximizing asset value in a favorable gold market environment. The combination of the advanced Beacon Gold Mill infrastructure and the substantial mineral resources at Swanson creates a compelling development scenario. The company's focus on expediting production while maintaining exploration momentum reflects a balanced strategy aimed at delivering sustainable long-term value through systematic development of both the Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill operations.
