LaFleur Minerals Launches Major Drill Program at Swanson Gold Project in Québec

LaFleur Minerals Inc. has announced a 5,000-meter diamond drill program at its Swanson Gold Project located in Québec's Abitibi Gold Belt. This substantial exploration initiative follows encouraging results that included high-grade grab samples reaching 11.7 g/t Au, providing strong geological justification for the expanded drilling campaign. The company has identified more than 50 drill targets through comprehensive geophysical surveys and systematic soil sampling, demonstrating the extensive exploration potential across the property.

The drilling program represents a critical component of LaFleur's broader strategy to restart its 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill by early 2026. This mill reactivation represents a significant operational milestone, with the facility capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day. The company is currently engaged in advanced discussions with institutional and private equity groups to secure the necessary financing for the Beacon Mill restart, which is estimated to require an investment between C$5 million and C$6 million.

In a strategic move to strengthen its project development capabilities, LaFleur has appointed Peter Espig as Strategic Advisor. Espig brings substantial expertise in capital markets and mill operations, positioning him to play a pivotal role in advancing the company's objectives. His involvement is expected to enhance LaFleur's ability to execute its comprehensive development plan, which includes both the Swanson Gold Project exploration and the Beacon Mill reactivation.

The Swanson Gold Project encompasses approximately 16,600 hectares in a highly prospective region near Val-d'Or, Québec. The property benefits from excellent infrastructure, including road access and a rail line running directly through the property. This strategic location provides direct access to several nearby gold mills, enhancing the project's development potential and operational flexibility. The Beacon Gold Mill is being considered not only for processing mineralized material from the Swanson project but also for potential custom milling operations serving other gold projects in the region.

LaFleur's consolidated land package along a major structural break underscores the strategic importance of its operations in the Abitibi Gold Belt, one of the world's most prolific gold-producing regions. The company's focused approach to advancing district-scale gold projects demonstrates its commitment to delivering long-term value through systematic exploration and strategic infrastructure development. The restart of the Beacon Mill aims to generate near-term cash flow through bulk sampling and toll milling operations, creating multiple revenue streams while continuing to advance the Swanson Gold Project toward production.