LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR, OTC: LFLRF, FSE: 3WK0) (“LaFleur Minerals” or the “Company”) has announced the engagement of global mining and environmental consulting firm Environmental Resources Management (ERM) to complete a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The study will evaluate the restart of gold production at the Company’s wholly owned Beacon Gold Mill, using mineralized material sourced from its Swanson Gold Deposit (“Swanson”).
Both the Swanson Gold Project and Beacon Gold Mill are located near Val d’Or, Québec, within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s largest and most established gold-producing regions. This engagement follows promising results from ongoing drilling at Swanson, which continues to demonstrate continuity and scale in the mineralized system.
Advancing Toward Gold Production Restart
LaFleur Minerals aims to restart the Beacon Gold Mill using mineralized material from its 100%-owned Swanson Gold Deposit, with potential toll milling opportunities from nearby regional deposits.
Kal Malhi, Chairman of LaFleur Minerals, stated:
“Advancing the Beacon Gold Mill to restart production with gold prices at record levels above US$3,800 per ounce presents incredible economic potential. The mill last operated in 2022 when gold was priced around US$1,600 per ounce. Having full ownership of the Beacon Mill, along with a fully permitted tailings facility and nearby Swanson Deposit, positions LaFleur as a vertically integrated gold company — not just an explorer. We expect to commence production by early 2026.”
Preliminary Economic Assessment
The PEA, managed by ERM’s Technical Mining Services Group in Toronto, will include an updated mineral resource estimate, open-pit mine plan, metallurgical testing, ore-sorting analysis, and cost assessments for restarting operations at Beacon.
ERM’s multidisciplinary team includes mining engineers, metallurgists, geologists, and sustainability specialists. The firm’s acquisition of CSA Global in 2019 enhanced its technical capacity in resource evaluation and mining engineering, aligning with LaFleur’s goal of responsible and sustainable project development.
The Beacon Gold Mill, refurbished in 2022 with more than C$20 million in upgrades, already includes a fully permitted tailings storage facility. This readiness significantly reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) and shortens the timeline to production. Operating data from 2022 will be incorporated into the PEA, providing accurate real-world cost estimates across mining, milling, and tailings operations.
Key Drivers Behind the PEA
LaFleur Minerals believes the PEA will provide a comprehensive framework for restarting gold production at Beacon.
- Realistic Costing:
The PEA will offer detailed cost estimates across blasting, mining, milling, and tailings operations. Since the mill operated as recently as 2022, real operational data is available, reducing reliance on estimates. - State of Readiness:
The Beacon Mill, refurbished by Monarch Mining in 2022, requires minimal engineering upgrades. LaFleur and its consultants have refined the Mining Model and completed extensive maintenance assessments to ensure a smooth restart. - Tailings Dam Upgrade:
Technical studies supporting upgrades to the tailings facility are underway, with detailed cost projections to be included in the PEA.
Drilling and Resource Definition
Ongoing definition drilling at the Swanson Gold Deposit aims to update and confirm the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) through “twinning” of historical holes. This will help verify the continuity of mineralization and refine the geological model.
Open-Pit Mining and Ore Sorting
The Swanson Gold Deposit sits on an existing mining lease, streamlining permitting for extraction and transportation of material to the Beacon Gold Mill.
LaFleur has commissioned an ore-sorting study with the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to improve processing efficiency. The technology will concentrate gold-bearing material before trucking to the Beacon Mill, reducing transport costs and waste processing. SGS Minerals in Lakefield will conduct metallurgical testing to simulate mill performance.
Located approximately 60 kilometres from the Beacon Mill, Swanson benefits from established road access and existing infrastructure, minimizing the need for additional investment.
CEO Commentary
Paul Ténière, CEO of LaFleur Minerals, commented:
“Engaging ERM to complete our PEA marks a significant milestone. By combining our district-scale resource potential with a fully permitted and refurbished mill, we’re creating a near-term, sustainable production pathway in one of the world’s most prolific gold camps. This collaboration positions us to unlock substantial shareholder value at a time when investor appetite for high-quality, low-risk gold assets is strong.”
Upcoming Site Visits
LaFleur Minerals recently hosted analysts, investors, and consultants at the Beacon Gold Mill in August 2025, receiving strong feedback from participants. A second site visit is scheduled for October 7–8, 2025, which will include representatives from ERM, prospective investors, and financiers.
Stock Options Issued
The Company has granted 1,000,000 stock options under its incentive stock option plan. Each option allows the purchase of one common share at $0.75 per share and will expire in five years, subject to regulatory approval.
About LaFleur Minerals Inc.
LaFleur Minerals Inc. is focused on restarting gold production at its 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill and developing district-scale projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val d’Or, Québec.
The Swanson Gold Project, covering approximately 18,300 hectares, includes several gold-rich prospects previously explored by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. The project’s proximity to established infrastructure and mills enhances its development potential.
The fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill, upgraded at a cost of C$20 million in 2022, can process more than 750 tonnes per day and is well-positioned to handle material from Swanson and nearby regional deposits.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements reflect management’s current expectations and assumptions but are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including gold prices, financing availability, and market conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable laws.
