LaFleur Minerals Engages Bumigeme for Beacon Gold Mill Valuation to Support Restart Strategy

LaFleur Minerals Inc. has engaged Bumigeme Inc. to conduct an independent valuation report for its Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d'Or, Québec, marking a significant step toward restarting operations at the facility. This valuation will assess both the replacement value and restart costs for the mill and its associated tailings facility, which received substantial upgrades exceeding $20 million in 2022. The comprehensive evaluation serves as a critical component of LaFleur Minerals' broader strategy to secure necessary financing while demonstrating the mill's substantial potential to contribute to regional gold production.

The timing of this initiative aligns with increasingly favorable market conditions for gold, with financial institutions like J.P. Morgan projecting gold prices could reach $4,100 by 2026. This optimistic outlook strengthens the economic rationale behind reactivating the Beacon Gold Mill, which boasts processing capacity exceeding 750 tonnes per day. The facility's strategic importance extends beyond serving LaFleur Minerals' primary asset, the Swanson Gold Project, as it also presents opportunities for custom milling operations serving other gold projects in the vicinity.

This valuation initiative reflects LaFleur Minerals' ongoing commitment to advancing its district-scale gold projects within the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt. By leveraging its consolidated land package and existing infrastructure, the company aims to maximize long-term value creation through systematic development of its mineral assets. The Beacon Gold Mill represents a strategic asset that could significantly reduce development timelines and capital requirements for both company-owned projects and potential third-party operations in the region.

The engagement of Bumigeme Inc., an established engineering firm with expertise in mineral processing facilities, ensures the valuation will provide credible, third-party assessment of the mill's current value and restart requirements. This objective evaluation is essential for potential financiers and partners assessing the economic viability of recommissioning the facility. The comprehensive approach includes evaluating all aspects of the mill complex and tailings management system to provide a complete picture of the investment required and the asset's potential contribution to gold production in Québec's established mining jurisdiction.