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

LaFleur Minerals Inc. has taken a significant step towards restarting its Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d'Or, Québec, by engaging Bumigeme Inc. to conduct an independent valuation report. This report will evaluate the replacement value and restart costs for the mill and its tailings facility, which benefited from over $20 million in upgrades in 2022. The valuation represents a critical component of LaFleur Minerals' strategy to secure financing and underscore the mill's potential to contribute to gold production, particularly in connection with the Swanson Gold Project.

The company is positioning itself to capitalize on favorable gold market conditions, with J.P. Morgan forecasting gold prices could reach $4,100 by 2026. The Beacon Gold Mill, capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day, is not only pivotal for the Swanson Gold Project but also for potential custom milling operations for nearby gold projects. This strategic move reflects LaFleur Minerals' commitment to advancing its district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt, leveraging its consolidated land package and infrastructure to deliver long-term value to stakeholders.

The engagement of Bumigeme Inc., an established engineering firm with expertise in mineral processing facilities, provides independent validation of the mill's current value and restart requirements. This objective assessment will be instrumental in demonstrating the asset's worth to potential financiers and partners. The mill's recent $20 million upgrade program significantly enhances its operational capabilities and efficiency, making it a more attractive proposition for both internal project development and external custom milling opportunities.

As gold market fundamentals continue to strengthen, the timing of this valuation initiative aligns with broader industry trends and investor interest in gold assets. The Beacon Gold Mill's strategic location in the prolific Abitibi Gold Belt positions it to serve multiple mining operations in the region, potentially creating additional revenue streams beyond the company's primary development projects. This comprehensive approach to asset utilization and development underscores LaFleur Minerals' methodical strategy for building sustainable, long-term value in the competitive gold mining sector.