LaFleur Minerals Inc. has announced a significant 5,000-meter diamond drill program at its Swanson Gold Project located in Québec's Abitibi Gold Belt. This drilling initiative follows encouraging exploration results that included high-grade grab samples reaching up to 11.7 g/t Au, providing strong geological justification for the expanded exploration effort. The company has identified more than 50 drill targets through comprehensive geophysical surveys and systematic soil sampling programs, highlighting the substantial exploration potential across the property.
The drill 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 strategic pivot toward near-term revenue generation through bulk sampling operations and potential toll milling services for other gold projects in the region. The Beacon Gold Mill boasts processing capacity exceeding 750 tonnes per day, making it a significant regional asset that could serve multiple mining operations throughout the Abitibi Gold Belt.
To support these ambitious development plans, LaFleur has appointed Peter Espig as Strategic Advisor, bringing extensive mining industry experience and capital markets expertise to the company's leadership team. Espig's background in mill operations and project financing is expected to be instrumental in advancing both the Swanson exploration program and the Beacon Mill restart initiative. The company is currently engaged in advanced discussions with institutional investors and private equity groups to secure the estimated C$5–6 million required for the mill reactivation project.
The Swanson Gold Project encompasses approximately 16,600 hectares in a highly prospective geological setting near Val-d'Or, Québec. The property benefits from excellent infrastructure including road access and a rail line running directly through the land package, providing logistical advantages for future development and operations. This strategic location offers direct access to multiple nearby gold processing facilities, enhancing the project's economic potential and development flexibility.
LaFleur's consolidation of a substantial land package along a major structural break within the Abitibi Gold Belt demonstrates the company's commitment to building a district-scale gold operation. The current drill program and mill restart plans represent significant milestones in the company's trajectory toward becoming a cash-flow generating mining operation while continuing to advance its resource-stage Swanson Gold Project through systematic exploration and development.
