LaFleur Minerals Inc. is advancing plans to restart its Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d’Or, Quebec, by early 2026 while initiating a minimum 5,000-metre diamond drilling program at its Swanson Gold Project. This development comes as gold prices have surged above $3,300 per ounce, with JP Morgan analysts projecting prices could reach $4,000 by the second quarter of 2026. The company's strategy includes conducting a Preliminary Economic Assessment to evaluate open-pit mining and milling scenarios at current gold price levels.
The Beacon Mill restart represents a significant capital investment, with LaFleur anticipating conservative restart costs of C$5-6 million. Once operational, the mill is expected to process a 100,000-tonne bulk sample from the Swanson Project. The mill's strategic location within Quebec's Abitibi Gold Belt, combined with recent refurbishments, positions LaFleur to capitalize on favorable market conditions. The Abitibi region is known for its rich mineral deposits and established mining infrastructure, making it an attractive jurisdiction for gold exploration and production.
LaFleur's initiatives offer both near-term production potential and exposure to potential upside from escalating gold prices. The company has extended invitations to investors and analysts for a site visit in July 2025 to observe progress firsthand. This transparency initiative aims to provide stakeholders with direct insight into the company's operations and development timeline. The combination of mill restart plans and expanded drilling activities represents a comprehensive approach to resource development during a period of strong commodity pricing.
The mining sector has seen increased activity as gold prices continue their upward trajectory, with companies seeking to bring assets into production during favorable market conditions. LaFleur's dual focus on mill infrastructure and exploration drilling reflects a balanced strategy that addresses both immediate operational needs and longer-term resource expansion. The company's progress will be closely monitored by market participants interested in gold exposure through junior mining companies with advanced development projects.
