LaFleur Minerals Inc. has announced results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for its proposed Swanson Gold Project in Québec, revealing robust economic metrics that underscore the project's viability. The PEA outlines an initial capital cost of C$31 million and projects a 65% after-tax internal rate of return, with a net present value of C$101 million at a 5% discount rate and a 1.8-year payback period using a base case gold price of US$2,750 per ounce. The assessment indicates an all-in sustaining cost of US$1,569 per ounce, positioning the project competitively within the industry.
The updated 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate shows a 30% increase in indicated resources to 160.3 thousand ounces of contained gold, supporting a projected seven-year mine life. This resource growth provides a stronger foundation for the project's development and enhances its long-term value proposition. The company plans to expand mill throughput at its 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill to 1,250 tonnes per day, which is expected to improve economies of scale and lower operating costs. Direct Canadian National railway access between the Swanson deposit and Beacon Mill offers significant logistical and cost advantages for material transportation.
The Swanson Gold Project covers approximately 18,304 hectares in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Québec, an area known for its mineral wealth. The project includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by established mining companies. LaFleur has consolidated a substantial land package along a major structural break that hosts multiple gold deposits and showings. Road accessibility allows direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing the project's development potential. The company's fully permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill is currently capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material from Swanson as well as for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.
This development matters because it represents a capital-efficient approach to gold mining in a established mining jurisdiction with strong infrastructure. The high internal rate of return and relatively low capital requirements suggest the project could deliver value to shareholders while contributing to regional economic development. The expansion of milling capacity and resource growth indicate potential for longer-term operations beyond the initial seven-year mine life. For the mining industry, the project demonstrates how strategic consolidation of land packages and utilization of existing infrastructure can create economically viable operations even at moderate gold prices. The project's location in Québec, with its stable mining regulations and established supply chains, reduces political and operational risks compared to many other mining jurisdictions worldwide.
Investors can find additional information in the company's newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LFLRF. The full press release detailing these results is available at https://ibn.fm/CDaUT. Industry insights and mining sector coverage are provided through platforms like Rocks & Stocks, which offers specialized communications for the mining industry at https://RocksAndStocks.news.
