Interview with Paul Ténière, CEO of Lafleur Minerals Inc.

Recording date: 4th August 2025

Lafleur Minerals Incorporated is emerging as a compelling opportunity in Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold belt, where CEO Paul Ténière is executing a strategic plan to become a near-term gold producer through recently acquired mining assets from Monarch Mining's bankruptcy proceedings in 2024.

The company's foundation rests on two key acquisitions: the Swanson gold project containing approximately 200,000 ounces of gold, and the Beacon gold mill, a fully refurbished processing facility. The Swanson deposit, located 50-60 kilometers north of Val-d'Or, sits on an existing mining lease originally granted to Agnico Eagle in 2009, significantly reducing typical permitting timelines that can extend for years.

Lafleur's near-term production strategy centers on bulk sampling 80,000-100,000 tons at Swanson for processing at the Beacon mill. This approach serves multiple objectives: metallurgical testing, revenue generation, and operational experience while maintaining capital efficiency. The company plans to implement ore sorting technology to enhance grade and reduce transportation costs.

The Beacon mill represents a critical strategic advantage, having been completely refurbished by Monarch with a $20 million CAD investment before the bankruptcy. With capacity ranging from 750-1,000 tons per day and potential expansion to 2,000-5,000 tons per day, the mill requires only $5-6 million CAD to restart operations.

Beyond immediate production, Lafleur targets regional consolidation across its expanded 180-square-kilometer land package, aiming to exceed one million ounces through systematic exploration of additional deposits including Bartec and Jolin targets. The company also sees opportunity in custom milling services, capitalizing on limited regional processing capacity.

Operating in an environment where gold has risen from $1,800 to above $3,300 per ounce since acquisition, Lafleur exemplifies how higher prices are revitalizing previously sub-economic deposits, particularly those with existing infrastructure and streamlined development pathways in established mining districts.

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