LaFleur Minerals Seeks Top Executive to Spearhead Gold Production

VANCOUVER, BC – May 08, 2026 – In a decisive move signaling its transition from mineral explorer to active gold producer, LaFleur Minerals Inc. has launched a high-level search for a senior mining executive. The company has engaged The Bedford Consulting Group, a premier North American talent advisory firm, to find a seasoned “company builder” capable of steering its ambitious plan to restart the 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill in Québec’s prolific Abitibi Gold Belt.

This strategic recruitment initiative comes as LaFleur capitalizes on a series of significant operational and financial milestones achieved over the past year. With a refurbished mill, substantial new financing, and impressive exploration results, the company is positioning itself to become the region's next gold producer, aiming to pour its first gold in the second quarter of 2026 amidst a historically strong gold market.

Building Momentum Toward Production

LaFleur's pivot to production is not a sudden decision but the culmination of a meticulously executed strategy. A critical step was the completion of a C$7.8 million financing in December 2025, which provided the necessary capital to begin recommissioning the Beacon Gold Mill, a facility last refurbished for approximately $20 million in 2022.

This financial injection was followed by a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released in March 2026. The PEA outlined a capital-efficient and scalable restart plan anchored by ore from the nearby Swanson Gold Deposit. The assessment projected a compelling after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 65% and a net present value (NPV) of C$101 million. Significantly, these figures were based on a conservative gold price of US$2,750 per ounce. With gold currently trading near US$4,700 per ounce, the project’s potential profitability is substantially higher, offering immense leverage to the current market.

The company’s confidence is further bolstered by a 30% increase in indicated gold ounces at its Swanson Gold Deposit, as detailed in its updated 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate. Recent drilling has consistently returned impressive results, confirming a large-scale gold system with broad, continuous zones of mineralization. Highlights include intercepts such as 2.29 g/t gold over 68.30 metres and a remarkable 1.18 g/t gold over a massive 255.04 metres, suggesting the deposit extends well beyond the current resource model.

A Strategic Alliance with Trafigura

Perhaps the most significant development underscoring LaFleur's readiness for production is a proposed C$30 million gold prepayment facility and doré offtake agreement with Trafigura Canada. This arrangement with one of the world's leading commodity trading firms provides a major source of non-dilutive capital, allowing LaFleur to fund its growth without diluting shareholder equity.

The financing is structured to accelerate the restart of the Beacon Gold Mill and fund its expansion, with plans to increase throughput from its current 750 tonnes per day (tpd) to 1,250 tpd. The agreement also establishes a framework for a potential long-term expansion to between 3,000 and 4,000 tpd, with Trafigura holding a right of first refusal on future financing.

This partnership provides more than just capital; it offers a powerful institutional endorsement and a secure commercial pathway for LaFleur's future gold production. The offtake agreement guarantees a buyer for the company's doré, while Trafigura’s global market access and execution capabilities significantly de-risk the project's commercial aspects.

The Hunt for a Proven Leader

With the technical and financial foundations in place, the focus now shifts to leadership. The mandate given to The Bedford Consulting Group is specific: find an entrepreneurial executive with a proven track record of building early-stage mining companies into successful production-stage enterprises, ideally culminating in sale or merger exits exceeding $750 million. The ideal candidate will possess deep capital markets expertise and an extensive network within the mining industry, along with the ability to assemble the multi-disciplinary teams required to operate a gold production company.

Bedford's own reputation in the mining sector, with over four decades of experience placing C-suite leaders, underscores the seriousness of LaFleur’s search. This is not merely about filling a vacancy; it is about finding the strategic linchpin to execute a complex, multi-faceted growth plan.

The company also announced it would not be proceeding with a previously announced appointment for its Vice President of Mining Operations, reinforcing its commitment to finding the perfect candidates to lead its operational team, particularly a mining engineer with experience in the Val-d’Or region.

A New Force in the Abitibi Gold Belt

LaFleur’s activities are unfolding in the heart of one of the world's most storied mining jurisdictions. The Abitibi Gold Belt has produced over 200 million ounces of gold and is home to industry giants like Agnico Eagle Mines and Newmont Corporation. The region has recently seen a flurry of M&A activity, with over US$15 billion in deals since 2022 as major players consolidate assets and acquire new resources.

Within this competitive landscape, LaFleur's strategy is distinct. By restarting a fully permitted and recently refurbished mill, the company bypasses the lengthy and capital-intensive process of greenfield development. This vertically integrated mine-to-mill model, connecting the Swanson deposit to the Beacon Mill, provides a fast track to cash flow and establishes LaFleur as an emerging producer with significant growth potential. As the company prepares to join the ranks of Québec's gold producers, the successful recruitment of a visionary leader will be the final, crucial piece in its ambitious puzzle.