LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) announced that it has extended the exclusivity and due diligence period with Trafigura Canada Ltd. through Aug. 31, 2026, as the parties continue advancing proposed definitive agreements for a non-dilutive prepayment facility of up to C$30 million and a related gold doré offtake agreement to support development of the Swanson Gold Deposit and restart of the Beacon Gold Mill in Québec. The extension will allow additional technical due diligence, including a planned site visit to the Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Deposit, along with completion of definitive documentation and required approvals.
LaFleur Minerals also reported that refurbishment of its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mill reached approximately 84% completion as of July 1, 2026, and remains on budget. The company said major work on the crushing, grinding, filtration, ore-storage and thickening circuits has been substantially completed, with remaining work focused on the leaching circuit, refinery commissioning and supporting infrastructure. Subject to delivery of remaining equipment and other conditions, the company expects to complete mechanical work and begin staged commissioning using existing stockpiles during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The extension of the exclusivity period underscores the progress being made toward securing a significant non-dilutive financing package. Trafigura, a global commodities trading firm, is conducting due diligence on the Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Mill. The C$30 million prepayment facility, if finalized, would provide LaFleur with the capital needed to advance the Swanson Gold Deposit toward production and restart the mill, which is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day. The associated gold doré offtake agreement would provide a market for the gold produced.
The Beacon Gold Mill's refurbishment is a key milestone for LaFleur. The mill, located in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Québec, is being readied to process mineralized material from the Swanson Gold Project and potentially for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects. The company's Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Swanson Gold Project and the planned mill restart, released in March 2026, outlined a positive outlook for the project.
The implications of this announcement are significant for LaFleur Minerals and its stakeholders. The extension of exclusivity with Trafigura suggests that the due diligence process is advancing and that Trafigura sees value in the Swanson project and the mill. The 84% completion of the mill refurbishment, on time and on budget, demonstrates operational progress and reduces the risk of delays. If the financing is secured and the mill is commissioned as planned, LaFleur could become a near-term gold producer, generating cash flow from the Swanson deposit and custom milling. This would enhance the company's financial position and potentially increase shareholder value.
For investors, the key developments to watch are the finalization of the Trafigura agreements and the completion of the mill commissioning. The company's ability to execute on these milestones will determine its trajectory in the coming months. The full press release is available at https://ibn.fm/7rTzA. For more information about LaFleur Minerals, visit the company's newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LFLRF.
