LAURION is focused on leveraging the future potential of the surface ore-bearing stockpiles at Ishkõday to characterize mineralization trends and evaluate proximal mine gold mineralization within 1 km of the stockpile. This work aims to provide feed for future operations while outlining gold-bearing stockworks through core relogging, vein stripping, and sampling.
The Ishkõday Property hosts the former Sturgeon River Gold Mine, which produced 73,322 ounces of gold and 15,929 ounces of silver between 1936 and 1942. Gold was primarily recovered from high-grade quartz vein material, milled at an average grade of 15.71 g/t gold, while lower-grade material was deposited in a surface stockpile.
Subsequent sampling programs confirmed the potential of the stockpile, with a historical bulk sample grading 2.95 g/t gold (Phoenix Gold, 1984). In 2013, a NI 43-101 Technical Report identified the stockpile as containing 144,070 tonnes grading 1.59 g/t gold in the Indicated Mineral Resources category, while the tailings contained 137,501 tonnes grading 0.67 g/t gold. Combined, the stockpile and tailings represent 10,327 ounces of gold in Indicated Resources.
Metallurgical test work demonstrated recoveries of 87% gold through gravity methods and 96% gold through cyanide leach tests, highlighting the efficiency of modern processing technologies. Sampling of fine materials (<2 mm) from the stockpile carried average grades of 6.20 g/t gold, indicating potential for higher grades at the base of the stockpile due to gravity settling.
To enhance efficiency, LAURION engaged DRA Americas Inc. and the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) in 2022 and 2023 to evaluate sensor-based sorting (SBS) technology. Test results showed that SBS methods, such as laser and color sorting, successfully removed up to 92.6% of host rock while recovering quartz fragments commonly associated with gold. Pilot plant testing is recommended to economically validate SBS technology and improve the profitability of gold extraction.
LAURION has begun the permitting process for advanced exploration at Ishkõday, including dewatering the existing mine shaft for exploration purposes. Permits required from Ontario's Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks include:
Indigenous consultations have been initiated and will continue throughout the permitting, exploration, and closure phases to ensure alignment with stakeholders and environmental best practices.
The surface stockpile and tailings at Ishkõday represents a unique opportunity to capitalize on historical resources while advancing the property’s exploration and development potential. Through innovative ore sorting technologies and responsible environmental management, LAURION is laying the groundwork for efficient resource extraction and future growth.
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