LAURION Announces Successful Collaboration in an Exploration Agreement with First Nation Partners on Ishkõday Project
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LAURION Announces Successful Collaboration in an Exploration
Agreement with First Nation Partners on Ishkõday Project
TORONTO, ONTARIO, March 17, 2025 – LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc. ("LAURION" or
the "Company") is pleased to announce a landmark Exploration Agreement (the
"Agreement") with Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Lake Nipigon Ojibway First
Nation), Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Roc ky Bay First Nation), and Bingwi
Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sandpoint First Nation) (collectively referred to as the "First
Nations"). This Agreement establishes a framework for consultation and collaboration
with the First Nations Groups in connection with the expansion of ongoing exploration
activities at LAURION’s flagship Ishkõday Project, located 28 km northeast of
Beardmore and 220 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Strengthening Relationships for Responsible Development
LAURION is proud to foster strong, long -term partnerships with the First Nations
communities as part of our commitment to responsible and sustainable resource
development. Building key relationships is essential to the success of the Ishkõday
Project, ensuring that exploration and devel opment activities are conducted with
respect for Indigenous rights, environmental stewardship, and shared economic
growth.
“We are honored to collaborate with our First Nations partners and remain committed
to building an enduring and respectful working relationship,” stated Cynthia Le Sueur-
Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION. “The signing of this Exploration Agreement is a
key milestone for the Ishkõday Project, allowing the Company to continue advancing
the project responsibly while enhancing our ability to create meaningful opportunities
for employment, education, and economic development within these communities.”
Chief Paul Gladu of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sandpoint First Nation) stated:
“We are pleased to have signed the Exploration Agreement with LAURION. This is a
crucial step in ensuring our rights are protected and that the communities benefit from
the resources extracted from our lands. The A greement sets forth a good path for
communication, environmental stewardship, and economic opportun ities. We look
forward to continuing to work with our neighbouring communities, Animbiigoo
Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, on this proposed
development.”
Chief Yvette Metansinine of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek First Nations stated:
“It's nice to see the finalization of this Exploration Agreement after many years with our
longstanding partner. This shows our three First Nations and LAURION’s commitment to
a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship.”
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Chief Glady s Thompson of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First
Nation) stated: “We were excited to sign the Exploration Agreement with LAURION,
along with our neighboring communities, BNA and AZA. The A greement was
complete and detailed to our satisfaction, highlighting the protection of our rights.
The signing of the Agreement will further advance the project so that our First Nations
will benefit by creating opportunities for our people with employment, education, and
economic development in our communities.”
Advancing LAURION’s Strategic Objectives at Ishkōday
The Ishkõday Project is a mid-stage, de-risked gold and base metal project with strong
economic potential. LAURION has de-risked the Ishkoday Project across the 6.0 km X
2.5 km through e xtensive drilling and geophysical surveys, NI 43 -101 compliance,
structural and metallurgical studies, strategic target refinement, strong governance,
and stakeholder engagement, ensuring a transparent, technically sound, and well -
funded exploration program. LAURION is actively advancing the project with a focus
on long -term value creation, positioning Ishkõday as a compelling asset for future
development. Through responsible exploration, LAURION continues to advance the
Ishkõday Project, strengthen ing the Company’s geological understanding of the
property and expand ing mineralized zones, with the aim of enhancing its overall
attractiveness to investors and stakeholders.
The Agreement supports LAURION’s broader strategy and inclusive approach by
fostering sustainable economic opportunities for local communities, including job
creation, training programs, and skills development initiatives. By working closely with
our First Nations partners, LAURION aims to ensure that local communities directly
benefit from exploration progress while collaborating on future infrastructure growth
and permitting processes.
Commitment to Sustainable Exploration and Community Benefits
This Agreement reflects LAURION’s dedication to environmental responsibility and
Indigenous engagement. It ensures that the First Nations Groups are actively involved
in discussions related to exploration, environmental management, and regional
development. Traditional knowledge and environmental stewardship will be
integrated into project planning for the purpose of aligning development with local
values and sustainability goals.
Additionally, the Agreement provides employment, education, and training
opportunities for First Nations members, with a specific focus on supporting students’
pursuit of careers in mining -related fields. By investing in skills development and
capacity building, LAURION aims to contribute to long-term economic empowerment
within the region. The Agreement also establishes ongoing community engagement
through regu lar meetings, open dialogue, and collaborative activities, reinforcing
LAURION’s commitment to transparency and partnership.
By aligning exploration efforts with shared economic and environmental values,
LAURION is committed to unlocking the full potential of the Ishkõday Project in
partnership with its First Nations stakeholders. This Agreement marks a significant step
towards a long-term Impact Benefit Agreement (IBA), ensuring that the development
of Ishkõday is mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
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About ANIMBIIGOO ZAAG’IGAN ANISHINAABEK
ANIMBIIGOO ZAAG’IGAN ANISHINAABEK (AZA) is a strong, independent, and
progressive First Nation, located in Northwestern Ontario. The membership is
approximately 500 people and growing. We have a greater number of the people
out on the land, working and living in the territory sustaining cultural livelihoods to
support their families. There is an enormous number of trappers; commercial
fishermen; hunters; cultural harvesters and regular land users from AZA. The community
prides itself on their love and connection to the land; water; animals; all of Mother
Earth’s resources. We support every aspect of environmental protection over
development, in order for our community to thrive in a healthy and sustainable way.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
ANIMBIIGOO ZAAG’IGAN ANISHINAABEK
Kyla Morrisseau – Consultation Coordinator
Tel : 1-807-853-2497
Website: http://www.aza.ca
About BINGWI NEYAASHI ANISHINAABEK
BINGWI NEYAASHI ANISHINAAB EK (BNA) is a First Nation community located on the
south-east shores of Lake Nipigon, about 20 km south of the Town of Beardmore along
Hwy 11. BNA is a progressive community that is quickly re-developing its reserve lands
after years of displacement due t o government policies in the middle of the 20th
century. The First Nation is building homes, community infrastructure, and is operating
a Sawmill, which employs First Nation members from the community and surrounding
region. BNA is actively working with it s First Nation neighbours on agreements with
mining and exploration companies operating in the territory.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
BINGWI NEYAASHI ANISHINAABEK
Kimberly Rozon – Mining Coordinator
Tel: 1-807-623-2724 ext. 217 Fax: 1-807-623-2764
Website: http://www.bnafn.ca
About BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING ANISHINAABEK
BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING ANISHINAABEK (BZA) (formerly known as Rocky Bay First
Nation) is located on reserve 197, MacDiarmid, Ontario, located approximately 2
hours North of Thunder Bay. The BZA First Nation has 840 registered members, of which
328 live on reserve. Economic development has been based around mining, forestry,
fishing, and hunting. BZA also owns the ‘Spirit Bay Gas Bar’ located along HWY 11.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
BIINJITIWAABIK ZAAGING ANISHINAABEK
Dale Hardy – Lands and Resource Coordinator
Tel: 1-(807) 885-3401
Website: http://www.rockybayfn.ca
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About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.
The Company is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration and development company
listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol LME and on the OTCPINK under
the symbol LMEFF. LAURION now has 273,494,904 outstanding shares of which
approximately 73.6% are owned and controlled by insiders who are eligible investors
under the “Friends and Family” categories. LAURION's emphasis is on the exploration
and development of its flagship project, the 100% owned mid-stage 57 km2 Ishkõday
Project, and its gold-rich polymetallic mineralization.
LAURION’s chief priority remains maximizing shareholder value. A large portion of the
Company’s focus in this regard falls within the scope of its mineral exploration activities
and more specifically, advancing the Ishkõday Project. A consequence of LAURION’s
success and advancement over the past several years is that the Company has
become positioned as an acquisition target for appropriate potential acquirors.
Accordingly, the Company’s Board of Directors is aware that possible strategic
alternatives and transactional opportunities may arise and/or could be procured in
the short or medium terms. The Company will promptly issue a press release if any
material change occurs. In the meanwhil e, LAURION will continue to work towards
advancing the Ishkõday Project while exploring opportunities and potential
transactions that are strategically beneficial to the Company and its shareholders.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This pr ess release contains forward -looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current
expectations regarding future events, including with respect to LAURION’s business, operations and
condition, and management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentio ns, the Company’s ability to
advance the Ishkõday Project, and the timing, nature and feasibility of any potential acquisitions,
mergers, financings or other potential transactions and opportunities referenced herein, and statements
relating to the Agreement and the expected outcomes and developments that may arise , including
without limitation, expectations and intentions regarding the Company’s relationship with the First Nations
and the completion of future work on the Ishkõday Project in collaboration w ith the First Nations. The
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance
or achievements expressed or implied by such forward -looking statements could differ materially from
those projected herein, including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of
LAURION, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project
parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations
in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of
contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining
governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, failure to maintain community
acceptance (including First Nations), changes to the partnership with the First Nations, as well as those
factors disclosed in the Company’s publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Company’s
ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the
Company’s public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these
forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward -looking statements.
Subject to applicable law, the Company disclaims any obli gation to update these forward- looking
statements.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED
IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR
ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.