ESGold Launches Final Concentration Tests Ahead of First Production at Montauban

Rhea-AI Summary

ESGold Corp (ESAUF) has initiated final spiral concentration tests at its Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec, marking a crucial step toward production commencement in 2025. The tests focus on material from the historic railbed stockpile, which contains higher concentrations of gold and silver compared to Anacon tailings and lacks problematic mica. Using Humphrey Spirals, the company aims to achieve a concentrate with less than 0.3% of total mass while capturing over 50% of contained precious metals. If successful, this could enable direct bullion pouring on-site, significantly reducing processing time and cyanide usage. The company expects spiral test completion within a week and final lab results within a month, with commissioning remaining on schedule.

Positive

• High-grade gold and silver content in railbed material with favorable metallurgical properties
• Potential for direct bullion pour, bypassing traditional processing steps
• Expected reduction in processing time and cyanide consumption
• Production scheduled to begin later in 2025
• Target of capturing over 50% of gold and silver while processing less than 0.3% of total mass

Negative

• Final test results still pending and success not guaranteed
• Production timeline dependent on successful test completion

Testing aims to confirm potential for direct bullion pour from high-grade gold and silver railbed material

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2025) - ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D)  ("ESGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of final spiral concentration tests at its Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec-a critical step toward initiating production later this year.

The tests are being conducted on material sourced from the historic railbed stockpile, which is geologically distinct from the Anacon tailings material. This railbed material contains significantly higher concentrations of gold and especially silver, and notably lacks mica, which can interfere with traditional separation methods.

Below are key highlights from the ongoing spiral concentration tests:

• Final-stage gravity tests underway on high-grade railbed material using production-model Humphrey Spirals to assess direct bullion pour potential.

• Targeting a concentrate with less than 0.3% of total mass yet capturing over 50% of contained gold and silver-minimizing cyanide use and maximizing processing efficiency.

• Lab assay results expected within the month, representing one of the final steps before full-scale production at the Montauban Project begins.

Optimizing Recovery and Pour-Ready Concentrate

Using a Humphrey Spiral-identical to the equipment already installed in the Montauban plant-the Company is assessing various solid concentrations in feedstock to determine the optimal conditions for generating a high-grade concentrate. The goal is to produce a concentrate representing less than 0.3% of the feed mass while capturing more than 50% of the gold and silver content.

If successful, this could allow the Company to bypass traditional circuit steps and pour bullion directly on site, drastically reducing processing time and cyanide consumption. This test not only optimizes throughput efficiency but also supports ESGold's capital-efficient, low-environmental-footprint approach to gold and silver recovery.

Strategic Importance of the Railbed Material

"The metallurgical profile of the railbed material opens a potentially game-changing opportunity for ESGold," said Paul Mastantuono, CEO at ESGold. "If the spiral tests confirm our hypothesis, we may be able to generate pour-grade concentrate directly from the gravity circuit-reducing reagent consumption, accelerating cash flow, and delivering a more efficient, cleaner production process."

Timeline and Next Steps

• The spiral tests will be completed within one week of commencement.

• Final lab concentration results are expected within one month after concentration tests.

• Equipment installation at Montauban continues to advance, with commissioning on track.
  
  

These spiral tests represent one of the final technical milestones prior to processing startup, reinforcing ESGold's near-term production timeline and its strategy to become one of Canada's next gold and silver mining companies.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Edmond St-Jean, P.Eng., an independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. St-Jean is a consultant to ESGold and has over 40 years of experience in mineral processing and metallurgical engineering.

About ESGold Corp.
ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) (FSE: Z7D) is a fully permitted, pre-production resource company at the forefront of clean mining and exploration innovation. With proven expertise in Quebec, the Company is advancing its projects toward production and feasibility while delivering long-term value through sustainable resource recovery and exploration. ESGold's flagship Montauban property, located 80 kilometers west of Quebec City, serves as a model for responsible mining practices, combining near-term production with district-scale discovery potential.

For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.

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On behalf of the Board of Directors

ESGold Corp.
"Paul Mastantuono"
CEO & Director
info@esgold.com
+1-888-370-1059

Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements are based on assumptions and expectations that involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially. Forward-looking information includes statements regarding the expected use of proceeds, the development and construction timelines of the Montauban Project, future production, and anticipated project milestones. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking information contained in this release is qualified by these cautionary statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253935

FAQ

What are the key objectives of ESGold's spiral concentration tests at Montauban?

ESGold aims to confirm the potential for direct bullion pour from high-grade railbed material, targeting a concentrate with less than 0.3% of total mass while capturing over 50% of contained gold and silver.

When does ESGold (ESAUF) expect to begin production at the Montauban Project?

ESGold plans to begin production at Montauban later in 2025, following the completion of final spiral concentration tests and lab results.

What advantages does the railbed material offer compared to Anacon tailings?

The railbed material contains higher concentrations of gold and silver, and notably lacks mica which can interfere with traditional separation methods.

How long will the spiral concentration tests take at Montauban?

The spiral tests will be completed within one week of commencement, with final lab concentration results expected within one month.

What environmental benefits could ESGold's new processing method provide?

The new method could reduce cyanide consumption and processing time, supporting a more efficient and environmentally friendly production process.