The results show that Falco enjoys strong majority support in Rouyn-Noranda, where 72% of respondents are in favour of the Horne 5 Project, and in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, where support reaches 74%. These results demonstrate the population's significant support for the Project, particularly given its economic spin-offs and positive impact on employment.
Trust in Falco
Respondents recognize the benefits the Project will bring to the region, emphasizing its key role in local and regional economic growth and job creation. Despite some concerns about environmental impacts, a strong majority of respondents (73%) are confident that Falco will work with civil society actors to ensure responsible implementation of the Project.
A Project for the common good
In addition, a high proportion of respondents (74%) felt that the Project should proceed for the community's benefit, strengthening the legitimacy and social acceptability of the Falco Horne 5 Project in the region.
Hélène Cartier, Vice-President of Environment, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, stated: "As demonstrated by the numerous briefs submitted to BAPE, these results confirm the population's strong support for our Project and our commitment to act responsibly. We will continue our concerted efforts with all stakeholders to ensure a mutually beneficial development. We believe this strong support justifies our request to the Québec government to deem the project acceptable."
Luc Lessard, President and CEO, added: "These results are a testament to the broad support for the Project among Rouyn-Noranda residents, consistent with what we have been seeing for several years now. Falco has submitted to the authorities at the Québec government a mining development project that will be of great benefit to the city, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and all of Québec. It remains surprising, however, that after more than 8 years, the government has yet to recognize the Project's conformity."
The Company will continue its discussions with the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (the " Ministère ") to have the Project's compliance recognized and complete the environmental analysis.
Highlights
Favourability of the Project
- 73% of respondents were in favor of the Project (28% very favorable, 46% somewhat favorable)
- Only 15% are unfavorable (5% very unfavorable, 10% somewhat unfavorable).
Main reasons for being in favor
- 47% : Job creation
- 26% : Positive impact on the local economy
Main perceptions
- 86% believe the Project will have a positive economic impact
- 80% believe mining projects strengthen regional pride
- 73% are confident that Falco will make its project acceptable and aligned with applicable societal and environmental expectations
- 61% believe Falco will take public opinion into account
The survey was conducted from February 27 to March 9, 2025, among 500 Abitibi-Témiscamingue residents aged 18 and over. The presumed margin of error is ±4.38%, 19 times out of 20. The survey can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://bit.ly/3RfaMlZ
The Falco Horne 5 Project features a state-of-the-art mining operation that maximizes the use and rehabilitation of previously disturbed sites such as Quemont and Norbec. The Project will generate significant economic benefits, contributing approximately $3.8 billion to Québec's GDP, including $2.2 billion to the regional GDP, notably through the creation of 900 jobs during construction and 500 jobs during operations. By adding value to critical and strategic minerals, it will actively contribute to the energy transition and decarbonization of the economy.
ABOUT FALCO
Falco Resources is one of the largest mineral claim holders in the province of Quebec, with an extensive portfolio of properties in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Falco holds rights to approximately 67,000 hectares of land in the Noranda Mining Camp, which represents 67% of the camp and includes 13 former gold and base metal mining sites. Falco's main asset is the Horne 5 Project located beneath the former Horne mine, which was operated by Noranda from 1927 to 1976 and produced 11.6 million ounces of gold and 2.5 billion pounds of copper. Osisko Development Corp. is Falco's largest shareholder, with a 16% interest in the Company.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Hélène Cartier
Vice President, Environment, Sustainable Development and Community Relations
514 216-8611
hcartier@falcores.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE METHODOLOGY:
Éric Normandeau
Strategic consultant, Léger
514Â 245-0195
enormandeau@leger360.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information (collectively " forward-looking statements ") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements include references to the social acceptability and development of the Project, its economic spin-offs and positive impacts on employment, the benefits the Project will bring to the region, its key role in local and regional economic growth and job creation, and public support for the Project.
These statements are based on information currently available to the Company, and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. The occurrence of such events or the making of such statements are subject to several risk factors, including, without limitation, the risk factors identified in Falco's annual management report and other continuous disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.com .
Although Falco believes that the assumptions and factors applied in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this press release, and there can be no assurance that such events will occur within the time frames disclosed or at all. As mentioned by Falco in its public disclosure and previous press releases, certain major issues have been raised by the  Ministère  in connection with the development of the Project and in the BAPE process, including the Project's compliance with section 197 of the Règlement sur l'assainissement de l'atmosphère (RAA).  There can be no assurance or guarantee that the Ministère will change its position with respect to the application of section 197 of the RAA to the Project, that Falco will be able to respond to the Ministère's numerous additional requests in a timely manner or that Falco will be able to raise the funds necessary to pursue the additional studies requested by the Ministère, which could materially delay or prevent the granting of the required authorizations and thus adversely affect the development of the Project and Falco's financial condition.  Except as required by applicable law, Falco disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
