Highlights
- A review of the Company's drill core assay dataset has
identified multiple distinct areas of considerable cesium
enrichment (>1% Cs2O)
- Primary zone of enrichment is coincident with the Company's
high-grade lithium Vega Zone (CV13) and can be traced in drill
holes over a very large area of approximately 600 m x 400 m and
remains open in several directions.
- Pollucite, the principal and preferred ore mineral for
cesium, has been identified by XRD mineralogical analysis at
the CV13 Pegmatite and is interpreted to be the principal source of
the cesium enrichment at the Property. A more focused mineralogical
program is underway.
- This extremely rare Cesium mineral has the potential to become
a meaningful by-product to future lithium operations.
- Cesium results in drill hole and channel include:
- 10.4 m at 1.30%
Cs2O, including 4.0
m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
- 10.6 m at >1.00%
Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis
pending1
- 7.1 m at >1.00%
Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis
pending1
- 0.5 m at 9.58%
Cs2O (Channel CH22-047) – CV12
- Overlimit (>1% Cs) assay results for cesium are pending
for more than 140 individual core samples with final
grade-width calculations for drill holes to be reported once
received.
- Economic deposits are typically on the scale of <10
kt to 350,000 kt in size, compared to typical lithium pegmatite
deposits that range in the millions of tonnes (<10 Mt and
rarely over 100 Mt) in size.
- The Company understands that there are only a handful of
operators globally currently producing Cesium products, resulting
in it being a highly rare and valuable commodity given it has a
number of significant industrial applications.
____________________________
|
1
|
Assay results exceeded
the upper detection limit (10,000 ppm Cs) of the base analytical
package and require subsequent overlimit analysis using a different
analytical package to determine the Cs grade. Overlimit analysis is
now pending to determine actual grades and will be reported once
received.
|
Darren L. Smith, Patriot
Executive and Vice President of Exploration, comments: "The
identification of multiple zones of extensive cesium mineralization
in drill hole at Shaakichiuwaanaan is very significant. Cesium
pegmatite occurrences over 1% Cs2O are very rare and
represent only the most fractioned and evolved portion of a
pegmatite body. Although the focus for the Company is lithium
pegmatite and advancing CV5 to production, there is a clear
opportunity to potentially delineate a pollucite (cesium) zone of
significant scale. Moreover, given the scarcity and value of
cesium, there is a strong potential to further enhance stakeholder
value."
VANCOUVER,BC, March 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/
- March 3, 2025 – Sydney,
Australia
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Patriot")
(TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased
to announce the discovery of a large zone of cesium mineralization
at the CV13 Pegmatite, which forms part of the Company's wholly
owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (the "Property" or "Project"),
located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec.
The Shaakichiuwaanaan Property hosts a consolidated Mineral
Resource Estimate2 ("MRE") of 80.1 Mt at 1.44%
Li2O Indicated and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li2O
Inferred. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, which forms the bulk of the
MRE, is accessible year-round by all-season road and is situated
approximately 14 km from a major hydroelectric powerline
corridor. The CV13 Pegmatite is located <3 km along geological
trend from the CV5 Pegmatite.
With the geological and block models for the CV5 Pegmatite now
handed off to the Feasibility Study team, the Company has further
reviewed its core assay dataset and identified multiple distinct
areas of considerable cesium (Cs) enrichment (>1% Cs). These
include the CV5 and CV12 pegmatites; however, the two (2) largest
zones are hosted by the CV13 Pegmatite. Cesium results in drill
hole and channel (Figure 1, Table 1, and Table 2) include:
- 10.4 m at 1.30%
Cs2O, including 4.0
m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
- 10.6 m at >1.00%
Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimits
pending
- 7.1 m at >1.00%
Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimits
pending
- 0.5 m at 9.58%
Cs2O (Channel CH22-047) – CV12
Overlimits (>1% Cs2O) are pending for cesium for
more than 140 core samples from the 2024 summer-fall drill program,
including approximately 100 from the CV13 Pegmatite. Overlimits are
required when the analytical result exceeds the upper detection
limit of the analytical package, which in this case is >10,000
ppm Cs (i.e., 1% Cs). Final cesium grade-width calculations for
drill holes CV24-520, CV24-754, as well as multiple others, will be
reported once overlimit analysis for cesium are received.
Two (2) distinct areas of cesium enrichment have been identified
at CV13 (Figure 1). The principal and largest of the cesium
zones is coincident with the high-grade (lithium) Vega Zone and
can be traced in drill hole over an extensive area of
approximately 600 m x 400 m, ranging in thickness from
1-2 m to at least 10 m (core length). The second zone is associated
with the apex of the structural flexure at CV13 and is estimated
through drilling to be at least ~250 m x 50
m in area and up to several metres thick.
__________________________________
|
2
|
Shaakichiuwaanaan (CV5
& CV13) Mineral Resource Estimate (80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li2O and
163 ppm Ta2O5 Indicated, and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li2O and 147 ppm
Ta2O5 ppm Inferred) is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O
(open-pit), 0.60% Li2O (underground CV5), and 0.80% Li2O
(underground CV13) with an Effective Date of August 21, 2024
(through drill hole CV24-526). Mineral Resources are not Mineral
Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic
viability.
|
Pollucite, the principal and preferred ore mineral for
cesium, has been identified by XRD mineralogical analysis at
Shaakichiuwaanaan and is interpreted to be the source of the cesium
enrichment at the Property. A mineralogical program focused on
areas of cesium enrichment is underway.
As a next step, the Company will use its drill and surface
sampling data to geologically model the zone of cesium enrichment
within the wider pegmatite body at each of the main occurrences,
with the focus on the Vega Zone area of CV13. Additionally, cesium
will be added to the block model to further assess the
occurrences.
The identification of significant pollucite mineralization at
CV13 presents an opportunity to further evaluate the potential of
cesium as a marketable by-product, which could complement the
Company's lithium-focused development strategy. As the Feasibility
Study for CV5 progresses, the Company will assess the potential for
a cesium resource at Shaakichiuwaanaan and its implications for
future exploration and development.
About Cesium – extremely rare critical metal
Cesium (Cs) is a specialty metal and is listed as a critical and
strategic mineral by Canada, the
province of Quebec (Canada),
Japan, and the United States. The principal use of
cesium, which is almost exclusively recovered (in its primary form)
from the mineral pollucite, is in the form of cesium formate brine.
Due to its high-density, low toxicity, biodegradable nature, and
recoverability, it is used to support the completion of oil and gas
wells at high pressure and temperature.
Cesium is also used in atomic clocks, GPS, aircraft guidance,
and telecommunications. Its compounds have various applications:
cesium carbonate in fuel cells, cesium chloride in chemistry and
nuclear medicine, cesium hydroxide in batteries, cesium iodide in
X-ray equipment, cesium nitrate in pyrotechnics and scintillation
counters, and cesium sulfates in water treatment and scientific
instruments.
Mineral deposits of cesium (pollucite) are extremely rare and
represent the most fractionated component of LCT pegmatites, which
are effectively the only primary source of cesium globally.
Economic deposits are typically on the scale of <10 kt to
350,000 kt in size, compared to typical lithium pegmatite deposits
that range in the millions of tonnes (<10 Mt and rarely over
100 Mt) in size. Examples of the few
current/past producing mines include Tanco (Canada, Figure 2), Bikita (Zimbabwe), and Sinclair (Australia). Australia's first commercial cesium mine,
Sinclair, extracted its last cesium in 2019.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC)
A Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocol following
industry best practices was incorporated into the program and
included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified
reference materials into sample batches at a rate of approximately
5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split sample duplicates was
completed to assess analytical precision, and external (secondary)
laboratory pulp-split duplicates were prepared at the primary lab
for subsequent check analysis and validation.
All samples collected were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in
Val-d'Or, QC, or Radisson, QC, for sample preparation (code
PRP90 special) which includes drying at 105°C, crush to 90% passing
2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. The
pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada's laboratory in
Burnaby, BC, where the samples
were homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element
(including Li, Cs, and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with
ICP-AES/MS finish (codes GE_ICP91A50 and GE_IMS91A50).
Overlimits for cesium are requested when the analytical result
exceeds the upper detection limit (10,000 ppm Cs) of the
GE_ICP91A50 and GE_IMS91A50 analytical packages. The overlimit
package used for cesium is GC_AAS49C – acid digestion for alkaline
elements – and reports Cs in %.
Qualified/Competent Person
The information in this news release that relates to exploration
results for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property is based on, and fairly
represents, information compiled by Mr. Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., who is a
Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and member in
good standing with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec
(Geologist Permit number 01968), and with the Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (member number 87868). Mr. Smith
has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news
release.
Mr. Smith is an Executive and Vice President of Exploration for
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. and holds common shares and options in
the Company.
Mr. Smith has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the
style of mineralization, type of deposit under consideration, and
to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person
as described by the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code). Mr.
Smith consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters
based on his information in the form and context in which it
appears.
About Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. is a hard-rock lithium exploration
company focused on advancing its district-scale 100%-owned
Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (formerly known as Corvette) located in
the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, which is accessible year-round
by all-season road and is proximal to regional powerline
infrastructure. The Shaakichiuwaanaan Mineral Resource1,
which includes the CV5 & CV13 spodumene pegmatites, totals
80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li2O Indicated, and 62.5 Mt
at 1.31% Li2O Inferred, and ranks as the largest lithium
pegmatite resource in the Americas, and the 8th largest
lithium pegmatite resource in the world.
A Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was announced for the
CV5 Pegmatite August 21, 2024, and
highlights it as a potential North American lithium raw materials
powerhouse. The PEA outlines the potential for a competitive and
globally significant high-grade lithium project targeting up to
~800 ktpa spodumene concentrate using a simple Dense Media
Separation ("DMS") only process flowsheet.
____________________________________
|
1
|
Shaakichiuwaanaan
(CV5 & CV13) Mineral Resource Estimate (80.1 Mt at 1.44%
Li2O and 163 ppm
Ta2O5 Indicated, and 62.5 Mt at 1.31%
Li2O and 147 ppm
Ta2O5 ppm Inferred) is reported at a
cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O (open-pit), 0.60% Li2O (underground CV5), and 0.80%
Li2O (underground CV13)
with an Effective Date of August 21, 2024 (through drill hole
CV24-526). Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves as they do
not have demonstrated economic viability.
|
For further information, please contact us at
info@patriotbatterymetals.com or by calling +1 (604) 279-8709, or
visit www.patriotbatterymetals.com. Please also refer to the
Company's continuous disclosure filings, available under its
profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au, for available
exploration data.
This news release has been approved by the Board of
Directors.
"KEN
BRINSDEN"
Kenneth Brinsden, President, CEO,
& Managing Director
Olivier Caza-Lapointe
Head, Investor Relations – North
America
T: +1 (514) 913-5264
E: ocazalapointe@patriotbatterymetals.com
Disclaimer for Forward-looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" or
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable
securities laws and other statements that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements are included to provide information
about management's current expectations and plans that allow
investors and others to have a better understanding of the
Company's business plans and financial performance and
condition.
All statements, other than statements of historical facts
included in this news release, regarding the Company's strategy,
future operations, technical assessments, prospects, plans and
objectives of management are forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are
typically identified by words such as "underway", "potential", "to
become", "future", "to be", "focus", "opportunity", "advancing to
production", "further enhance", "will", "next step" and similar
words or expressions. Forward-looking statements in this release
include, but are not limited to, statements on the Feasibility
Study and the potential of cesium at Shaakichiuwaanaan as a
marketable by-product.
Forward-looking information is based upon certain assumptions
and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such information or
statements. There can be no assurance that such information or
statements will prove to be accurate. Key assumptions upon which
the Company's forward-looking information is based include, without
limitation, that proposed exploration and mineral resource estimate
work on the Property will continue as expected, the accuracy of
reserve and resource estimates, the classification of resources
between inferred and the assumptions on which the reserve and
resource estimates are based, long-term demand for spodumene
supply, and that exploration and development results continue to
support management's current plans for Property development and
expectations for the Project.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all factors and assumptions which may have been used.
Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and
uncertainties facing the Company's business, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Some of the
risks the Company faces and the uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements include, among others, the ability to
execute on plans relating to the Company's Project, including the
timing thereof. In addition, readers are directed to carefully
review the detailed risk discussion in the Company's most recent
Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+, which discussion is
incorporated by reference in this news release, for a fuller
understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the
Company's business and operations.
Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon
reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to
differ materially from those described in forward-looking
statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events
or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There
can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to
be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such information. As such,
these risks are not exhaustive; however, they should be considered
carefully. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize,
actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the
forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks,
uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking
statements, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for
the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's
business plans, financial performance and condition and may not be
appropriate for other purposes.
The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as
of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except to the extent required by applicable law. The Company
qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary
statements.
Competent Person Statement (ASX Listing Rule)
The mineral resource estimate in this release was reported by
the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 on August 5, 2024. The Company confirms that, as of
the date of this announcement, it is not aware of any new
information or data verified by the competent person that
materially affects the information included in the announcement and
that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning
the estimates in the announcement continue to apply and have not
materially changed. The Company confirms that, as at the date of
this announcement, the form and context in which the competent
person's findings are presented have not been materially modified
from the original market announcement.
The production target referred to in this release was reported
by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.16 on
August 21, 2024. The Company confirms
that, as of the date of this announcement, all material assumptions
and technical parameters underpinning the production target in the
original announcement continue to apply and have not materially
changed.
Appendix 1 – JORC Code 2012 Table 1 (ASX Listing Rule
5.7.1)
Section 1 – Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria
|
JORC Code
explanation
|
Commentary
|
Sampling
techniques
|
- Nature and quality
of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialized
industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals
under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld
XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as
limiting the broad meaning of sampling.
- Include reference
to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the
appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems
used.
- Aspects of the
determination of mineralization that are Material to the Public
Report.
- In cases where
'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively
simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m
samples from which 3 kg was pulverized to produce a 30 g charge for
fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such
as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems.
Unusual commodities or mineralization types (eg submarine nodules)
may warrant disclosure of detailed information.
|
- Core sampling
protocols meet industry standard practices.
- Core sampling is
guided by lithology as determined during geological logging (i.e.,
by a geologist). All pegmatite intervals are sampled in their
entirety (half-core), regardless if spodumene mineralization is
noted or not (in order to ensure an unbiased sampling approach) in
addition to ~1 to 3 m of sampling into the adjacent host rock
(dependent on pegmatite interval length) to "bookend" the sampled
pegmatite.
- The minimum
individual sample length is typically 0.5 m and the maximum sample
length is typically 2.0 m. Targeted individual pegmatite sample
lengths are 1.0 to 1.5 m.
- All drill core is
oriented to maximum foliation prior to logging and sampling and is
cut with a core saw into half-core pieces, with one half-core
collected for assay, and the other half-core remaining in the box
for reference.
- Core samples
collected from drill holes were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory
in Val-d'Or, QC, or Radisson, QC, for sample preparation (code
PRP90 special) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 90% passing
2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns.
Core sample pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada's laboratory in
Burnaby, BC, where the samples were homogenized and subsequently
analyzed for multi-element (including Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium
peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (codes GE_ICP91A50 and
GE_IMS91A50).
- Channel sampling
followed best industry practices with a 3 to 5 cm wide, saw-cut
channel completed across the pegmatite outcrop as practical,
perpendicular to the interpreted pegmatite strike. Samples were
collected at ~1 m contiguous intervals with the channel bearing
noted, and GPS coordinate collected at the start and end points of
the channel.
- All channel samples
collected were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in Lakefield, ON,
or Val-d'Or, QC, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at
SGS Canada's laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or
Burnaby, BC (2022, 2023, and 2024), for multi-element (including
Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS
finish. The overlimit package used for cesium is GC_AAS49C – acid
digestion for alkaline elements – and reports Cs in %.
|
Drilling
techniques
|
- Drill type (eg
core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast,
auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or
standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other
type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method,
etc).
|
- Holes are NQ or NQ3
size core diamond drilling with Core was not oriented.
|
Drill sample
recovery
|
- Method of recording
and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results
assessed.
- Measures taken to
maximize sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the
samples.
- Whether a
relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether
sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.
|
- All drill core was
geotechnically logged following industry standard practices, and
include TCR, RQD, ISRM, and Q-Method. Core recovery is very good
and typically exceeds 90%.
- Channel samples
were not geotechnically logged. Channel recovery was effectively
100%.
|
Logging
|
- Whether core and
chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a
level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation,
mining studies and metallurgical studies.
- Whether logging is
qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel,
etc) photography.
- The total length
and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.
|
- Upon receipt at the
core shack, all drill core is pieced together, oriented to maximum
foliation, metre marked, geotechnically logged (including
structure), alteration logged, geologically logged, and sample
logged on an individual sample basis. Core box photos are also
collected of all core drilled, regardless of perceived
mineralization. Specific gravity measurements of pegmatite are also
collected at systematic intervals for all pegmatite drill core
using the water immersion method, as well as select host rock drill
core.
- Channel samples
were geologically logged upon collection on an individual sample
basis.
- The logging is
qualitative by nature, and includes estimates of spodumene grain
size, inclusions, and model mineral estimates.
- These logging
practices meet or exceed current industry standard
practices.
|
Sub-sampling techniques
and sample preparation
|
- If core, whether
cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core
taken.
- If non-core,
whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether
sampled wet or dry.
- For all sample
types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample
preparation technique.
- Quality control
procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximize
representivity of samples.
- Measures taken to
ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material
collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
- Whether sample
sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being
sampled.
|
- Drill core sampling
follows industry best practices. Drill core was saw-cut with
half-core sent for geochemical analysis and half-core remaining in
the box for reference. The same side of the core was sampled to
maintain representativeness.
- Channels were
saw-cut with the full channel being sent for analysis at ~1 m
sample intervals.
- Sample sizes are
appropriate for the material being assayed.
- A Quality Assurance
/ Quality Control (QAQC) protocol following industry best practices
was incorporated into the program and included systematic insertion
of quartz blanks and certified reference materials (CRMs) into
sample batches at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally,
analysis of pulp-split duplicates was completed to assess
analytical precision, and external (secondary) laboratory
pulp-split duplicates were prepared at the primary lab for
subsequent check analysis and validation at a secondary
lab.
- All protocols
employed are considered appropriate for the sample type and nature
of mineralization and are considered the optimal approach for
maintaining representativeness in sampling.
|
Quality of assay data
and laboratory tests
|
- The nature, quality
and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used
and whether the technique is considered partial or
total.
- For geophysical
tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters
used in determining the analysis including instrument make and
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
derivation, etc.
- Nature of quality
control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates,
external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of
accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been
established.
|
- Core samples
collected from drill holes were shipped either to SGS Canada's
laboratory in Val-d'Or, QC, or Radisson, QC for standard sample
preparation (code PRP90 special) which included drying at 105°C,
crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85%
passing 75 microns. Core sample pulps were shipped by air to SGS
Canada's laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples were
homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including
Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish
(codes GE_ICP91A50 and GE_IMS91A50).
- All channel samples
collected were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in Lakefield, ON,
or Val-d'Or, QC, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at
SGS Canada's laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or
Burnaby, BC (2022, 2023, and 2024), for multi-element (including
Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS
finish. The overlimit package used for cesium is GC_AAS49C – acid
digestion for alkaline elements – and reports Cs in %.
- The Company relies
on both its internal QAQC protocols (systematic use of blanks,
certified reference materials, and external checks), as well as the
laboratory's internal QAQC.
- All protocols
employed are considered appropriate for the sample type and nature
of mineralization and are considered the optimal approach for
maintaining representativeness in sampling.
|
Verification of
sampling and assaying
|
- The verification of
significant intersections by either independent or alternative
company personnel.
- The use of twinned
holes.
- Documentation of
primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data
storage (physical and electronic) protocols.
- Discuss any
adjustment to assay data.
|
- Intervals are
reviewed and compiled by the VP Exploration and Project Managers
prior to disclosure, including a review of the Company's internal
QAQC sample analytical data.
- Data capture
utilizes MX Deposit software whereby core logging data is entered
directly into the software for storage, including direct import of
laboratory analytical certificates as they are received. The
Company employs various on-site and post QAQC protocols to ensure
data integrity and accuracy.
- Adjustments to data
include reporting lithium, tantalum, and cesium in their oxide
forms, as it is reported in elemental form in the assay
certificates. Formulas used are Li2O = Li x 2.153,
Ta2O5 = Ta x 1.221, Cs2O = Cs x
1.0602
|
Location of data
points
|
- Accuracy and
quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole
surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in
Mineral Resource estimation.
- Specification of
the grid system used.
- Quality and
adequacy of topographic control.
|
- Each drill hole's
collar has been surveyed with a RTK Trimble Zephyr 3 or Topcon
GR-5, with small number of holes and channels by average handheld
GPS.
- The coordinate
system used is UTM NAD83 Zone 18.
- The Company
completed a property-wide LiDAR and orthophoto survey in August
2022, which provides high-quality topographic control.
- The quality and
accuracy of the topographic controls are considered adequate for
advanced stage exploration and development, including mineral
resource estimation.
|
Data spacing and
distribution
|
- Data spacing for
reporting of Exploration Results.
- Whether the data
spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of
geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and
classifications applied.
- Whether sample
compositing has been applied.
|
- At CV5, drill hole
collar spacing is dominantly grid based. Several collars are
typically completed from the same pad at varied orientations
targeting pegmatite pierce points of ~50 (Indicated) to 100 m
(Inferred) spacing.
- At CV13, drill hole
spacing is dominantly grid based, targetting ~100 m pegmatite
pierce points; however, collar locations and hole orientations may
vary widely, which reflect the varied orientation of the pegmatite
body along strike.
- At CV9, drill hole
collar spacing is irregular with varied hole orientations and
multiple collars on the same pad.
- It is interpreted
that the large majority of the drill hole spacing at each pegmatite
is sufficient to support a mineral resource estimate.
- Core sample lengths
typically range from 0.5 to 2.0 m and average ~1.0 to 1.5 m.
Sampling is continuous within all pegmatite encountered in the
drill hole.
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Orientation of data in
relation to geological structure
|
- Whether the
orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible
structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the
deposit type.
- If the relationship
between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key
mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a sampling
bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
|
- No sampling bias is
anticipated based on structure within the mineralized
body.
- The principal
mineralized bodies are relatively undeformed and very competent,
although have meaningful structural control.
- At CV5, the
principal mineralized body and adjacent lenses are steeply dipping
resulting in oblique angles of intersection with true widths
varying based on drill hole angle and orientation of pegmatite at
that particular intersection point. i.e., the dip of the
mineralized pegmatite body has variations in a vertical sense and
along strike, so the true widths are not always apparent until
several holes have been drilled (at the appropriate spacing) in any
particular drill-fence.
- At CV13, the
principal pegmatite body has a shallow varied strike and northerly
dip.
- At CV9, the
orientation and geometry of the pegmatite is not well understood.
The pegmatite is currently interpreted to be comprised of a single
principal dyke, which outcrops at surface, has a steep northerly
dip, and is moderately plunging to the east-southeast.
|
Sample
security
|
- The measures taken
to ensure sample security.
|
- Samples were
collected by Company staff or its consultants following specific
protocols governing sample collection and handling. Core samples
were bagged, placed in large supersacs for added security,
palleted, and shipped directly to Val-d'Or, QC, or Radisson, QC,
being tracked during shipment along with Chain of Custody. Upon
arrival at the laboratory, the samples were cross-referenced with
the shipping manifest to confirm all samples were accounted for. At
the laboratory, sample bags are evaluated for
tampering.
|
Audits or
reviews
|
- The results of any
audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
|
- A review of the
sample procedures for the Company's 2021 fall drill program
(CF21-001 to 004) and 2022 winter drill program (CV22-015 to 034)
was completed by an Independent Competent Person and deemed
adequate and acceptable to industry best practices (discussed in a
technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Corvette
Property, Quebec, Canada", by Alex Knox, M.Sc., P.Geol., Issue Date
of June 27th, 2022.)
- A review of the
sample procedures through the Company's 2024 winter drill program
(through CV24-526) was completed by an independent Competent Person
with respect to the Shaakichiuwaanaan's Mineral Resource Estimate
(CV5 & CV13 pegmatites) and deemed adequate and acceptable to
industry best practices (discussed in a technical report titled "NI
43‑101 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment for the
Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, James Bay Region, Quebec, Canada" by
Todd McCracken, P.Geo., Hugo Latulippe, P.Eng., Shane Ghouralal,
P.Eng., MBA, and Luciano Piciacchia, P.Eng., Ph.D., of BBA
Engineering Ltd., Ryan Cunningham, M.Eng., P.Eng., of Primero Group
Americas Inc., and Nathalie Fortin, P.Eng., M.Env., of WSP Canada
Inc., Effective Date of August 21, 2024, and Issue Date of
September 12, 2024.
- Additionally, the
Company continually reviews and evaluates its procedures in order
to optimize and ensure compliance at all levels of sample data
collection and handling.
|
Section 2 – Reporting of Exploration Results
Criteria
|
JORC Code
explanation
|
Commentary
|
Mineral tenement and
land tenure status
|
- Type, reference
name/number, location and ownership including agreements or
material issues with third parties such as joint ventures,
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests,
historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental
settings.
- The security of the
tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known
impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the
area.
|
- The
Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (formerly called "Corvette") is
comprised of 463 CDC claims located in the James Bay Region of
Quebec, with Lithium Innova Inc. (wholly owned subsidiary of
Patriot Battery Metals Inc.) being the registered title holder for
all of the claims. The northern border of the Property's primary
claim block is located within approximately 6 km to the south of
the Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure corridor. The CV5
Spodumene Pegmatite is accessible year-round by all-season road is
situated approximately 13.5 km south of the regional and
all‑weather Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure. The CV13
and CV9 spodumene pegmatites are located approximately 3 km
west-southwest and 14 km west of CV5, respectively.
- The Company holds
100% interest in the Property subject to various royalty
obligations depending on original acquisition agreements. DG
Resources Management holds a 2% NSR (no buyback) on 76 claims,
D.B.A. Canadian Mining House holds a 2% NSR on 50 claims (half
buyback for $2M), Osisko Gold Royalties holds a sliding scale NSR
of 1.5-3.5% on precious metals, and 2% on all other products, over
111 claims, and Azimut Exploration holds 2% on NSR on 39
claims.
- The Property does
not overlap any atypically sensitive environmental areas or parks,
or historical sites to the knowledge of the Company. There are no
known hinderances to operating at the Property, apart from the
goose harvesting season (typically mid-April to mid-May) where the
communities request helicopter flying not be completed, and
potentially wildfires depending on the season, scale, and
location.
- Claim expiry dates
range from September 2025 to July 2027.
|
Exploration done by
other parties
|
- Acknowledgment and
appraisal of exploration by other parties.
|
- No core assay
results from other parties are disclosed herein.
- The most recent
independent Property review was a technical report titled "NI
43‑101 Technical Report, Preliminary Economic Assessment for the
Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, James Bay Region, Quebec, Canada" by
Todd McCracken, P.Geo., Hugo Latulippe, P.Eng., Shane Ghouralal,
P.Eng., MBA, and Luciano Piciacchia, P.Eng., Ph.D., of BBA
Engineering Ltd., Ryan Cunningham, M.Eng., P.Eng., of Primero Group
Americas Inc., and Nathalie Fortin, P.Eng., M.Env., of WSP Canada
Inc., Effective Date of August 21, 2024, and Issue Date of
September 12, 2024.
|
Geology
|
- Deposit type,
geological setting and style of mineralization.
|
- The Property
overlies a large portion of the Lac Guyer Greenstone Belt,
considered part of the larger La Grande River Greenstone Belt and
is dominated by volcanic rocks metamorphosed to amphibolite facies.
The claim block is dominantly host to rocks of the Guyer Group
(amphibolite, iron formation, intermediate to mafic volcanics,
peridotite, pyroxenite, komatiite, as well as felsic volcanics).
The amphibolite rocks that trend east-west (generally steeply south
dipping) through this region are bordered to the north by the Magin
Formation (conglomerate and wacke) and to the south by an
assemblage of tonalite, granodiorite, and diorite, in addition to
metasediments of the Marbot Group (conglomerate, wacke). Several
regional-scale Proterozoic gabbroic dykes also cut through portions
of the Property (Lac Spirt Dykes, Senneterre Dykes).
- The geological
setting is prospective for gold, silver, base metals, platinum
group elements, and lithium over several different deposit styles
including orogenic gold (Au), volcanogenic massive sulfide (Cu, Au,
Ag), komatiite-ultramafic (Au, Ag, PGE, Ni, Cu, Co), and pegmatite
(Li, Ta).
- Exploration of the
Property has outlined three primary mineral exploration trends
crossing dominantly east-west over large portions of the Property –
Golden Trend (gold), Maven Trend (copper, gold, silver), and CV
Trend (lithium, tantalum). The CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites
are situated within the CV Trend. Lithium mineralization at the
Property, including at CV5, CV13, and CV9, is observed to occur
within quartz-feldspar pegmatite, which may be exposed at surface
as high relief 'whale-back' landforms. The pegmatite is often very
coarse-grained and off-white in appearance, with darker sections
commonly composed of mica and smoky quartz, and occasional
tourmaline.
- The lithium
pegmatites at Shaakichiuwaanaan are categorized as LCT Pegmatites.
Core assays and ongoing mineralogical studies, coupled with field
mineral identification and assays confirm spodumene as the dominant
lithium-bearing mineral on the Property, with no significant
petalite, lepidolite, lithium-phosphate minerals, or apatite
present. The spodumene crystal size of the pegmatites is typically
decimetre scale, and therefore, very large. The pegmatites also
carry significant tantalum values with tantalite indicated to be
the mineral phase.
|
Drill hole
Information
|
- A summary of all
information material to the understanding of the exploration
results including a tabulation of the following information for all
Material drill holes:
- easting and
northing of the drill hole collar
- elevation or
RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the
drill hole collar
- dip and azimuth of
the hole
- down hole length
and interception depth
- hole
length.
- If the
exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the
information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract
from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should
clearly explain why this is the case.
|
- Drill hole
attribute information is included in a table herein.
- Pegmatite
intersections of <2 m are not typically presented as they are
considered insignificant.
|
Data aggregation
methods
|
- In reporting
Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or
minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off
grades are usually Material and should be stated.
- Where aggregate
intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and
longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such
aggregations should be shown in detail.
- The assumptions
used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly
stated.
|
- Length weighted
averages were used to calculate grade over width.
- No specific grade
cap or cut-off was used during grade width calculations. The
lithium and tantalum length weighted average grade of the entire
pegmatite interval is calculated for all pegmatite intervals over 2
m core length, as well as higher grade zones at the discretion of
the geologist. Pegmatites have inconsistent mineralization by
nature, resulting in some intervals having a small number of poorly
mineralized samples included in the calculation. Non-pegmatite
internal dilution is limited to typically <3 m where relevant
and intervals indicated when assays are reported.
- No metal
equivalents have been reported.
|
Relationship between
mineralization widths and intercept lengths
|
- These relationships
are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration
Results.
- If the geometry of
the mineralization with respect to the drill hole angle is known,
its nature should be reported.
- If it is not known
and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a
clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width
not known')
.
|
- At CV5, geological
modelling is ongoing on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are
received. However, current interpretation supports a principal,
large pegmatite body of near vertical to steeply dipping
orientation, flanked by several subordinate pegmatite lenses
(collectively, the 'CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite')
- At CV13, geological
modelling is ongoing on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are
received. However, current interpretation supports a series of
sub-parallel trending sills with a flat-lying to shallow northerly
dip (collectively, the 'CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite')
- At CV9, geological
modelling is ongoing on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are
received. However, current interpretation indicates CV9 is
comprised of a single principal dyke, which outcrops at surface,
has a steep northerly dip, and is moderately plunging to the
east-southeast. A strike length of 450 m has been delineated
through drilling and outcrop.
- All reported widths
are core length. True widths are not calculated for each hole due
to the relatively wide drill spacing at this stage of delineation
and the typical irregular nature of pegmatite, as well as the
varied drill hole orientations. As such, true widths may vary
widely from hole to hole.
|
Diagrams
|
- Appropriate maps
and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be
included for any significant discovery being reported These should
include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
locations and appropriate sectional views.
|
- Please refer to the
figures included herein as well as those posted on the Company's
website.
|
Balanced
reporting
|
- Where comprehensive
reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable,
representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths
should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
|
- Please refer to the
table(s) included herein as well as those posted on the Company's
website.
- Results for
pegmatite intervals <2 m are not reported.
|
Other substantive
exploration data
|
- Other exploration
data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but
not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey
results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method
of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density,
groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential
deleterious or contaminating substances.
|
- The Company is
currently completing site environmental work over the CV5 and CV13
pegmatite area.
- The Company has
completed a bathymetric survey over the shallow glacial lake which
overlies a portion of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite. The lake depth
ranges from <2 m to approximately 18 m, although the majority of
the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, as delineated to date, is overlain by
typically <2 to 10 m of water.
- The Company has
completed significant metallurgical testing comprised of HLS and
magnetic testing, which has produced 6+% Li2O spodumene
concentrates at >70% recovery on both CV5 and CV13 pegmatite
material, indicating DMS as a viable primary process approach, and
that both CV5 and CV13 could potentially feed the same process
plant. A DMS test on CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite material returned a
spodumene concentrate grading 5.8% Li2O at 79% recovery,
strongly indicating potential for a DMS only operation to be
applicable. Additionally, a more expansive DMS pilot program has
been completed, including with non-pegmatite dilution, and has
produced results in line with prior testwork.
- Various mandates
required for advancing the Project towards Feasibility have been
initiated, including but not limited to, environmental baseline,
metallurgy, geomechanics, hydrogeology, hydrology, stakeholder
engagement, geochemical characterization, as well as mining,
transportation, and logistical studies.
|
Further work
|
- The nature and
scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or
depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
- Diagrams clearly
highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main
geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this
information is not commercially sensitive.
|
- The Company intends
to continue drilling the pegmatites of the Shaakichiuwaanaan
Property, focused on the CV5 Pegmatite and adjacent subordinate
lenses, as well as the CV13 Pegmatite and related prospective
corridors.
|

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SOURCE Patriot Battery Metals Inc.