Patriot Announces Discovery of a Large Cesium Zone at Shaakichiuwaanaan
Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
Suite 700 - 838 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 0A6
www.patriotbatterymetals.com TSX: PMET / ASX: PMT / OTC: PMETF / FSE: R9GA
Patriot Announces Discovery of a Large Cesium Zone at
Shaakichiuwaanaan
March 2, 2025 – Vancouver, BC, Canada
March 3, 2025 – Sydney, Australia
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 hole s 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:
o 10.4 m at 1.30% Cs2O, including 4.0 m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
o 10.6 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis pending1
o 7.1 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis pending1
o 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.”
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:
o 10.4 m at 1.30% Cs2O, including 4.0 m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
o 10.6 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimits pending
o 7.1 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimits pending
o 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
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), an d 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.
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.
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.
Figure 1: Areas of significant cesium enrichment, with approximately 100 individual core samples
pending overlimit analysis (>1% Cs).
Table 1: Attributes for drill holes and channels discussed herein.
As a next step, the Company will use its drill and surface sampling data to geologica lly 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
ID Drill Hole /
Channel Pegmatite From
(m)
To
(m)
Interval
(m)
Cs2O
(%)
Li2O
(%)
Ta2O5
(ppm)
CV24-754 Drill Hole CV13 142.5 153.1 10.6 >1.00 1.33 296
CV24-520 Drill Hole CV13 137.5 144.6 7.1 >1.00 0.96 103
CV23-271 Drill Hole CV13 61.5 67.4 5.9 >1.00 1.07 3,261
CV24-507 Drill Hole CV13 123.4 128.0 4.6 >1.00 2.11 87
CV23-117 190.0 200.3 10.4 1.30 1.77 240
incl. 192.0 196.0 4.0 2.02 2.06 341
CH22-047 Channel CV12 - - 0.5 9.58 0.44 686
CH22-053 Channel CV12 - - 1.1 3.24 1.24 95
Drill Hole CV5
(1) All intervals are core length; (2) Cesium grades >1.00% Cs2O indicate the sample analytical result exceeded
the upper detection limit of the base analytical package and that overlimit analysis using a different analytical
package is pending.
(Zimbabwe), and Sinclair (Australia). Australia's first commercial cesium mine, Sinclair, extracted
its last cesium in 2019.
Figure 2: Tanco Mine and chemical plant site at Bernic Lake, Manitoba, (Source: Tanco website).
Table 2: Attributes for drill holes and channel discussed herein.
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
ID Drill Hole /
Channel Substrate Total
Depth (m)
Azimuth
(°)
Dip
(°) Easting Northing Elevation
(m)
Core
Size Pegmatite
CV24-754 Drill hole Land 235.9 280 -65 565288.0 5928612.6 390.0 NQ CV13
CV24-520 Drill hole Land 243.7 320 -60 565459.7 5928564.3 387.4 NQ CV13
CV23-271 Drill hole Land 149.2 110 -75 565068.5 5927999.1 429.0 NQ CV13
CV24-507 Drill hole Land 187.0 0 -90 565466.6 5928560.1 387.7 NQ CV13
CV23-117 Drill hole Land 566.1 158 -75 571865.9 5931434.7 375.7 NQ CV5
CH22-047 Channel Land 3.3 13 -10 561735.5 5929436.8 440.6 n/a CV12
CH22-053 Channel Land 4.3 335 -10 561455.6 5929628.8 421.4 n/a CV12
(1) Coordinate system NAD83 / UTM zone 18N; (2) Azimuths and dips presented are those 'planned' and may vary off collar/downhole.
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 package s. 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 Explo ration 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 acce ssible 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% Li 2O and 163 ppm Ta 2O5
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% Li 2O (underground CV5), and 0.80% Li 2O (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 [email protected] 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
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 r isks 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 achievement s 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, th at 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 est imates 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 materia l 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 for ward-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 Compa ny 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 und erpinning 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
• Core sampling protocols meet industry standard
practices.