Patriot Successfully Produces Sample of Battery-Grade Lithium Hydroxide from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite
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 Successfully Produces Sample of Battery-Grade
Lithium Hydroxide from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite
December 04, 2024 – Vancouver, BC, Canada December 05, 2024 – Sydney, Australia
Highlights
• 307 g sample of marketable, on-specification, battery-grade lithium hydroxide
monohydrate product produced from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite.
• The CV5 Pegmatite Deposit forms the cornerstone of the Company’s Shaakichiuwaanaan
Lithium Project in Canada, representing the bulk of the consolidated Mineral Resource
Estimate1 of 80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li2O Indicated and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li2O Inferred.
• No impurities of concern present.
• Testwork completed as a successful “proof-of-concept” to demonstrate that a high-
quality battery-grade lithium end -product can be produced using representative feed
material from CV5.
• The test sample was produced from s podumene concentrate grading 6.2 % Li 2O and
0.6% Fe2O3, produced from a Dense Media Separation (“DMS”) pilot plant using drill core
samples representing the expected early mine-life at the CV5 Pegmatite.
• This marks a significant de-risking milestone as Patriot advances CV5 through the
stages of development.
• Sample to be used to further advance and strengthen engagement with potential
strategic partners and end-users.
Ken Brinsden, Director, President, and CEO of the Company, comments: “The successful production
of a battery-grade lithium hydroxide product from the cornerstone CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite marks a
key de-risking step in our development strategy . While we are focused on advancing CV5 to production
using a simple DMS -only flowsheet to produce a high -quality spodumene concentrate, it is important to
look beyond and from the viewpoint of the end-user of the downstream product.”
“Not all spodumene concentrates are created equal and by demonstrating that the high-quality, low-iron
spodumene concentrate produced from CV5 result s in a marketable and on -spec battery-grade lithium
hydroxide product, we are further validating and de-risking the Project as we eventually look to capitalize
on this high-value downstream product category.” added Mr. Brinsden.
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% 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.
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the “Company” or “Patriot”) (TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT)
(OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased to announce that it has successfully produced a
marketable and on-specification (“on-spec”) battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate sample
using spodumene concentrate from the CV5 Pegmatite. The CV5 Pegmatite, wholly-owned by the
Company as part of its Shaakichiuwaanaan Property, is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay
region of Quebec and forms the large majority of a consolidated Mineral Resource Estimate2 of
80.1 Mt at 1.44% Li2O indicated and 62.5 Mt at 1.31% Li2O inferred.
The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is accessible year -round by all -season road and is situated
approximately 14 km from a major hydro-electric powerline corridor.
The sample (307 g) of marketable, on-specification (“on-spec”), battery-grade lithium
hydroxide monohydrate (Figure 1) was produced using spodumene concentrate (6.2% Li 2O,
0.6% Fe2O3) from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite. The conversion testwork was performed using
a bench-scale equivalent of a typical downstream commercial process flowsheet and
completed at SGS Canada’s Lakefield, ON, facility.
The objective of the test program was to demonstrate a “proof -of-concept” for the entire
flowsheet using representative spodumene concentrate produced from whole rock pegmatite
(CV5). The program was highly successful and converted the spodumene concentrate to a lithium
hydroxide monohydrate product at battery-grade specifications. The result of this program also
affirms prior testwork undertaken by other independent parties.
Figure 1: Marketable, on spec, battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate produced from the CV5
Spodumene Pegmatite.
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% 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.
The spodumene concentrate was produced using a simple DMS-only (+ magnetic separation)
flowsheet which was fed by a master-composite of drill core material, representing anticipated
early mine-life (Figure 2). This master composite included 15% non-pegmatite host-rock dilution
to better represent a conservative (in terms of dilution content) commercial mining operation
scenario.
Figure 2: Crushed whole rock pegmatite with 15% non-pegmatite host rock dilution – 1.05% Li2O (left);
DMS spodumene concentrate feed for the downstream test work – 6.2% Li2O and 0.60% Fe2O3 (right).
The DMS spodumene concentrate (Figure 2) was subjected to a typical calcination step, converting
the spodumene mineral from its natural and non-leachable α-spodumene structure into its
leachable β-spodumene structure. The calcine (solid) was then ground to 100% passing minus 300
µm and subjected to a sulphuric acid roast. The roasted material was then water-leached, placing
the lithium into solution as lithium sulphate . The solution then underwent primary impurity
removal where , principally, iron and aluminum were removed by selective precipitation with
hydrated lime. Air sparging was used to oxidize the iron from the ferrous to ferric state in the
lithium sulphate solution.
The lithium sulphate solution w as then subjected to secondary impurity removal stage which
precipitated most of the calcium and magnesium by selective precipitation with sodium hydroxide
and sodium carbonate. The remaining calcium and trace magnesium in the lithium sulphate solution
were removed by ion exchange using Lanxess MDS TP208 resin (Figure 3 and Figure 4).
The purified lithium sulphate solution was first concentrated by evaporation (this step would be
removed in a commercial plant as water-leach parameters are optimized). The lithium sulphate in
solution was transformed into lithium hydroxide by the addition of sodium hydroxide
(causticization step). The sodium sulphate ions in solution were then removed by a traditional
crystallization of sodium sulphate as Glauber’s salt.
Finally, lithium hydroxide monohydrate was produced by a 2 -step crystallization process ,
with a final quality that exceeded battery grade specifications (i.e. LiOH•H2O >99.9%) with
no notable impurities of concern present (Figure 1).
Additionally, the purity of the lithium solution from the earlier process step is a strong indication
that an on-spec, battery-grade lithium carbonate product may also be directly produced from CV5
as an additional product option. Collectively, the result of the test program highlights the benefits
to downstream processing when using a clean and low-iron spodumene concentrate such as that
produced from the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite.
The representative lithium hydroxide sample produced from the CV5 Pegmatite will be used to
further advance and strengthen the Company’s engagement with potential strategic
partners, end-users, and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The ability to demonstrate
with definitive data that high-quality, low-iron spodumene concentrates from CV5 are amenable
to standard downstream processing methods resulting in on-spec battery-grade lithium hydroxide
monohydrate, is significant.
The production of th is sample marks a key milestone for the Company and represents a
significant de-risking of the Project.
The Company has recently completed a significant core sampling program to provide additional
representative material for the next phase of mineral processing testwork in support of the
ongoing Feasibility Study on the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite. This program will provide significant
quantities of representative spodumene concentrate for any future downstream test programs.
Figure 3: Water-leach and ion exchange impurity removal stages of the lithium hydroxide flowsheet.
Figure 4: Filtering stage and resultant filter cake post water-leaching and impurity removal.
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
Resource3, 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.
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 abo ut management’s current
expectations and plans that allows 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 fact 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 “plan”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”,
“anticipate”, “believe”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions,
events or results “may” , “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:
potential strategic partners and end -users, the de -risking of the Project, and the potential for
marketable and on-spec battery-grade lithium hydroxide 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
3 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% 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.
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 betwee n 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 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 5.23)
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 s ampling
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. The half remaining in the box was collected
for the metallurgical test program.
• The half-core samples collected from drill holes were
shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Lakefield, ON,
for mineral processing and downstream testwork
through to battery-grade lithium hydroxide.
Drilling techniques • Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation,
open-hole hammer, rotary air blast,
auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details
• All holes are NQ.