#Australia #Sydney #Patriot Battery Metals #Pollucite #Caesium

Pollucite Identified as Primary Caesium Host at Vega and Rigel Zones

Recent exploratory drilling at the Vega and Rigel zones within the CV13 pegmatite in Australia has confirmed pollucite as the dominant mineral host for caesium. This announcement marks a significant advancement for Patriot Battery Metals Inc., highlighting the economic promise of the project's existing lithium resource.

Significant Drill Results

Assessments revealed that up to 75% of the core samples within the caesium-rich zones contained pollucite, with assay results showing substantial high-grade intervals. For instance, in drill hole CV23-271, a 1.0-metre segment featured caesium oxide content of 22.69% at a depth of around 64.5m. Importantly, a high concentration of pollucite was confirmed through XRD-Rietveld analysis, indicating robust caesium mineralization, necessary for evaluating potential economic returns from this critical metal.

Economic Implications

As the next Mineral Resource update is anticipated for Q3 2025, the presence of caesium, tantalum, and gallium positions the CV13 pegmatite as a prominent player within the critical metal landscape. With caesium currently projected to trade at approximately $2,540 per ounce, the return prospects are noteworthy. This price point, coupled with increasing global demand particularly within the space, medical, and oil sectors, underlines the strategic importance of this mineral.

Ken Brinsden, President and CEO of Patriot Battery Metals, stated, “The confirmation of pollucite at Vega and Rigel is pivotal, showcasing the underlying potential for an economically viable operation.” The company aims to evaluate the caesium recovery alongside the ongoing lithium Feasibility Study, aggregating the project’s economics to enhance overall output from the Shaakichiuwaanaan property.

Geological Insights

The geological configuration of the Shaakichiuwaanaan project reveals a differentiation process that has allowed for exceptional enrichment of various critical metals, including caesium and tantalum, through advanced crystallization methods within the pegmatite. This phenomenon is relatively rare and positions the Shaakichiuwaanaan project alongside other renowned lithium-rich locations globally.

Geological mapping suggests the footprints of the caesium zones extend approximately 800 meters by 250 meters at Vega, while Rigel is about 200 meters by 100 meters, indicating significant expanses that could harbor further mineralization.

Future Exploration Plans

The exploration strategy moving forward includes the commencement of an ore-sorting test program aimed at optimizing pollucite recovery, further explored under the lithium focus of the project. Patriot Battery Metals will also assess opportunities for tantalum and gallium as valuable by-products, looking to develop a multi-metal strategy that capitalizes on the rich mineral presence.

In conclusion, the confirmation of pollucite as the primary caesium host mineral marks an exciting phase for Patriot Battery Metals and holds promising implications for the economic viability of the CV13 pegmatite. With strategic evaluations and development efforts on the horizon, the company's exploration into critical metals is poised to advance significantly in the coming years.