#Canada #Vancouver #Shaakichiuwaanaan #Patriot Battery #Cesium

Major Cesium Discovery at Shaakichiuwaan

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. recently revealed significant cesium mineralization at its Shaakichiuwaanaan property located in Quebec's Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This discovery is particularly notable as it presents a considerable opportunity with multiple areas showing substantial cesium enrichment, marked by assays exceeding 1% Cs2O.

The primary area of this enrichment is aligned with the company’s high-grade lithium zone, previously identified as the Vega zone (CV13). The cesium-rich layer can be traced across a vast area measuring approximately 600 meters by 400 meters and remains open in multiple directions. Notably, pollucite, a primary ore mineral tied to cesium, has been confirmed through X-ray diffraction mineralogical analysis at the CV13 pegmatite, believed to be the main source of the cesium enrichment on the property. A detailed mineralogical program is currently underway to further explore this valuable resource.

Significant cesium results reported include:

• - 10.4 m at 1.30% Cs2O, including 4.0 m at 2.02% Cs2O from drill hole CV23-117 at CV5.
• - 10.6 m at >1.00% Cs2O from drill hole CV24-754 at CV13, with further analysis pending.
• - 7.1 m at >1.00% Cs2O also from drill hole CV24-520 at CV13, analysis pending.
• - 0.5 m at 9.58% Cs2O recorded at channel CH22-047, located at CV12.

The ongoing analysis for overlimit samples is expected from more than 140 core samples from the recent drilling activities, with final grade width calculations to follow. Generally, economic cesium deposits are considerably smaller than lithium deposits, ranging between 10 kt to 350,000 kt, contrasting with typical lithium pegmatite deposits which may contain millions of tonnes. As a result, the rarity and value of cesium, driven by its significant industrial applications, create a compelling backdrop for future production.

Opportunity for Stakeholder Value

Darren L. Smith, Vice President of Exploration at Patriot Battery Metals, articulated the importance of uncovering extensive cesium mineralization zones. He stated, "Identifying multiple zones of cesium mineralization at Shaakichiuwaan is highly significant. The cesium pegmatites over 1% Cs2O are rare, indicating they represent evolved portions of pegmatite bodies. While our primary focus remains on lithium development at CV5, we clearly see the potential to map out significant pollucite zones. Given the scarcity and value of cesium, the prospects for enhancing stakeholder value are strong."

The Shaakichiuwaan property already boasts a substantial mineral resource estimate, comprising 80.1 million tonnes at 1.44% Li2O indicated and 62.5 million tonnes at 1.31% Li2O inferred. The ore body’s accessibility through year-round all-weather roads and proximity to hydroelectric infrastructure strengthens its development viability.

As exploration continues, the integration of cesium assessment within the lithium-focused development approach will be critical. The potential for cesium as a marketable by-product enhances the company’s growth strategy, potentially leading to a multi-faceted mining operation that capitalizes on both lithium and cesium markets.

Future Steps

The company plans to utilize its core sampling and drill data to model not only the cesium-enriched zones but also its broader implications within the pegmatite structures. As they navigate through the feasibility study for CV5 in conjunction with the prospective cesium resource evaluation, ongoing exploration is expected to refine and expand the understanding of these valuable mineral segments.

In summary, Patriot Battery Metals Inc. stands at a pivotal point with this discovery at Shaakichiuwaan, reflecting its dual-focus strategy on lithium and the emergent cesium market. Both elements play a crucial role in the firm’s long-term vision of establishing a leading presence in the North American resource sector.