#Canada #Shaakichiuwaanaan #Patriot Battery #Quebec #CV5 Pegmatite

Patriot Battery Metals Launches 2025 Winter Drill Program

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. has officially launched its 2025 winter drill program at the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property, which is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. This project is notable for being a crucial part of the company's strategy to enhance its lithium resources amid a growing global demand for lithium used in batteries for electric vehicles and other technologies.

Overview of the Winter Program

This year's winter drilling program, which commenced in late January 2025, is projected to cover a minimum of 15,000 meters through April. With three primary objectives, the program aims to:
1. Expand the high-grade Vega Zone (CV13 Pegmatite) towards the CV12 Pegmatite, following an interpreted structural corridor.
2. Explore the potential of the CV5 to CV13 pegmatite corridor.
3. Conduct condemnation drilling at two proposed waste rock pile sites that are essential for the ongoing Feasibility Study at the CV5 Pegmatite.

To execute this ambitious drilling effort, the company plans to deploy up to four drill rigs, predominantly relying on ground support through a mix of all-season and winter roads. This logistical arrangement is expected to optimize the drilling process and enhance efficiency, given the region's challenges.

Currently, Patriot Battery Metals is in the process of evaluating core assay results from 98 drill holes totaling 31,513 meters from the CV5 Pegmatite drilled in the fall of 2024. These results are critical as they will provide valuable insights for future exploration efforts and development plans.

Executive Vice President of Exploration, Darren L. Smith, emphasized the strategic approach for this year's drilling activities, indicating that while 2025 may not require intensive drilling compared to 2024, the exploration drilling along the CV Trend remains essential for advancing the CV5 Pegmatite's development.

Expected Outcomes and Feasibility Study

The anticipated outcomes from this drilling program are not just about expanding mineral resources but also about paving the way for a comprehensive Feasibility Study and maiden Ore Reserve Estimate, both scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2025. This study will significantly shape the future of Patriot Battery Metals and its ambitions to position itself strategically in the lithium supply chain.

Collaborative Efforts

To facilitate the drilling of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property, Patriot Battery Metals has engaged Forage Construction Muskw Inc., a Cree-owned enterprise specializing in diamond drilling services. This collaboration highlights the company's commitment to fostering partnerships with local communities while advancing its technical capabilities. Muskw was formed in 2024 through a joint venture, signifying a considered approach to development in the region, ensuring both community involvement and operational excellence.

Conclusion

As the winter drill program unfolds, the lithium landscape is set to change significantly with ongoing exploration and drilling activities. Patriot Battery Metals stands at the forefront of this evolution, actively engaged in expanding its lithium resources while contributing to sustainable practices and local partnerships. The results of this ambitious drilling initiative will play a crucial role in shaping the next steps for both the company and the electric vehicle market it serves. Stakeholders are advised to stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding assay results and other significant developments from the drilling campaign at the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property.