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 holes 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:
- 10.4 m at 1.30% Cs2O, including 4.0 m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
- 10.6 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis pending1
- 7.1 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimit analysis pending1
- 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.
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 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:
- 10.4 m at 1.30% Cs2O, including 4.0 m at 2.02% Cs2O (CV23-117) at CV5.
- 10.6 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-754) at CV13 – Cs overlimits pending
- 7.1 m at >1.00% Cs2O (CV24-520) at CV13 – Cs overlimits pending
- 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), and 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.
Drill Hole / From To Interval Cs2O Li2O Ta2O5 ID Pegmatite
| Channel | (m) | (m) | (m) | (%) | (%) | (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 |
Drill Hole CV5
| 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 |
(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.
As a next step, the Company will use its drill and surface sampling data to geologically 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 (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.
| 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. |
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 pulpsplit 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 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 packages. 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 Exploration 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 accessible year-round by allseason 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% 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% 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.
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 E: [email protected]
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 risks and uncertainties. Forwardlooking 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 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 between 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 forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forwardlooking 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 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 | • Core sampling protocols meet industry standard practices. |
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | ||
| 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 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 sampling 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. • Core samples collected from drill holes were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Val-d’Or, QC, or Radisson, QC, for sample preparation (code PRP90 special) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core sample pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples were homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP- AES/MS finish (codes GE ICP91A50 and _ GE IMS91A50). _ • Channel sampling followed best industry practices with a 3 to 5 cm wide, saw-cut channel completed across the pegmatite outcrop as practical, perpendicular to the interpreted pegmatite strike. Samples were collected at ~1 m contiguous intervals with the channel bearing noted, and GPS coordinate collected at the start and end points of the channel. • All channel samples collected were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Lakefield, ON, or Val-d’Or, QC, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or Burnaby, BC (2022, 2023, and 2024), for multi-element (including Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish. The overlimit package used for cesium is GC AAS49C – acid digestion for alkaline _ elements – and reports Cs in %. |
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |||
| Drilling techniques | • Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face- sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). | • Holes are NQ or NQ3 size core diamond drilling with Core was not oriented. | |||
| Drill sample recovery | • Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. • Measures taken to maximize sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. | • All drill core was geotechnically logged following industry standard practices, and include TCR, RQD, ISRM, and Q-Method. Core recovery is very good and typically exceeds 90%. • Channel samples were not geotechnically logged. Channel recovery was effectively 100%. | |||
| Logging | • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. | • Upon receipt at the core shack, all drill core is pieced together, oriented to maximum foliation, metre marked, geotechnically logged (including structure), alteration logged, geologically logged, and sample logged on an individual sample basis. Core box photos are also collected of all core drilled, regardless of perceived mineralization. Specific gravity measurements of pegmatite are also collected at systematic intervals for all pegmatite drill core using the water immersion method, as well as select host rock drill core. • Channel samples were geologically logged upon collection on an individual sample basis. • The logging is qualitative by nature, and includes estimates of spodumene grain size, inclusions, and model mineral estimates. • These logging practices meet or exceed current industry standard practices. | |||
| Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation | • If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. • For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. | • Drill core sampling follows industry best practices. Drill core was saw-cut with half-core sent for geochemical analysis and half-core remaining in the box for reference. The same side of the core was sampled to maintain representativeness. • Channels were saw-cut with the full channel being sent for analysis at ~1 m sample intervals. • Sample sizes are appropriate for the material being |
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |||
| • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximize representivity of samples. • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. | assayed. • A Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the program and included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials (CRMs) into sample batches at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp- split 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 at a secondary lab. • All protocols employed are considered appropriate for the sample type and nature of mineralization and are considered the optimal approach for maintaining representativeness in sampling. | ||||
| Quality of assay data and laboratory tests | • The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. | • Core samples collected from drill holes were shipped either to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Val-d’Or, QC, or Radisson, QC for standard sample preparation (code PRP90 special) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core sample pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples were homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (codes GE ICP91A50 and GE IMS91A50). _ _ • All channel samples collected were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Lakefield, ON, or Val-d’Or, QC, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or Burnaby, BC (2022, 2023, and 2024), for multi-element (including Li, Ta, and Cs) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish. The overlimit package used for cesium is GC AAS49C – acid digestion for alkaline _ elements – and reports Cs in %. • The Company relies on both its internal QAQC protocols (systematic use of blanks, certified reference materials, and external checks), as well as the laboratory’s internal QAQC. • All protocols employed are considered appropriate for the sample type and nature of mineralization and are considered the optimal approach for maintaining representativeness in sampling. |
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary | |||
| Verification of sampling and assaying | • The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. • The use of twinned holes. • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. • Discuss any adjustment to assay data. | • Intervals are reviewed and compiled by the VP Exploration and Project Managers prior to disclosure, including a review of the Company’s internal QAQC sample analytical data. • Data capture utilizes MX Deposit software whereby core logging data is entered directly into the software for storage, including direct import of laboratory analytical certificates as they are received. The Company employs various on-site and post QAQC protocols to ensure data integrity and accuracy. • Adjustments to data include reporting lithium, tantalum, and cesium in their oxide forms, as it is reported in elemental form in the assay certificates. Formulas used are Li O = Li x 2.153, Ta O = Ta x 2 2 5 1.221, Cs2O = Cs x 1.0602 | |||
| Location of data points | • Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. • Specification of the grid system used. • Quality and adequacy of topographic control. | • Each drill hole’s collar has been surveyed with a RTK Trimble Zephyr 3 or Topcon GR-5, with small number of holes and channels by average handheld GPS. • The coordinate system used is UTM NAD83 Zone 18. • The Company completed a property-wide LiDAR and orthophoto survey in August 2022, which provides high-quality topographic control. • The quality and accuracy of the topographic controls are considered adequate for advanced stage exploration and development, including mineral resource estimation. | |||
| Data spacing and distribution | • Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. • Whether sample compositing has been applied. | • At CV5, drill hole collar spacing is dominantly grid based. Several collars are typically completed from the same pad at varied orientations targeting pegmatite pierce points of ~50 (Indicated) to 100 m (Inferred) spacing. • At CV13, drill hole spacing is dominantly grid based, targetting ~100 m pegmatite pierce points; however, collar locations and hole orientations may vary widely, which reflect the varied orientation of the pegmatite body along strike. • At CV9, drill hole collar spacing is irregular with varied hole orientations and multiple collars on the same pad. • It is interpreted that the large majority of the drill hole spacing at each pegmatite is sufficient to support a mineral resource estimate. • Core sample lengths typically range from 0.5 to 2.0 m and average ~1.0 to 1.5 m. Sampling is continuous within all pegmatite encountered in the drill hole. |