Rigel and Vega confirmed as a major caesium discovery with potential to be a significant supply source for global markets, including the next wave of terrestrial solar technologies
MONTREAL , July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – SYDNEY, Australia – July 21, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
Figure 5: Plan view of the Rigel and Vega caesium zones at the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 6: Plan view of the Indicated (green) and Inferred (blue) block model classifications for the Rigel and Vega caesium zones at the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 7: Oblique view of the Rigel and Vega caesium zone block models within the conceptual open-pit mining constraint shape for the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 8: Oblique view of the Rigel and Vega caesium zone block models within the conceptual open-pit mining constraint shape for the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 9: Simplified cross-section of the Rigel Caesium Zone geological model at the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 10: Simplified cross-section of the Vega Caesium Zone geological model at the CV13 Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 11: Oblique view of the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite block model (classified & constrained) with respect to applied open-pit and underground conceptual mining constraint shapes. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 12: Plan view of the global Indicated (green) and Inferred (blue) block model classifications for the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 13: Oblique view of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite block model with respect to applied open-pit and underground conceptual mining constraint shapes. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 14: Oblique view of the global Indicated (green) and Inferred (blue) block model classifications for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 15: Shaakichiuwaanaan Property and regional infrastructure. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 16: Spodumene pegmatite outcrop at CV13 (looking southerly). (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 17: Pollucite with lepidolite veining (purple) in grey quartz matrix from 139.3 m to 139.5 m in drill hole CV24-520 (Vega Zone), within a wider zone of caesium mineralization grading 7.39% Cs2O over 7.1 m. [ (6) See news release dated April 9, 2025. ] (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 18: High-grade pollucite mineralization in drill hole CV23-271 (Rigel Zone) grading 22.69% Cs2O over 1.0 m (64.0 m to 65.0 m). [ (7) See news release dated April 9, 2025. ] (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 19: Spodumene pegmatite clusters at the Property discovered to date. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 20: Property geology and mineral exploration trends. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
Figure 21: Diamond drill hole and channel locations at the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite, which form the basis of the Caesium Zone MRE. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
APPENDIX 2: MRE DETAILS AND SOURCES FOR DEPOSITS/PROJECTS NOTED IN FIGURE 2. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)
World’s largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposit confirmed at the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, with a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (“Caesium Zone MRE”) of:
Rigel Caesium Zone
Indicated: 163,000 t at 10.25% Cs2O, 1.78% Li2O, and 646 ppm Ta2O5.
Vega Caesium Zone
Indicated: 530,000 t at 2.61% Cs2O, 2.23% Li2O, and 172 ppm Ta2O5.
Inferred: 1,698,000 t at 2.40% Cs2O, 1.81% Li2O, and 245 ppm Ta2O5.
Total contained caesium content of 30.5 kt Cs2O Indicated and 40.8 kt Cs2O Inferred, highlighting the scale and global significance of the discovery.
Caesium resources in the Rigel and Vega zones are now included within the CV13 Pegmatite open-pit resource that forms part of the Company’s consolidated MRE for the Project (including both the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites) (“Consolidated MRE”) – that has been updated and restated as follows:
Indicated: 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 0.11% Cs2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5, and 66 ppm Ga.
Inferred: 33.4 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 0.21% Cs2O, 155 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga.
Caesium is a high-value, rare, and critical mineral which is currently supply constrained with only limited sources supplying the global market1. A discovery of this size, grade, and scale has the potential to be a primary source of supply for the global market, including new and potentially growing applications in emerging next generation terrestrial solar panel applications where caesium has been found to play a vital role in significantly improving panel efficiency, stability, and life span.
The Company has commenced evaluating options (including a scoping metallurgical program to test pollucite recovery using conventional X-ray ore sorting methods) to advance and incorporate the caesium opportunity at CV13 as a potential additional saleable product into the overall economic development of the Project – to follow completion of the lithium-only Feasibility Study on the CV5 Pegmatite.
The Company remains on track to deliver a maiden Ore Reserve and Feasibility Study for lithium at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite in CYQ3-2025.
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1 Mineral deposits of pollucite-hosted caesium are extremely rare globally and represent the most fractionated component of LCT pegmatite systems, which are effectively the only primary and economic source of caesium globally. The Company is aware of only three previous pollucite-hosted caesium mines with Bikita in Zimbabwe and Sinclair in Western Australia now reportedly exhausted and Tanco in Manitoba, Canada, approaching the end of its mine-life. |
Darren L. Smith, Executive and Vice President of Exploration for the Company, comments: “At Shaakichiuwaanaan, we have now defined the largest reported occurrence of pollucite in the world – by a significant margin. To find a pollucite-hosted caesium deposit of this scale and grade is exceptionally rare, with only three deposits globally known to have produced this extremely high-value critical and strategic mineral.”
“The pegmatites of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project continue to demonstrate their unique, world-class nature for hosting abundant and varied critical minerals. With considerable Mineral Resources for lithium, tantalum, gallium, and now caesium defined – and a Feasibility Study for lithium at CV5 on schedule for completion this quarter – the Company is becoming increasingly well-positioned as an emerging critical minerals powerhouse to global markets.”
Ken Brinsden, President, CEO, and Managing Director, comments: “This is another feather in the cap of our technical team, led by Darren, with their hard work resulting in yet another world-class discovery at Shaakichiuwaanaan. What stands out is the sheer scale and grade of this caesium discovery, relative to anything that’s been found before globally.
It’s also a reflection of the extraordinary geology of this deposit, which hosts lithium, tantalum, and now caesium – all high-value critical minerals – at world-class scale. Given the scale, grade, and proximity to the CV5 Pegmatite, the new caesium discovery at Rigel and Vega has already added further substantial value to the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project.”
“What is particularly exciting for investors is that the addressable market for caesium appears to be at a key inflexion point, with its ability to improve the efficiency and stability of next generation terrestrial solar technologies having the potential to drive a massive increase in global demand. Shaakichiuwaanaan stands to play a driving role in the growth of this exciting new market. As we finalize the maiden lithium-only Feasibility Study for the CV5 Pegmatite, we are excited to start work on unlocking the enormous potential of the caesium resource, now outlined to NI 43-101 and JORC standards, for our shareholders,” added Mr. Brinsden.
PATRIOT BATTERY METALS INC. (THE “COMPANY” OR “PATRIOT”) (TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased to announce a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for caesium (the “Caesium Zone MRE”) at the Rigel and Vega zones at its 100%-owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property (the “Property” or “Project”) located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. The Rigel and Vega zones are hosted within the CV13 Pegmatite, which is located ~3 km west-southwest along geological trend of the CV5 Pegmatite that is accessible year-round by all-season road, and is situated ~13 km south of the all–weather Trans-Taiga Road and powerline corridor.
The Company has now confirmed that the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project hosts the world’s largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposit (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Table 2) after declaring a maiden Caesium Zone MRE of:
Rigel Caesium Zone
Indicated: 163,000 t at 10.25% Cs2O, 1.78% Li2O, and 646 ppm Ta2O5.
Vega Caesium Zone
Indicated: 530,000 t at 2.61% Cs2O, 2.23% Li2O, and 172 ppm Ta2O5.
Inferred: 1,698,000 t at 2.40% Cs2O, 1.81% Li2O, and 245 ppm Ta2O5.
The Caesium Zone MRE for Rigel and Vega, hosted within the open-pit resource component of the CV13 Pegmatite – which forms part of the Company’s Consolidated MRE for the Project (including both the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites) – has a total contained caesium metal content of 30.5 kt Cs2O Indicated and 40.8 kt Cs2O Inferred. The Rigel and Vega zones were interpreted using a 0.50% Cs2O grade constraint based on mineral processing analogues and mineralogical analysis supporting pollucite as the predominant Cs-bearing mineral present. Coincident with the pollucite-hosted caesium at Rigel and Vega is high-grade lithium and tantalum, present in the host minerals spodumene and tantalite, respectively, which may be co-recovered as separate concentrates.
The footprint of caesium mineralization at Rigel has been traced over a general area of at least 200 m x 100 m and consists of a single, shallow dipping lens at a depth of ~50 m with a true thickness of 70% recovery on drill core samples from both the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites and indicate DMS as a viable primary process approach for both CV5 and CV13. This is supported by several subsequent DMS tests on CV5 drill core, which returned a spodumene concentrate grading above 5.5% Li2O at recoveries consistently above 75% recovery.
• For the Mineral Resource conceptual mining shapes, based on a grade versus recovery curve of the test work completed to date, an average recovery of approximately 70% to produce a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate was used.
• The metallurgical assumptions for recovery of caesium at the Rigel and Vega zones are supported by historical and active commercial operations at other caesium pegmatites globally. The flowsheets from these operations are viewed as reasonable analogues to a mineral processing flowsheet applicable to Rigel and Vega. These methods included crushing followed by x-ray ore sorting to recover the pollucite, with the tailings fractions further processed by a combination of dense media separation (“DMS”), flotation, magnetics, and gravity methods to recover additional pollucite as well as spodumene (lithium) and tantalite (tantalite).
Environmental
factors or
assumptions
• Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made.
• The CV13 Pegmatite, which includes the Rigel and Vega zones, is in the early stages of evaluation with this mineral resource estimate the first for caesium at the Vega and Rigel zones.
• A conventional tailings management facility and no material adverse environmental impediments are assumed.
• An environmental assessment is underway for the CV5 resource, which forms a component of the Consolidated MRE for the Project. A notice of project was submitted to the provincial regulator and environmental assessment guidelines were received. A Project description has been submitted to the federal regulator.
Bulk density
• Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples.
• The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit.
• Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials.
• Density of the pegmatite was estimated using a linear regression function derived from SG field measurements (1 sample every ~4.5 m) and Li2O grade. The regression function (SG= 0.0674 x (Li2O% +0.81 x B2O3) + 2.6202) was used for all pegmatite blocks. Non-pegmatite blocks were assigned a fixed SG based on the field measurement median value (CV5: diabase = 2.89, amphibolite group = 2.99, metasediment 2.75, ultramafic = 2.94, overburden = 2.00 and CV13: amphibolite group = 3.01, metasediment 2.82, ultramafic = 3.02, overburden = 2.00).
Classification
• The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories.
• Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (ie relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data).
• Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person’s view of the deposit.
• The Caesium Zone MRE classification is in accordance with the JORC 2012 reporting guidelines. All reported Mineral Resources have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. All reported Mineral Resources have been constrained by conceptual open-pit mineable shapes to demonstrate reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction (“RPEEE”).
• Blocks were classified as Indicated when 1.) demonstrated geological continuity and minimum thickness of 2 m, 2.) the drill spacing was 70 m or lower, estimated by a minimum of 2 drill holes, and meeting the minimum estimation criteria parameters, and 3.) grade continuity at the reported cut-off grade. Blocks were classified Inferred when drill spacing was between 70 m and 140 m and meeting the minimum estimation criteria parameters. Geological continuity and a minimum thickness of 2 m were also mandatory. There are no measured classified blocks. Pegmatite dykes or extension with lower level of information / confidence were also not classified.
• Classification shapes are created around contiguous blocks at the stated criteria with consideration for the selected mining method.
• The classification of the MRE is appropriate and reflects the view of Competent Person (Todd McCracken).
Audits or reviews
• The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates.
• The MRE has been reviewed internally by BBA Engineering Ltd. as part of its regular internal review process.
• There has been no external audit of the MRE.
Discussion of
relative accuracy/
confidence
• Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate.
• The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used.
• These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available.
• The Competent Person is of the opinion that the Consolidated MRE (CV5 and CV13 pegmatites, as well as that of the Caesium Zone MRE) appropriately considers modifying factors and have been estimated using industry best practices.
• The accuracy of the estimate within this Caesium Zone MRE is determined by yet not limited to; geological confidence including understanding the geology, deposit geometry, drill spacing.
• As always, changes in commodity price and exchange rate assumptions will have an impact on the optimal size of the conceptual mining open-pit shapes.
• Changes in current environmental or legal regulations may affect the operational parameters (cost, mitigation measures).
• The Caesium Zone MRE is constrained using open-pit mining shapes, and a mineralogical driven caesium grade constraint to satisfy reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
APPENDIX 2: MRE DETAILS AND SOURCES FOR DEPOSITS/PROJECTS NOTED IN FIGURE 2.
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 all-season road and is proximal to regional powerline infrastructure. The Project hosts the world’s largest8 pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite Mineral Resource9 at the Rigel and Vega zones with 0.69 Mt at 4.40% Cs2O, Indicated, and 1.70 Mt at 2.40% Cs2O, Inferred. Additionally, the Project hosts a Consolidated Mineral Resource, which includes the Rigel and Vega caesium zones, totalling 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 0.11% Cs2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5, and 66 ppm Ga, Indicated, and 33.4 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 0.21% Cs2O, 155 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga, Inferred, and ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, and the 8th largest in the world.
A Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) was announced for the CV5 Pegmatite (lithium) on August 21, 2024, and highlights Shaakichiuwaanaan 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,
“KEN BRINSDEN”
Kenneth Brinsden, President, CEO, & Managing Director
Olivier Caza-Lapointe
Head, Investor Relations – North America
T: +1 (514) 913-5264
E: [email protected]
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8 Determination based on Mineral Resource data, sourced through July 11, 2025, from corporate disclosure. |
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9 The Consolidated MRE cut-off grade is variable depending on the mining method and pegmatite (0.40% Li2O open-pit, 0.60% Li2O underground CV5, and 0.70% Li2O underground CV13). A grade constraint of 0.50% Cs2O was used to model the Rigel and Vega caesium zones, which are entirely within the CV13 Pegmatite’s open-pit mining shape. The Effective Date of the MREs is June 20, 2025 (through drill hole CV24-787). Mineral Resources are not Mineral or Ore Reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. |
DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This press release contains “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable Securities Laws.
All statements, other than statements of present or historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “plan”, “development”, “growth”, “continued”, “intentions”, “expectations”, “strategy”, “opportunities”, “anticipated”, “trends”, “potential”, “outlook”, “ability”, “additional”, “on track”, “prospects”, “viability”, “estimated”, “reaches”, “enhancing”, “strengthen”, “target”, “will”, “believes”, 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. In particular and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the scale of the pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite mineral resource defined at Shaakichiuwaanaan; the potential of such resource to be a significant supply source for global markets; the Company’s potential to become a critical minerals powerhouse to global markets; the potential of the caesium opportunity at CV13 as an additional saleable product into the overall economic development of the Project; the potential of the development of the Company’s Shaakichiuwaanaan Property; the potential for resource growth through continued drill exploration; the Company’s intentions with respect to its business and operations; the Company’s potential position in the markets and industries it operates in; the perceived merit and further potential of the Company’s properties; the results and conclusion from the PEA; the feasibility study, including the timing of release; exploration results and potential for production at the Company’s properties including in the manner anticipated by the PEA and within agreed specification under applicable offtake terms; the potential of caesium as a potential by-product in the further development of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project; exploration targets; budgets and forecasted cash flows and return on capital; strategic plans; market price and demand for lithium and the Company’s resilience to changes in market price and demand for lithium; permitting or other timelines; and government regulations and relations.
Key assumptions upon which the Company’s forward-looking information is based include, without limitation, the total funding required to bring the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project to production, the Company’s ability to raise additional financing when needed and on reasonable terms; the Company’s ability to achieve current exploration, development and other objectives concerning the Company’s properties; the Company’s ability to source services, materials and consumables in the future necessary for the development and operation of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project on commercially viable terms; the Company’s expectation that the current price and demand for lithium, caesium and other commodities will be sustained or will improve; the Company’s ability to obtain requisite licences and necessary governmental approvals; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel; general business and economic conditions, including competitive conditions in the markets in which the Company operates.
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 Company’s ability to execute on plans relating to its Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, including the timing thereof; the Company’s ability to generate revenue and future capital requirements; the Company’s profitability in the short or medium term; mineral resource estimation risks; exploration, development and operating risks and costs; the Company’s dependence upon the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property; the titles to the Company’s mineral properties being challenged or impugned; the Company receiving and maintaining licences and permits from appropriate governmental authorities; environmental and safety regulations; land access risk; access to sufficient used and new equipment; maintenance of equipment; the Company’s reliance on key personnel; the Company’s ability to obtain social acceptability by First Nations with respect to its Shaakichiuwaanaan Project; the Company’s reliance on key business relationships; the Company’s growth strategy; the Company’s ability to obtain insurance; occupational health and safety risks; adverse publicity risks; third party risks; disruptions to the Company’s business operations; the Company’s reliance on technology and information systems; litigation risks; tax risks; unforeseen expenses; public health crises; climate change; general economic conditions; commodity prices and exchange rate risks; lithium demand; volatility of share price; public company obligations; competition risk; dividend policy; policies and legislation; force majeure; and changes in technology.
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 forward-looking statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
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 should review the detailed risk discussion in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+ for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company’s business and operations.
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.
SOURCE Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
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