An email has been sent to your address with instructions for changing your password.
There is no user registered with this email.
Sign Up
To create a free account, please fill out the form below.
Thank you for signing up!
A confirmation email has been sent to your email address. Please check your email and follow the instructions in the message to complete the registration process. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.
Welcome to our platform!
Oops!
Something went wrong while trying to create your new account. Please try again and if the problem persist, Email Us to receive support.
Patriot Announces the Largest Lithium Pegmatite Resource in the Americas at CV5, Corvette Property, Quebec, Canada
Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. announces the maiden mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite at its Corvette Property in Quebec. The estimate establishes CV5 as the largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and the 8th largest globally, with 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred. The resource remains open along strike and to depth, and there are multiple other spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property yet to be explored.
Positive
The maiden mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite firmly establishes it as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas and the 8th largest globally.
The estimate returns 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred, with a significant growth potential as the resource remains open along strike and to depth.
The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is just one of several spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property, with more than 20 km of prospective trend yet to be explored.
Negative
None.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia and SYDNEY, Australia, July 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Highlights
CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is firmly established as the largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and the 8th largest globally.
109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred, (0.40% Li2O cut-off grade).
Based on 163 core holes totalling 56,385 m.
Geological model interprets a single, continuous, principal pegmatite body ranging in true thickness from ~8 m to upwards of ~130 m, extending over a strike length of 3.7 km (drill hole to drill hole), and which is flanked by multiple subordinate lenses.
Significant growth potential – the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite remains open along strike at both ends, and to depth along a significant portion of its length.
Maiden (first) mineral resource estimate includes only the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite and does not include any of the other known spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property – CV4, CV8, CV9, CV10, CV12, and CV13.
Cut-off grade sensitivity analysis defines very high-grade and significant tonnage at high cut-off grade, and excellent grade with significant tonnage at low cut-off grade.
Company is well-positioned to aggressively advance infill and step-out drilling, and development studies at CV5, as well as drill testing of other known spodumene pegmatite clusters. More than 20 km of prospective trend remains to be explored for lithium pegmatite at Corvette.
Darren L. Smith, Company Vice President of Exploration, comments: “This maiden mineral resource estimate at CV5 is the culmination of an aggressive 20-month drill campaign that kicked off with our discovery hole in fall 2021, and is nothing less than a team effort to get us here. This first resource has firmly established CV5 as a Tier 1 spodumene pegmatite asset, already ranking as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, as well as in the top 10 resources globally.”
“There remains significant potential for growth, with the resource open at both ends and to depth along a large portion of its length providing a clear path forward for further resource expansion. Further, there are multiple known spodumene pegmatite clusters yet to be drill tested at the Property and more than 20 km of prospective trend yet to be explored. In the case of CV13, the 2022 and 2023 drill programs are anticipated to underpin a maiden mineral resource estimate in 2024 at that spodumene pegmatite cluster. We believe we have only just begun to demonstrate the scale of the lithium mineralized pegmatite system at the Corvette Property,” Mr. Smith added.
Blair Way, Company President and CEO, comments: “We could not be happier with the result of this maiden mineral resource estimate at CV5, which will be the first of multiple resource estimates for the Corvette Property over the coming years. This Property is now officially host to at least one deposit that is definitely a world class asset with respect to the size, grade, and metallurgy when compared to its peers."
Emphasising Corvette’s development potential, Mr. Way explains: “It firmly positions the Company as a leading candidate to provide long-term spodumene supply to the North American and European markets. This is a key milestone for the Company and will underpin future economic and development studies as we look to aggressively advance this asset on the path to production. I would like to thank our shareholders for their support, and moreover, thank the exploration team for their focus and determination in delivering one of the largest spodumene pegmatite resources in the world.”
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the “Company” or “Patriot”) (TSX-V: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased to announce the maiden (i.e., first) mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite at its wholly owned Corvette Property (the “Property”), located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is located approximately 13.5 km south of the regional and all-weather Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure corridor, and within 50 km of the La-Grande 4 (LG4) hydroelectric dam complex.
The mineral resource estimate (“MRE”) at CV5 has firmly established it as the largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and 8th largest globally, returning 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred, at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O, for a total of 3,835,000 t contained lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) (Table 1, Figure 1, and Figure 2). The geological model underpinning the MRE interprets a single, continuous, principal spodumene pegmatite body ranging in true thickness from ~8 m to upwards of ~130 m, extending over a strike length of approximately 3.7 km (drill hole to drill hole), and which is flanked by multiple subordinate lenses. Additionally, the resource and geological modelling has outlined significant potential for growth at CV5, which remains open at both ends along strike, and to depth along a significant portion of its length.
This maiden MRE includes only the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite (previously also termed the “CV5 Pegmatite cluster”), and therefore does not include any of the other known spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property – CV4, CV8, CV9, CV10, CV12, and CV13 (Figure 3). At CV5, the MRE is supported by 163 diamond drill holes completed over the 2021, 2022, and 2023 (through the end of April – drill hole CV23-190) programs, for a collective total of 56,385 m, as well as eleven (11) outcrop channels totalling 63 m.
The mineral resource statement and relevant disclosure, sensitivity analysis, peer comparison, geological and block model views, and cross-sections are presented in the following figures and tables. A detailed overview of the Project is presented in the following sections in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8.
Mineral Resource Statement (NI 43-101)
Table 1: NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Statement for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite
Cut-off Grade Li2O (%)
Classification
Tonnes
Li2O (%)
Ta2O5 (ppm)
Contained Li2O (Mt)
Contained LCE (Mt)
0.40
Inferred
109,242,000
1.42
160
1,551,000
3,835,000
Mineral resources were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards for Disclosure of Mineral Projects (“NI 43-101”) and the CIM Definition Standards (2014). Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, economic, or other relevant issues.
The independent Competent Person (CP), as defined under JORC, and Qualified Person (QP), as defined by NI 43-101 for this estimate is Todd McCracken, P.Geo., Director – Mining & Geology – Central Canada, BBA Inc.
The Effective Date of the estimate is June 25, 2023 (through drill hole CV23-190).
Estimation was completed using a combination of ordinary kriging and inverse distance (ID2) in Leapfrog Edge software with dynamic anisotropy search ellipse on specific domains.
Drill hole composites average 1 m in length. Block size is 10 m x 5 m x 5 m with sub-blocking.
Open-pit mineral resources statement is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O and is based on a spodumene concentrate price of US$1,500/tonne and an exchange rate of 0.76 USD/CAD.
Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade, and contained metal content.
Tonnage and grade measurements are in metric units.
Conversion factors used: Li2O = Li x 2.153; LCE (i.e., Li2CO3) = Li2O x 2.473, Ta2O5 = Ta x 1.221.
Densities for pegmatite blocks were estimated using a linear regression function (SG = 0.0709 x Li2O% + 2.6217) derived from 1,408 SG field measurements and Li2O grade. Non-pegmatite blocks were assigned a fixed SG based on the field measurement median value of their respective lithology.
Based on publicly available defined mineral resource estimates completed in accordance with NI 43-101, JORC, or equivalent regulatory body, the maiden MRE for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite firmly establishes it as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, (Figure 1). Further, using the same source information and metrics (see Appendix 2, and 3), CV5 ranks as a top 10 lithium pegmatite resource in the world, capturing the 8th position (Figure 2). These metrics and context firmly establish CV5 as a Tier 1, world class lithium pegmatite with only its first mineral resource estimate.
Figure 2: MRE tonnage vs grade chart, highlighting the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite as the 8th largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the world.
Several of these peer mineral resource estimates include multiple individual deposits located distal to each other, although still in relative proximity to allow for joint infrastructure development (e.g., Grota do Cirilo consists of five (5) individual pegmatite deposits – Xuxa, Barreiro, Murial, Lavra do Meio, and NDC. By comparison, the CV5 mineral resource consists of five (5) immediately adjacent pegmatite dykes, of which a single, principal pegmatite dyke consists of approximately 93% (i.e., 101.8 Mt) of the total inferred resource tonnage reported herein. In other words, the CV5 MRE consists predominantly within a single, large, spodumene pegmatite body. Further, this maiden MRE includes only the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, and therefore does not include any of the other known spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property – CV4, CV8, CV9, CV10, CV12, and CV13 (Figure 3). Several of these clusters – CV4, CV8, CV12, and CV13 – are located within approximately 7 km of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite and are therefore expected to share infrastructure in the event of development.
Figure 3: Extent of CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite’s mineral resource estimate, highlighting potential along trend at proximal spodumene pegmatite clusters.
The sensitivity analysis for the CV5 MRE is presented in Table 2 and Figure 4. At a lower cut-off grade of 0.10% Li2O, the deposit hosts 123.4 Mt at 1.28% Li2O inferred, and illustrates continued strong grade at higher tonnages. Alternatively, at a high cut-off grade of 1.40% Li2O, the deposit hosts 46.3 Mt at 2.03% Li2O inferred, and illustrates a considerable tonnage at very high-grade. The majority of this high-grade component at CV5 is located within the previously recognized Nova Zone, which has been traced over a strike length of approximately 1.1 km – from drill holes CV23-132 to 108 – and includes multiple drill intersections of 2 to 25 m (core length) at >5% Li2O. These end-members in cut-off grade effectively demonstrate, at the inferred level of classification, an overall very large tonnage pegmatite at strong grade (at low cut-off), with a significant tonnage component at very high-grade (at high cut-off). Both of these extremes compare favourably to the current resource estimates of its global peers.
The following Table 2 and Figure 4 outlines the corresponding tonnage and lithium grade at various cut-off grades for the CV5 MRE. In addition to evaluating sensitivities to cut-off grades, this table can help relate the tonnage and grades at CV5 more directly to those calculated for peer deposits, which may have applied different cut-off grades to their resources.
Table 2: Sensitivity Analysis for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite’s NI 43-101 MRE
Cut-off Grade Li2O (%)
Classification
Tonnes ≥ Cut-off
Li2O ≥ Cut-off (%)
0.10
Inferred
123,357,000
1.28
0.20
Inferred
116,246,000
1.35
0.30
Inferred
112,215,000
1.39
0.40
Inferred
109,242,000
1.42
0.50
Inferred
106,285,000
1.45
0.60
Inferred
102,461,000
1.48
0.70
Inferred
97,962,600
1.52
0.80
Inferred
92,132,900
1.57
0.90
Inferred
85,223,900
1.63
1.00
Inferred
77,555,100
1.69
1.10
Inferred
69,312,500
1.77
1.20
Inferred
61,176,200
1.85
1.30
Inferred
53,299,900
1.94
1.40
Inferred
46,308,100
2.03
1.50
Inferred
39,970,900
2.13
1.60
Inferred
34,157,600
2.22
1.70
Inferred
29,230,300
2.32
1.80
Inferred
24,956,000
2.42
1.90
Inferred
21,173,700
2.52
2.00
Inferred
18,115,400
2.62
This table should not be interpreted as a mineral resource statement. The data is presented to demonstrate the mineral resources sensitivity to various cut-off grades. The selected cut-off grade for the base case is 0.40% Li2O with the revenue factor 1 pit shell constraint.
Figure 4: CV5 mineral resource sensitivity analysis – grade-tonnage curve.
The geological model of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, which forms the basis of the maiden mineral resource estimate, is presented in plan, inclined, and side view in Figure 5 to Figure 9, and in simplified cross-section in Figure 10 to Figure 12. The geological model is supported by drill holes through the end of the 2023 winter program (hole CV23-190). The resource block model of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, classified as inferred, is presented in Figure 13, Figure 14, and Figure 15.
The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite has been geological modelled, based on drill hole data, to extend over a strike length of approximately 3.7 km. However, the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite’s mineral resource estimate block model only extends over a distance of approximately 3.4 km (Figure 13). This is because the block model presented includes only those blocks which have satisfied specific criteria to allow a lithium grade to be classified as inferred and constrained by a conceptual open-pit. Collectively, the blocks within the pit, which have a lithium value assigned, constitute the final block model of the mineral resource estimate. All blocks >0.4% Li2O (the adopted base case cut-off grade for the MRE) are presented in the block model views in Figure 13, blocks >0.1% Li2O in Figure 14, and blocks >2% Li2O and >3% Li2O in Figure 15. Geologically modelled pegmatite where blocks do not populate, have not reached the threshold confidence for the inferred mineral resource category based on the classification criteria applied nor the open-pit constraint applied. Therefore, in these areas (e.g., far east), there is sufficient geological confidence from the drill data to conclude mineralized pegmatite is present; however, additional drilling is required to elevate this confidence to the threshold allowing for an inferred classification of grade and tonnage to be assigned, and for these blocks to fall within a benchmarked pit constraint.
Figure 15: Select views of pit constrained, inferred classified block model (blocks >2% Li2O at top and middle, blocks >3% Li2O at bottom).
In addition to the lithium as the primary commodity of interest, the CV5 Pegmatite also contains a significant amount of tantalum as a potentially recoverable by-product – 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5, inferred. Preliminary mineralogy suggests that tantalite is the tantalum-bearing mineral at CV5, which may potentially be recoverable from the tailings of the primary lithium recovery process (i.e., potential valorization of waste streams).
Tantalum is currently listed as a critical and strategic mineral by the province of Quebec (Canada), Canada, European Union, and the United States, as it is required for a range of high-tech devices and essential niche applications, including in capacitors as it has the highest capacitance of any metal. According to the United States Geological Survey, no tantalum is currently produced in North America or Europe.
The Company intends to continue delineating the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite as well as testing for extensions along strike, up dip, and down dip, where it remains open. The deposit has currently been delineated to within approximately 1.5 km of the CV4 Spodumene Pegmatite cluster to the east, and to within approximately 3.8 km of the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite cluster to the west (Figure 3). Based on drilling to date, geological mapping, and interpretation of geophysical datasets, there is a reasonable potential for these lithium pegmatite clusters to connect subsurface, with the various pegmatite outcrops that define each cluster representing expressions of the mineralized system at surface.
ASX Listing Rule 5.8
As the Company is listed on both the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) as well as the Australian Stock Exchange (the “ASX”), there are two applicable regulatory bodies resulting in additional disclosure requirements. This mineral resource estimate has been completed in accordance with the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and the Company will prepare and file a technical report on SEDAR+ within 45 days of this announcement. Additionally, in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 and the 2012 JORC reporting guidelines, a summary of the material information used to estimate the mineral resource for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is detailed below. For additional information, please refer to JORC Table 1, Section 1, 2, and 3, as presented in Appendix 1 of this announcement.
Mineral Title
The Property is located approximately 220 km east of Radisson and 240 km north-northeast of Nemaska, QC, and is located within approximately 6 km to south of the regional Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure corridor (Figure 16). The La Grande-4 (LG4) hydroelectric dam complex is located approximately 40 km north-northeast of the Property. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is located central to the Property, approximately 13 km south of KM270 on the Trans-Taiga Road.
The Property is comprised of 417 CDC mineral claims that cover an area of approximately 21,357 ha and extends dominantly east-west for approximately 51 km as a nearly continuous, single claim block.
Figure 16: Corvette Property and regional infrastructure
Geology and Geological Interpretation
The Property overlies a large portion of the Lac Guyer Greenstone Belt, considered part of the larger La Grande River Greenstone Belt, and is dominated by volcanic rocks metamorphosed to amphibolite facies. The claim block is dominantly host to rocks of the Guyer Group (amphibolite, iron formation, intermediate to mafic volcanics, peridotite, pyroxenite, komatiite, as well as felsic volcanics) (Figure 17). The amphibolite rocks that trend east-west (generally steeply south dipping) through this region are bordered to the north by the Magin Formation (conglomerate and wacke) and to the south by an assemblage of tonalite, granodiorite, and diorite, in addition to metasediments of the Marbot Group (conglomerate, wacke). The lithium pegmatites on the Property, including at CV5, are hosted predominantly within amphibolites, metasediments, and lesser ultramafics.
Exploration of the Property has outlined three primary mineral exploration trends, crossing dominantly east-west over large portions of the Property – Golden Trend (gold), Maven Trend (copper, gold, silver), and CV Trend (Li-Cs-Ta Pegmatite). The Golden Trend is focused over the northern areas of the Property, the Maven Trend in the southern areas, and the CV Trend “sandwiched” between. Historically, the Golden Trend has received the exploration focus followed by the Maven Trend. However, the identification of the CV Trend and the numerous lithium-tantalum pegmatites discovered to date, represents a previously unknown lithium pegmatite district that was first identified in 2016/2017 by Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. and the Company. The Company’s Vice President of Exploration, Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., was a member of the initial team that identified the potential at Corvette, later joining the Company’s Advisory Board in 2018, and as Vice President of Exploration in 2019. Mr. Smith has managed the exploration of the Corvette Property since the initial work programs, including drilling of the lithium pegmatites.
To date, the lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites at Corvette have been observed to occur within a corridor of approximately 1 km in width that extends in a general east-west direction across the Property for at least 25 km – the ‘CV Lithium Trend’ – with more than 20 km of trend yet to be evaluated for lithium. The core area includes an approximate 3.7 km long spodumene pegmatite (the ‘CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite’, also previously referred to as the ‘CV5 Pegmatite cluster’), as defined by drilling. To date, seven (7) distinct lithium pegmatite clusters have been discovered along this trend at the Corvette Property – CV4, CV5, CV8, CV9, CV10, CV12, and CV13. Each of these clusters includes multiple lithium pegmatite outcrops in close proximity, oriented along the same local trend, and have been grouped to simplify exploration approach and discussion (Figure 18). The maiden mineral resource estimate reported herein is limited to only the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite (Figure 3).
To date, at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, multiple individual spodumene pegmatite dykes have been geologically modelled. However, approximately 93% of the mineral resource is hosted within a single, large, principal spodumene pegmatite dyke, which is flanked on both sides by multiple, subordinate, sub-parallel trending dykes. The principal dyke is modelled to extend continuously over a lateral distance of at least 3.7 km and remains open along strike at both ends and to depth along a large portion of its length. The width of the currently known mineralized corridor at CV5 is approximately 500 m, with spodumene pegmatite intersected as deep as ~430 m in CV23-156 (vertical depth from surface). The pegmatite dykes at CV5 trend south-southwest (approximately 340°/070° RHR), and therefore dip northerly, which is different to the host amphibolites, metasediments, and ultramafics which dip moderately in a southerly direction.
The principal spodumene pegmatite dyke at CV5 ranges from ~8 m to ~130 m in true width, and may pinch and swell aggressively along strike, as well as up and down dip. It is primarily the thickest at near-surface to moderate depths (<225 m), forming a relatively bulbous, elongated shape, which may flair to surface and to depth variably along its length (see geological cross-sections in Figure 10 to Figure 12). As drilling has focused over the principal dyke, the immediate CV5 corridor has not been adequately drill tested and it is interpreted that additional subordinate pegmatite lenses are situated proximal. The pegmatites that define CV5 are relatively undeformed and very competent, although likely have some meaningful structural control.
At the Property, including CV5, lithium mineralization is observed to occur within Li-Cs-Ta pegmatites, which may be exposed at surface as isolated high relief ‘whale-back’ landforms (i.e., outcrops) (Photo 1). Given the proximity of some lithium pegmatite outcrops to each other at the various clusters, as well as the shallow till cover, it is probable that some of the outcrops may reflect a discontinuous surface exposure of a single, larger pegmatite ‘outcrop’ subsurface. Further, the high number of well-mineralized pegmatites along the trend at these clusters indicate a strong potential for a series of relatively closely spaced/stacked, sub-parallel, and sizable spodumene-bearing pegmatite bodies, with significant lateral and depth extent, to be present.
The pegmatites at Corvette, including CV5, are very coarse-grained and off-white in appearance, with darker sections commonly composed of mica and smoky quartz, and occasionally tourmaline. Spodumene is the dominant lithium-bearing mineral identified at all the lithium occurrences documented to date. It occurs as typically centimetre to decimetre-scale crystals that may exceed 1.5 m in length and ranges in colour from cream-white, to light-grey, to light-green. Minor localized lepidolite has been observed in core and in a small number of lithium pegmatite outcrops. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite displays internal fractionation along strike and up/down dip, which is evidence by variation in mineral abundance including spodumene and tantalite. This is highlighted by the high-grade Nova Zone, which has been traced over a strike length of at least 1.1 km – from drill holes CV23-132 to 108 – and includes multiple drill intersections ranging from 2 to 25 m (core length) at >5% Li2O (Figure 19).
The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite has currently been delineated to within approximately 1.5 km of the CV4 Spodumene Pegmatite cluster to the east, and to within approximately 3.8 km of the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite cluster to the west (Figure 3). Based on drilling to date, geological mapping, and interpretation of geophysical datasets, there is a reasonable potential for some of these lithium pegmatite clusters to connect subsurface (below the glacial till), with the various pegmatite outcrops that define each cluster representing expressions of the mineralized system at surface.
Figure 18: Spodumene pegmatite clusters at the Property discovered to date.
Drilling Techniques and Classification Criteria
The mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is supported by 163 diamond drill holes of NQ (predominant) or HQ size, totalling a collective 56,385 m, and eleven (11) outcrop channels totalling 63 m. The drilling includes programs in 2021, 2022, and through the end of the 2023 winter program (hole CV23-190). The 2021 and 2022 programs utilized exclusively helicopter transportable drill rigs, with the winter 2023 program utilizing a combination of helicopter transportable and skid mounted due to the construction of a temporary winter road for that program.
Each drill hole collar was surveyed with an RTK tool (Topcon GR5 or Trimble Zephyr 3), except for one (1) which was surveyed using a handheld GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 64s) only (Table 3). Downhole deviation surveys for each drill hole were completed with a Devico DeviGyro tool (2021 holes), or Reflex Gyro Sprint IQ tool (2022 and 2023 holes). Survey shots were continuous at approximate 3-5 m intervals. The use of the gyro tool system negated potential deflection issues arising from minor but common pyrrhotite within the host amphibolite. All collar and downhole deviation data has been validated by the project geologists on site, and by the database lead.
Drill core has not been oriented; however, downhole optical and acoustic televiewer surveys have been completed on multiple holes to assess overall structure. This data guided the current geological model supporting this maiden mineral resource estimate.
Drilling has been completed predominantly along a grid pattern at typically 100 m spacing; however, tightens to ~50 m in some places (typically over the high-grade Nova Zone), and widens to ~150 m in a small number of places. Subsurface pegmatite piece points generally reflect the collar spacing; however, are subject to typical downhole deviation. The initial drill holes targeting CV5, completed in 2021, assumed a southerly dip to the pegmatite and therefore three (3) of four (4) holes were oriented northerly. However, most holes completed to date are oriented southerly (typically 158°) to cross-cut perpendicular the steeply, northerly dipping pegmatite. Drill hole spacing and orientation is sufficient to support the geological model and resource classification applied herein.
All drill holes were completed by Fusion Forage Drilling Ltd. of Hawkesbury, ON. Procedures at the drill followed industry best practices with drill core placed in either 4 or 5 ft long flat, square-bottom wooden boxes (except for hole CV22-083 which used half-moon shaped wooden boxes), with the appropriate hole and box ID noted and block depth markers placed in the box. Core recovery typically exceeds 90%. Once full, the box was fibre taped shut with wooden lids at the drill and box slung north by helicopter to a laydown area on the Trans-Taiga Road (KM270 or KM277), where they were then transported by truck to Mirage Lodge for processing.
Channel sampling followed industry best 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. Channel samples were transported along the same route as drill core for processing at Mirage Lodge.
Figure 19: Diamond drill hole locations at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, which form the basis of the maiden mineral resource estimate.
Sampling and Sub-Sampling Techniques
Core sampling protocols met industry standard practices. Upon receipt at the core shack at Mirage Lodge, all drill core is pieced together, oriented to maximum foliation, metre marked, geotechnically logged (TCR, RQD, ISRM, and Q-Method (since mid-winter 2023)), alteration logged, geologically logged (rock type), and sample logged on an individual sample basis. Wet and dry core box photos are also collected of all core drilled, regardless of perceived mineralization. Specific gravity measurements of entire pegmatite samples were collected at systematic intervals (approximately 1 SG measurement every 4-5 m) using the water immersion method.
Core sampling was guided by rock type as determined during geological logging (i.e., by a geologist). All pegmatite intervals were sampled in their entirety, regardless of whether spodumene mineralization was 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 0.3-0.5 m and the maximum sample length is typically 2.0 m. Targeted individual pegmatite sample lengths are 1.0 m. All drill core was saw-cut, using an Almonte automatic core saw in 2022 and 2023, with one half-core collected for assay, and the other half-core remaining in the box for reference.
Channels were geologically logged upon collection on an individual sample basis; however, were not geotechnically logged. Channel recovery was effectively 100%.
The logging of drill core and channels was qualitative by nature, and included estimates of spodumene grain size, inclusions, and model mineral estimates. These logging practices meet or exceed current industry standard practices and are of appropriate detail to support a mineral resource estimation and disclosure herein.
All core samples were bagged and sealed individually, and then placed in large supersacs for added security, palleted, and shipped by third party transport, or directly by representatives of the Company, to the designated sample preparation laboratory (Activation Laboratories Ltd. (“Activation Laboratories”) in Ancaster, ON, in 2021, SGS Canada Inc. (“SGS Canada”) in Lakefield, ON, in 2022 and 2023, and SGS Canada in Val-d’Or, QC, in 2023) being tracked during shipment along with chain of custody documentation. Upon arrival at the laboratory, the samples were cross-referenced with the shipping manifest to confirm all samples were accounted for and had not been tampered with.
Sample Analysis Method
Core samples collected from 2021 drill holes were shipped to Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, ON, for standard sample preparation (code RX1) which included crushing to 80% passing 10 mesh, followed by a 250 g riffle split and pulverizing to 95% passing 105 microns. All 2021 core sample pulps were analyzed, at the same lab, for multi-element (including lithium) by four-acid digestion with ICP-OES finish (package 1F2) and tantalum by INAA (code 5B), with any samples returning >8,000 ppm Li by 1F2 reanalyzed for Li by code 8-4 Acid ICP Assay. Activation Laboratories is a commercial lab with the relevant accreditations (ISO 17025) and is independent of the Company.
Core samples collected from 2022 and 2023 drill holes CV22-015 through CV23-107 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON (vast majority), Sudbury, ON (CV22-028, 029, 030), or Burnaby, BC (CV22-031, 032, 033, and 034), for standard sample preparation (code PRP89) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 75% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core samples collected from 2023 drill holes CV23-108 through 190 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Val-d’Or, QC, for standard sample preparation (code PRP89). All 2022 and 2023 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). SGS Canada is a commercial lab with the relevant accreditations (ISO 17025) and is independent of the Company.
A Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the drill programs and included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials into sample batches, as well as collection of quarter-core duplicates, at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split and coarse-split sample duplicates were completed to assess analytical precision at different stages of the laboratory preparation process, and external (secondary) laboratory pulp-split duplicates were prepared at the primary lab for subsequent check analysis and validation at a secondary lab (SGS Canada in 2021, and ALS Canada in 2022 and 2023).
All channel samples collected were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Lakefield, ON, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or Burnaby, BC (2022), for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish. A QAQC protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the channel programs and included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials into sample batches.
Criteria Used for Classification
The Corvette resource classification has been completed in accordance with the JORC 2012 reporting guidelines. All reported mineral resources have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Blocks were considered as inferred when the drill spacing was 140 m or lower and meeting the minimum estimation criteria parameters. There is no indicated or measured classified blocks. Smaller pegmatite dykes with lower level of information / confidence were also not classified.
Classification volumes are created around contiguous blocks at the stated spacing criteria with consideration for the selected mining method. The mineral resource estimates appropriately reflect the view of the Competent Person.
Estimation Methodology
Compositing was done every 1.0 m. Unsampled intervals were assigned a grade of 0.0005% Li and 0.25 ppm Ta. Capping was done after compositing. Based on the statistical analysis capping varies by lithological domain. For the spodumene-rich domain within the CV5 principal pegmatite, no capping was required for Li2O but Ta2O5 was capped at 1,500 ppm. For the feldspar-rich domain within the CV5 principal pegmatite, a capping of 2% Li2O and 1,500 ppm Ta2O5 was applied. For the parallel dykes a capping of 4% Li2O and 1,000 ppm Ta2O5 was applied.
Variography was done both in Leapfrog Edge and Supervisor. For Li2O, a well-structured variogram model was obtained for the CV5 principal pegmatite’s spodumene-rich domain. For the CV5 principal pegmatite, both domains (spodumene-rich and feldspar-rich domains) were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK), using Leapfrog Edge and validated using Datamine Studio RM.
For Ta2O5, the spodumene-rich domain and the feldspar-rich domain within CV5 principal pegmatite did not yield well-structured variograms. Therefore, Ta2O5 was estimated using Inverse Distance Square (ID2).
The remaining pegmatite dykes (7) domains did not yield well-structured variograms for either Li2O and Ta2O5 and therefore were estimated using Inverse Distance Square (ID2), also using Leapfrog Edge.
Three (3) orientated search ellipsoids were used to select data and interpolate Li2O and Ta2O5 grades in successively less restrictive passes. The ellipse sizes and anisotropies were based on the variography, drillhole spacing, and pegmatite geometry. The ellipsoids were 67.5 m x 45 m x 7.5 m, 135 m x 90 m x 15 m, and 180 m x 120 m x 20 m. A minimum of five (5) composites and a maximum of twelve (12) composites were selected during interpolation with a minimum of two (2) holes needed to interpolate during the first two (2) passes. For the third pass a minimum of three (3) composites with a maximum of fifteen (15) without a minimum per hole was used. Variable search ellipse orientations (dynamic anisotropy) were used to interpolate for the seven (7) parallel dykes. Spatial anisotropy of the dykes is respected during estimation using Leapfrog Edge’s Variable Orientation tool. The search ellipse follows the trend of the central reference plane of each dyke.
Parent cells of 10 m x 5 m x 5 m, subblocked four (4) times in each direction (for minimum subcells of 2.5 m in x, 1.25 m in y, and 1.25 m in z were used. Subblocks are triggered by the geological model. Li2O and Ta2O5 grades are estimated on the parent cells and automatically populated to subblocks.
The block model is rotated around the Z axis (Leapfrog 340°).
Fe grades were assigned to the block model based on the median value of individual lithologies.
Hard boundaries between all the pegmatite domains were used for all Li2O and Ta2O5 estimates.
The mineral resource estimate includes blocks within the pit shell above the cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O.
Validation of the block model was performed using Swath Plots in each of the three (3) axes, nearest neighbours grade estimates, global means comparisons, and by visual inspection in 3D and along plan views and cross-sections.
Cut-off Grade and Basis for Selection
The cut-off grade (COG) adopted for the mineral resource estimate is 0.40% Li2O. It has been determined based on operational cost estimates, primarily through benchmarking, for mining (open-pit methods), tailings management, G&A, and concentrate transport costs from the mine site to Becancour, QC, as the base case. Process recovery assumed a Dense Media Separation (DMS) only operation at 70% overall recovery into a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate. A spodumene concentrate price of US $1,500 was assumed with USD/CAD exchange rate of 0.76. A royalty of 2% was applied.
Mining & Metallurgical Methods and Parameters, and Other Modifying Factors Considered
Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, economic, or other relevant issues.
The extraction scenario constraint retained for the maiden mineral resource estimate at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is open-pit. Only material included in the pit shell is included in the mineral resource statement. A pit slope of 45° was assumed, resulting in a strip ratio of 6 (waste to minable resource).
The metallurgical assumptions are supported by metallurgical test programs completed by SGS Canada at their Lakefield, ON, facility. The testwork included Heavy Liquid Separation (HLS) and magnetics, which has produced 6+% Li2O spodumene concentrates at >70% recovery. A subsequent Dense Media Separation (DMS) test on CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite material returned a spodumene concentrate grading 5.8% Li2O at 79% recovery, strongly indicating potential for a DMS only operation to be applicable. For the mineral resource pit shell, an overall recovery of 70% to produce a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate was used.
Various mandates required for advancing the Project towards economic studies have been initiated, including but not limited to, environmental baseline, metallurgy, geomechanics, hydrogeology, hydrology, stakeholder engagement, geochemical characterization, as well as concentrate transport and logistical studies.
Qualified/Competent Person
The information in this news release that relates the mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, as well as other relevant technical information for the Corvette Property, is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr. Todd McCracken, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and member in good standing with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec and with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario. Mr. McCracken has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.
Mr. McCracken is Director – Mining & Geology – Central Canada, of BBA Inc. and is independent of the Company. Mr. McCracken does not hold any securities in the Company.
Mr. McCracken 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 JORC Code, 2012. Mr. McCracken consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
Table 3: Attributes for drill holes completed at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite.
Appendix 1 – JORC Code 2012 Table 1 information required by ASX Listing Rule 5.8.2
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 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 protocols met industry standard practices.
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 0.3-0.5 m and the maximum sample length is typically 2.0 m. Targeted individual pegmatite sample lengths are 1.0 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 2021 drill holes were shipped to Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, ON, for standard sample preparation (code RX1) which included crushing to 80% passing 10 mesh, followed by a 250 g riffle split and pulverizing to 95% passing 105 microns. All 2021 core sample pulps were analyzed, at the same lab, for multi-element (including lithium) by four-acid digestion with ICP-OES finish (package 1F2) and tantalum by INAA (code 5B), with any samples returning >8,000 ppm Li by 1F2 reanalyzed for Li by code 8-4 Acid ICP Assay.
Core samples collected from 2022 and 2023 drill holes CV22-015 through CV23-107 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON (vast majority), Sudbury, ON (CV22-028, 029, 030), or Burnaby, BC (CV22-031, 032, 033, and 034), for standard sample preparation (code PRP89) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 75% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core samples collected from 2023 drill holes CV23-108 through 190 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Val-d’Or, QC, for standard sample preparation (code PRP89). All 2022 and 2023 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).
Channel sampling followed best industry practices with a 3 to 5 cm wide, saw-cut channel completed across the pegmatite 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, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON, (2017), or Burnaby, BC (2022), for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish.
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).
NQ or HQ size core diamond drilling was completed for all holes. Core was not oriented; however, downhole OTV-ATV surveys were completed to various depths on twenty-one (21) holes to assess overall structure.
The quality of the channel sampling allowed the channels to be treated as horizontal drill holes for the purposes of modelling and resource estimation.
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 includes TCR, RQD, ISRM, and Q-Method (since mid-winter 2023). 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 (approximately 1 SG measurement every ~4.5 m) for all pegmatite drill core using the water immersion method.
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 and are of appropriate detail to support a mineral resource estimation.
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.
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.
Drill core and channel 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. Additionally, several intervals over several holes have had quarter-core samples collected for mineral processing programs, thus leaving only a quarter-core in the box for reference over these intervals.
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 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, as well as collection of quarter-core duplicates, at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split and course-split sample duplicates were completed to assess analytical precision at different stages of the laboratory preparation process, and external (secondary) laboratory pulp-split duplicates were prepared at the primary lab for subsequent check analysis and validation at a secondary lab.
A QAQC protocol for the channel samples included insertion of quartz blanks and CRMs into sample batches.
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 2021 drill holes were shipped to Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, ON, for standard sample preparation (code RX1) which included crushing to 80% passing 10 mesh, followed by a 250 g riffle split and pulverizing to 95% passing 105 microns. All 2021 core sample pulps were analyzed, at the same lab, for multi-element (including lithium) by four-acid digestion with ICP-OES finish (package 1F2) and tantalum by INAA (code 5B), with any samples returning >8,000 ppm Li by 1F2 reanalyzed for Li by code 8-4 Acid ICP Assay.
Core samples collected from 2022 and 2023 drill holes CV22-015 through CV23-107 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON (vast majority), Sudbury, ON (CV22-028, 029, 030), or Burnaby, BC (CV22-031, 032, 033, and 034), for standard sample preparation (code PRP89) which included drying at 105°C, crush to 75% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core samples collected from 2023 drill holes CV23-108 through 190 were shipped to SGS Canada’s laboratory in Val-d’Or, QC, for standard sample preparation (code PRP89). All 2022 and 2023 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, for standard preparation. Pulps were analyzed at SGS Canada’s laboratory in either Lakefield, ON (2017), or Burnaby, BC (2022), for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish. The assay techniques are considered appropriate for the nature and type of mineralization present, and result in a total digestion and assay for the elements of interest.
The Company relies on both its internal QAQC protocols (systematic quarter-core duplicates, blanks, certified reference materials, and external checks), as well as the laboratory’s internal QAQC.
For assay results disclosed and used as basis for the mineral resource estimate at CV5, samples have passed QAQC review by the laboratory, the Company, and Competent Person as noted herein.
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.
No twinned holes have been completed, apart from CV23-166, which was re-collared as a different core size, as well as some holes that were lost prior to hitting their target depth, which were re-collared a few metres adjacent.
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 and tantalum in their oxide forms, as it is reported in elemental form in the assay certificates. Formulas used are Li2O = Li x 2.153, LCE (i.e., Li2CO3) = Li2O x 2.473, and Ta2O5 = Ta x 1.221.
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 handheld GPS or RTK (Topcon GR5 or Trimble Zephyr 3), with the vast majority being RTK.
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.
Drill hole collar spacing is dominantly grid based at ~100 m; however, tightens to ~50 m in multiple areas, and widens to ~150 m in a small number of areas. Subsurface pegmatite piece points generally reflect the collar spacing; however, are subject to typical downhole deviation.
Based on the nature of the mineralization and continuity in geological modelling, the drill hole spacing is sufficient to support a mineral resource estimate.
Core sample lengths typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 m and average ~1 m. Sampling is continuous within all pegmatite encountered in drilling, and extends several metres into the host rock.
Sample compositing has not been applied in grade-width calculations disclosed.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure
Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type.
If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
No sampling bias is anticipated based on structure within the mineralized body.
The principal mineralized body is relatively undeformed and very competent, although likely has some meaningful structural control.
The principal mineralized body and adjacent lenses are steeply dipping resulting in oblique angles of intersection with true widths varying based on drill hole angle and orientation of pegmatite at that particular intersection point. i.e., the dip of the mineralized pegmatite body has variations in a vertical sense and along strike, so the true widths are not always apparent until several holes have been drilled (at the appropriate spacing) in any particular drill-fence.
Sample security
The measures taken to ensure sample security.
Samples were collected by Company staff or its consultants following project specific protocols governing sample collection and handling. Core samples were bagged, placed in large supersacs for added security, palleted, and shipped by third party transport, or directly by representatives of the Company, to the designated sample preparation laboratory (Ancaster, ON, in 2021, Lakefield, ON, in 2022 and 2023, and Val-d’Or, QC, in 2023) being tracked during shipment along with chain of custody documents. Upon arrival at the laboratory, the samples were cross-referenced with the shipping manifest to confirm all samples were accounted for. At the laboratory, sample bags were evaluated for tampering. On several occasions in 2022, SGS Canada shipped samples to a different SGS Canada facility for preparation than was intended by the Company.
Audits or reviews
The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.
A review of the sample procedures for the Company’s 2021 fall drill program (CF21-001 to 004) and 2022 winter drill program (CV22-015 to 034) was completed by an Independent Qualified Person and deemed adequate and acceptable to industry best practices (discussed in a technical report titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Corvette Property, Quebec, Canada”, by Alex Knox, M.Sc., P.Geol., Issue Date of June 27th, 2022.)
A review of the sample procedures through the Company’s 2023 winter drill program was completed by an independent Competent Person with respect to the CV5 Pegmatite’s maiden mineral resource estimate and deemed adequate and acceptable to industry best practices (to be discussed in a forthcoming NI 43-101 Technical Report based on the announcement herein).
The Competent Person for this mineral resource estimate, Todd McCracken, P, Geo., of BBA Inc., has reviewed the dataset, protocols, and procedures provided by the Company and considers them to be at or exceed industry standard best practices.
Additionally, the Company continually reviews and evaluates its procedures in order to optimize and ensure compliance at all levels of sample data collection and handling.
Section 2 – Reporting of Exploration Results
Criteria
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
The Corvette Property is comprised of 417 CDC claims located in the James Bay Region of Quebec, with Patriot Battery Metals Inc. the registered title holder for all of the claims. The Property’s northern border is located within approximately 6 km to the south of the Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure corridor. The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is located approximately 13 km south of KM270 on the Trans-Taiga Road.
The Company holds 100% interest in the Property subject to various royalty obligations depending on original acquisition agreements. DG Resources Management holds a 2% NSR (no buyback) on 76 claims, D.B.A. Canadian Mining House holds a 2% NSR on 50 claims (half buyback for $2M) and Osisko Gold Royalties holds a sliding scale NSR of 1.5-3.5% on precious metals, and 2% on all other products, over 111 claims.
The Property does not overlap any atypically sensitive environmental areas or parks, or historical sites to the knowledge of the Company. There are no known hinderances to operating at the Property, apart from the goose harvesting season (typically mid-April to mid-May) where the communities request helicopter flying not be completed, and potentially wildfires depending on the season, scale, and location.
Claim expiry dates range from September 2023 to July 2025.
Exploration done by other parties
Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.
No core assay results from other parties are disclosed herein. A summary of publicly available information on mineral resource estimates for peer deposits/projects is presented herein for context.
The most recent independent Property review was a technical report titled “NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Corvette Property, Quebec, Canada”, by Alex Knox, M.Sc., P.Geol., Issue date of June 27th, 2022.
A NI 43-101 Technical Report on the mineral resource estimate announced herein, completed by an independent third-party (BBA Inc.), will be filed on SEDAR within the next 45 days.
Geology
Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralization.
The Property overlies a large portion of the Lac Guyer Greenstone Belt, considered part of the larger La Grande River Greenstone Belt and is dominated by volcanic rocks metamorphosed to amphibolite facies. The claim block is dominantly host to rocks of the Guyer Group (amphibolite, iron formation, intermediate to mafic volcanics, peridotite, pyroxenite, komatiite, as well as felsic volcanics). The amphibolite rocks that trend east-west (generally steeply south dipping) through this region are bordered to the north by the Magin Formation (conglomerate and wacke) and to the south by an assemblage of tonalite, granodiorite, and diorite, in addition to metasediments of the Marbot Group (conglomerate, wacke). Several regional-scale Proterozoic gabbroic dykes also cut through portions of the Property (Lac Spirt Dykes, Senneterre Dykes).
The geologic setting is prospective for gold, silver, base metals, platinum group elements, and lithium over several different deposit styles including orogenic gold (Au), volcanogenic massive sulfide (Cu, Au, Ag), komatiite-ultramafic (Au, Ag, PGE, Ni, Cu, Co), and pegmatite (Li, Ta).
Exploration of the Property has outlined three primary mineral exploration trends crossing dominantly east-west over large portions of the Property – Golden Trend (gold), Maven Trend (copper, gold, silver), and CV Trend (lithium, tantalum). The CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is situated within the CV Trend. Lithium mineralization at the Property, including at CV5, is observed to occur within quartz-feldspar pegmatite, which may be exposed at surface as high relief ‘whale-back’ landforms. The pegmatite is often very coarse-grained and off-white in appearance, with darker sections commonly composed of mica and smoky quartz, and occasional tourmaline.
The lithium pegmatites at Corvette, including CV5, are categorized as LCT Pegmatites. Core assays and ongoing mineralogical studies, coupled with field mineral identification and assays, indicate spodumene as the dominant lithium-bearing mineral on the Property and at CV5, with no significant petalite, lepidolite, lithium-phosphate minerals, or apatite present. The pegmatites also carry significant tantalum values with tantalite indicated to be the mineral phase.
Drill hole Information
A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:
easting and northing of the drill hole collar
elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar
dip and azimuth of the hole
down hole length and interception depth
hole length.
If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.
Drill hole attribute information for the drill holes included within the geological model underpinning the maiden mineral resource estimate for CV5 are available with a table herein this news announcement, as well as on the Company’s website.
Core assay grade-width calculations for all pegmatite intervals >2 m are available in excel format for download from the Company’s website. Pegmatite grade-width calculations for assays of intervals of <2 m are not typically presented as they are considered insignificant.
Data aggregation methods
In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail.
The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.
Length weighted averages were used to calculate grade over width for core sample assays reported.
No specific grade cap or cut-off was used during grade width calculations. The lithium and tantalum average of the entire pegmatite interval is calculated for all pegmatite intervals over 2 m core length, as well as higher grade zones at the discretion of the geologist. Pegmatites have inconsistent mineralization by nature, resulting in most intervals having a small number of poorly mineralized samples throughout the interval included in the calculation. Non-pegmatite internal dilution is limited to typically <3 m, with relevant intervals typically indicated where assays are reported.
No metal equivalents have been reported.
Relationship between mineralization widths and intercept lengths
These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.
If the geometry of the mineralization with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’).
Geological modelling is ongoing on a hole-by-hole basis as CV5 is drilled. However, current interpretation supports a principal, large pegmatite body of near vertical to steeply dipping orientation, flanked by several subordinate pegmatite lenses (collectively, the ‘CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite’)
All reported widths are core length. True widths are not calculated for each hole due to the relatively wide drill spacing at this stage of delineation, and the unusual and irregular nature of the principal pegmatite body. As such, true widths may vary widely from hole to hole based on the drill hole angle and the highly irregular nature of the pegmatite body(s), which tends to pinch and swell aggressively along strike and to depth. i.e., the dip of the mineralized pegmatite body has variations in a vertical sense and along strike, so the true widths are not always apparent until several holes (at the appropriate spacing) have been drilled in any particular drill-fence. As the drill spacing tightens, true widths will be able to be estimated with a more reasonable certainty. Therefore, all reported widths are core length (i.e., apparent width).
Diagrams
Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.
Please refer to the figures included herein as well as those posted on the Company’s website.
Balanced reporting
Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.
Please refer to the table(s) included herein as well as those posted on the Company’s website.
Results for pegmatite intervals <2 m are not reported.
Other substantive exploration data
Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
The Company is currently completing baseline environmental work over the CV5 and CV13 pegmatite area. No endangered flora or fauna have been documented over the Property to date, and several sites have been identified as potentially suitable for mine infrastructure.
The Company has completed a bathymetric survey over the shallow glacial lake which overlies a portion of the mineralized body (informally known as Lac Bruno). The lake depth ranges from <2 m to approximately 18 m, although the majority of the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, as delineated to date, is overlain by typically <2 to 10 m of water.
The Company has completed preliminary metallurgical testing comprised of HLS and magnetic testing, which has produced 6+% Li2O spodumene concentrates at >70% recovery on both CV5 and CV13 pegmatite material, indicating DMS as a viable primary process approach, and that both CV5 and CV13 could potentially feed the same process plant. A DMS test on CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite material returned a spodumene concentrate grading 5.8% Li2O at 79% recovery, strongly indicating potential for a DMS only operation to be applicable.
Various mandates required for advancing the Project towards economic studies have been initiated, including but not limited to, environmental baseline, metallurgy, geomechanics, hydrogeology, hydrology, stakeholder engagement, geochemical characterization, as well as transportation and logistical studies.
Further work
The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
The Company intends to continue drilling the pegmatites of the Corvette Property, focused on the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite and adjacent subordinate lenses. At CV5, mineralization remains open along strike, and to depth along a significant portion of its length. Drilling is also anticipated to continue at the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite cluster as well as other spodumene pegmatite clusters at the Property. A maiden mineral resource estimate is planned for CV13 in 2024.
Section 3 – Estimate and Reporting of Mineral Resources
Criteria
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
Database integrity
Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, for example, transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes.
Data validation procedures used.
Data capture utilizes MX Deposit database software whereby core logging data is entered directly into the software for storage, including direct import of laboratory analytical certificates as they are received. Collar and downhole deviation surveys are also validated and stored in MX Deposit database software. The Company employs various on-site and post initial QAQC protocols to ensure data integrity and accuracy.
Drill hole collar points were validated against LiDAR topographic data.
The drill hole database was further validated by the independent Competent Person for the mineral resource estimate, including missing sample intervals, overlapping intervals, and various missing data (survey, collar coordinates, assays, rock type, etc.)
An 94% audit of the analytical certificates versus the assays present in the database was also completed.
No significant errors in the database were discovered. The database is considered validated and of high quality, and therefore sufficient to support the mineral resource estimate.
Site visits
Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits.
If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case.
Todd McCracken (Competent Person) of BBA Inc., completed a site visit to the Property from April 7 to 11, 2023.
Core from various drill holes from the 2023 program was viewed and core processing protocols reviewed with site geologists. Drilling was active during the site visit.
Several CV5 Pegmatite outcrops were visited, and various collar locations were visited and GPS coordinates checked against the database.
Pulp samples were collected for check analysis from holes selected by the Competent Person. Samples were analyzed by ALS Canada using the similar laboratory and methods as the Company.
No significant issues were found with the protocols practiced on site. The Competent Person considers the QAQC and procedures adopted by the Company to be of high standard.
Geological interpretation
Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit.
Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made.
The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations on Mineral Resource estimation.
The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation.
The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology.
The geological model was built in Leapfrog Geo using MX Deposit database exports in .csv format, through an iterative and interpretive process by Project Geologists and VP Exploration, and validated by the Competent Person.
The deposit (i.e., pegmatite) was geologically modelled as an intrusive for the principal pegmatite body (1), and as a vein for adjacent lenses (7). A combination of implicit and explicit modelling methods were used, defined by geologically logged drill intersections, channel samples, and outcrop mapping, with external geological controls, including measured contact orientations, cross-sectional polylines, and surface polyline controls to ensure the model follows geological interpretation, validation, and reasonable extensions along trend and dip.
The geological model was further domain modelled using rock types and assays.
The geological interpretation is robust. Alternative interpretations are unlikely to materially alter the mineral resource estimate.
Drilling density is the primary factor in assessing the interpreted continuity of both grade and geology. The current drill density is sufficient to support the mineral resource estimate. The controlling factors on mineralization are not fully understood but meaningful structural control is assumed.
Dimensions
The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource.
The CV5 mineral resource estimate includes multiple individual spodumene pegmatite dykes that have been modelled. However, approximately 93% of the mineral resource is hosted within a single, large, principal pegmatite dyke, which is flanked on both sides by multiple, subordinate, sub-parallel trending dykes. The principal dyke at CV5 is geologically modelled to extend continuously over a lateral distance of at least 3.7 km and remains open along strike at both ends and to depth along a large portion of its length. The block model for the mineral resource estimate extends over a strike length of approximately 3.4 km where a pit constrained, inferred level of confidence is assigned.
The width of the currently known mineralized corridor is approximately 500 m, with spodumene pegmatite intersected as deep as ~430 m in CV23-156 (vertical depth from surface).
The pegmatite dykes at CV5 trend south-southwest (approximately 340°/070° RHR), and therefore dip northerly, which is opposite to the host amphibolites, metasediments, and ultramafics which steeply dip southerly.
The principal dyke ranges from ~8 m to ~130 m in true width, and may pinch and swell aggressively along strike, as well as up and down dip. It is primarily the thickest at near-surface to moderate depths (<225 m), forming a relatively bulbous, elongated shape, which may flair to surface and to depth variably along its length.
Estimation and modelling techniques
The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used.
The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data.
The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products.
Estimation of deleterious elements or other non-grade variables of economic significance (eg sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation).
In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed.
Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units.
Any assumptions about correlation between variables.
Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates.
Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping.
The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drill hole data, and use of reconciliation data if available.
Compositing was done every 1.0 m. Unsampled intervals were assigned a grade of 0.0005% Li and 0.25 ppm Ta. Capping was done after compositing. Based on the statistical analysis capping varies by lithological domain. For the spodumene-rich domain within the CV5 principal pegmatite, no capping was required for Li2O but Ta2O5 was capped at 1,500 ppm. For the feldspar-rich domain within the CV5 principal pegmatite, a capping of 2% Li2O and 1,500 ppm Ta2O5 was applied. For the parallel dykes a capping of 4% Li2O and 1,000 ppm Ta2O5 was applied.
Variography was done both in Leapfrog Edge and Supervisor. For Li2O, a well-structured variogram model was obtained for the CV5 principal pegmatite’s spodumene-rich domain. For the CV5 principal pegmatite, both domains (spodumene-rich and feldspar-rich domains) were estimated using ordinary kriging (OK), using Leapfrog Edge and validated using Datamine Studio RM. For Ta2O5, the spodumene-rich domain and the feldspar-rich domain within CV5 principal pegmatite did not yield well-structured variograms. Therefore, Ta2O5 was estimated using Inverse Distance Square (ID2). The remaining pegmatite dykes (7) domains did not yield well-structured variograms for either Li2O and Ta2O5 and therefore were estimated using Inverse Distance Square (ID2), also using Leapfrog Edge.
Three (3) orientated search ellipsoids were used to select data and interpolate Li2O and Ta2O5 grades in successively less restrictive passes. The ellipse sizes and anisotropies were based on the variography, drillhole spacing, and pegmatite geometry. The ellipsoids were 67.5 m x 45 m x 7.5 m, 135 m x 90 m x 15 m, and 180 m x 120 m x 20 m. A minimum of five (5) composites and a maximum of twelve (12) composites were selected during interpolation with a minimum of two (2) holes needed to interpolate during the first two (2) passes. For the third pass a minimum of three (3) composites with a maximum of fifteen (15) without a minimum per hole was used.
Variable search ellipse orientations (dynamic anisotropy) were used to interpolate for the seven (7) parallel dykes. Spatial anisotropy of the dykes is respected during estimation using Leapfrog Edge’s Variable Orientation tool. The search ellipse follows the trend of the central reference plane of each dyke.
Parent cells of 10 m x 5 m x 5 m, subblocked four (4) times in each direction (for minimum subcells of 2.5 m in x, 1.25 m in y, and 1.25 m in z were used. Subblocks are triggered by the geological model. Li2O and Ta2O5 grades are estimated on the parent cells and automatically populated to subblocks.
The block model is rotated around the Z axis (Leapfrog 340°).
Fe grades were assigned to the block model based on the median value of individual lithologies.
Hard boundaries between all the pegmatite domains were used for all Li2O and Ta2O5 estimates.
The mineral resource estimate includes blocks within the pit shell above the cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O.
Validation of the block model was performed using Swath Plots in each of the three (3) axes, nearest neighbours grade estimates, global means comparisons, and by visual inspection in 3D and along plan views and cross-sections.
Moisture
Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content.
Tonnages are reported on a dry basis.
Cut-off parameters
The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied.
The adopted cut-off grade is 0.40% Li2O and determined based on operational cost estimates, primarily through benchmarking, for mining ($7.00/t for minable resource or waste; $4.00/t for overburden material), processing ($57.84/t), tailings management ($8.00/t), G&A ($7.00/t), and concentrate transport costs ($287/t mine site to Becancour, QC). Process recovery assumed a Dense Media Separation (DMS) only operation at 70% overall recovery into a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate. A spodumene concentrate price of US $1,500 was assumed with USD/CAD exchange rate of 0.76. A royalty of 2% was applied.
Mining factors or assumptions
Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made.
Open-pit mining method is assumed with a pit slope of 45°.
The mineral resources are reported as in-situ tonnes and grade.
Metallurgical factors or assumptions
The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made.
The processing assumptions are based on HLS and magnetic testing, which has produced 6+% Li2O spodumene concentrates at >70% recovery, indicating DMS as a viable primary process approach at CV5. This is supported by a subsequent DMS test, which returned a spodumene concentrate grading 5.8% Li2O at 79% recovery.
The pit shell in-put used a 70% recovery to generate a 5.5% Li2O spodumene concentrate
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 CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite is in the early stages of evaluation with this mineral resource estimate the first for the Corvette Project.
A conventional tailings management facility and no material adverse environmental impediments are assumed.
No environmental assessment has been completed for the Project.
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 1,408 SG field measurements (1 sample every ~4.5 m) and Li2O grade. The regression function (SG= 0.0709 x Li2O% + 2.6217) was used for all pegmatite blocks. Non-pegmatite blocks were assigned a fixed SG based on the field measurement median value (granite = 2.7), amphibolite group = 2.95, ultramafic = 2.92, 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 CV5 resource classification is in accordance with the JORC 2012 reporting guidelines. All reported mineral resources have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.
Blocks were considered as inferred when the drill spacing was 140 m or lower and meeting the minimum estimation criteria parameters. There is no indicated or measured classified blocks. Smaller pegmatite dykes with lower level of information / confidence were also not classified.
Classification volumes are created around contiguous blocks at the stated spacing criteria with consideration for the selected mining method.
The classification of the mineral resource estimate 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 mineral resource estimate has been reviewed internally by BBA Inc. as part of its regular internal review process.
There has been no external audit of the mineral resource estimate.
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 mineral resource for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite at the Corvette Lithium Project appropriately consider modifying factors and have been estimated using industry best practices.
The accuracy of the estimate within this mineral resource is determined by yet not limited to; geological confidence including understanding the geology, deposit geometry, drill spacing.
Dilution and recovery factors are based on industry best practice assumptions.
As always, changes in commodity price and exchange rate assumptions will have an impact on optimal size of the open-pit.
Changes in current environmental or legal regulations may affect the operational parameters (cost, mitigation measures).
The mineral resource estimate is a pit constrained estimate.
Appendix 2: Sources for Figure 1 (tonnage vs grade – the Americas) & Figure 2 (tonnage vs grade – world)
Company name
Stock Ticker
Project Name
Source
Liontown Resources
LTR
Kathleen Valley
ASX announcement dated April 8, 2021
Liontown Resources
LTR
Buldania
ASX announcement dated November 8, 2019
Pilbara Minerals
PLS
Pilgangoora
ASX announcement dated October 13, 2022
Alita Resources
A40
Bald Hill
ASX announcement dated June 6, 2018
Livent / IQ
AKE
Whabouchi
ASX announcement dated May 10, 2023
Allkem
AKE
James Bay
ASX announcement dated May 10, 2023
Allkem
AKE
Mt Cattlin
ASX announcement dated May 10, 2023
European Lithium
EUR
Wolfsberg
ASX announcement dated December 1, 2021
AVZ Minerals
AVZ
Manono
ASX announcement dated May 24, 2021
Critical Elements
CRE
Rose
NI 43-101 technical report dated July 26, 2022
Atlantic Lithium
ALL
Ewoyaa
AIM announcement dated February 1, 2023
Talison JV
IGO
Greenbushes
ASX announcement dated July 29, 2022
MARBL JV
MIN
Wodgina
ASX announcement dated October 7, 2022
Albemarle
ALB
Kings Mountain
SEC filing dated February 15, 2023
Mineral Resources
MIN
Mt Marion
ASX announcement dated October 7, 2022
SQM / Wesfarmers
SQM
Mt. Holland
Annual Report 2022
Leo Lithium
LLL
Goulamina
ASX announcement dated June 20, 2022
Sayona Mining
SYA
Authier
ASX announcement dated April 14, 2023
Sayona Mining
SYA
NAL
ASX announcement dated April 14, 2023
Sayona Mining
SYA
Moblan
ASX announcement dated April 17, 2023
Prospect Resources
PSC
Arcadia
ASX announcement dated October 11, 2021
AMG Lithium
AMG
Mibra
Euronext announcement dated April 3, 2017
Sibanye-Stillwater
SSW
Keliber
JSE announcement dated February 17, 2023
Premier African Minerals
PREM
Zulu
AIM announcement dated June 6, 2017
Frontier Lithium
FL
PAK (+Spark)
NI 43-101 technical report dated May 9, 2022
Sigma Lithium
SGML
Grota do Cirilo
TSX.V announcement dated December 4, 2022
Piedmont Lithium
PLL
Carolina
ASX announcement dated October 21, 2021
Sinomine (Bikita Minerals)
(private)
Bikita
SZ Announcement dated April 25, 2023
Delta Lithium
RDT
Mt Ida
ASX announcement dated October 19, 2022
Avalon Advanced Materials
AVL
Separation Rapids
TSX.V announcement dated August 21, 2018
Andrada Mining
ATM
Uis
AIM announcement dated February 6, 2023
Global Lithium
GL1
Manna
ASX announcement dated December 15, 2022
Global Lithium
GL1
Marble Bar
ASX announcement dated December 15, 2022
Snow Lake Resources
SLR
Thompson Brothers
SEC filing effective June 9, 2021
Latin Resources
LRS
Colina
ASX announcement dated June 20, 2023
Essential Metals
ESS
Dome North
ASX announcement dated December 20, 2022
Kodal Minerals
KOD
Bougouni
AIM announcement dated January 27, 2020
Savannah Resources
SAV
Mina Do Barroso
AIM announcement dated 31 May 2019
Zinnwald Lithium
(private)
Zinnwald
NI 43-101 technical report 31 May 2019
Rock Tech Lithium
RCK
Georgia Lake
TSX.V announcement dated 21 April 2021
Core Lithium
CXO
Finniss
ASX announcement dated 18 April 2023
Appendix 3: Mineral resource details for deposits/projects noted in Figure 1 & Figure 2.
Company Name
Project Name
Region
Stage
Category
Tonnage (Mt)
Grade (Li2O)
Liontown Resources
Kathleen Valley
APAC
Development
Measured
20.0
1.32
%
Indicated
109.0
1.37
%
Inferred
27.0
1.27
%
Liontown Resources
Buldania
APAC
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
9.1
0.98
%
Inferred
5.9
0.95
%
Pilbara Minerals
Pilgangoora
APAC
Production
Measured
19.0
1.40
%
Indicated
187.0
1.20
%
Inferred
99.0
1.10
%
Alita Resources
Bald Hill
APAC
Production
Measured
-
-
Indicated
14.4
1.02
%
Inferred
12.1
0.90
%
Livent / IQ
Whabouchi
Americas
Development
Measured
17.7
1.60
%
Indicated
20.8
1.33
%
Inferred
17.2
1.29
%
Allkem
James Bay
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
40.3
1.40
%
Inferred
-
-
Allkem
Mt Cattlin
APAC
Production
Measured
0.1
1.00
%
Indicated
11.4
1.31
%
Inferred
1.3
1.30
%
European Lithium
Wolfsberg
EMEA
Development
Measured
4.3
1.13
%
Indicated
5.4
0.95
%
Inferred
3.1
0.90
%
AVZ Minerals
Manono
EMEA
Development
Measured
100.0
1.67
%
Indicated
174.0
1.65
%
Inferred
128.0
1.65
%
Critical Elements
Rose
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
31.5
0.91
%
Inferred
2.7
0.77
%
Atlantic Lithium
Ewoyaa
EMEA
Development
Measured
3.5
1.37
%
Indicated
24.5
1.25
%
Inferred
7.4
1.16
%
Talison JV
Greenbushes
APAC
Production
Measured
0.5
3.20
%
Indicated
249.4
1.80
%
Inferred
110.3
1.00
%
MARBL JV
Wodgina
APAC
Production
Measured
-
-
Indicated
196.9
1.17
%
Inferred
62.3
1.16
%
Albemarle
Kings Mountain
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
46.8
1.37
%
Inferred
42.9
1.10
%
Mineral Resources
Mt Marion
APAC
Production
Measured
-
-
Indicated
21.4
1.54
%
Inferred
30.0
1.38
%
SQM / Wesfarmers
Mt. Holland
APAC
Development
Measured
71.0
1.57
%
Indicated
107.0
1.51
%
Inferred
8.0
1.44
%
Leo Lithium
Goulamina
EMEA
Development
Measured
13.1
1.59
%
Indicated
89.2
1.43
%
Inferred
108.6
1.30
%
Sayona Mining
Authier
Americas
Development
Measured
6.0
0.98
%
Indicated
8.1
1.03
%
Inferred
2.9
1.00
%
Sayona Mining
NAL
Americas
Production
Measured
1.0
1.19
%
Indicated
24.0
1.23
%
Inferred
33.0
1.23
%
Sayona Mining
Moblan
Americas
Development
Measured
6.3
1.46
%
Indicated
43.6
1.16
%
Inferred
21.0
1.02
%
Prospect Resources
Arcadia
EMEA
Development
Measured
15.8
1.12
%
Indicated
45.6
1.06
%
Inferred
11.2
0.99
%
AMG Lithium
Mibra
Americas
Production
Measured
3.4
1.00
%
Indicated
16.9
1.07
%
Inferred
4.2
1.03
%
Sibanye-Stillwater
Keliber
EMEA
Development
Measured
10.2
0.96
%
Indicated
3.9
1.06
%
Inferred
3.3
0.83
%
Premier African Minerals
Zulu
EMEA
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
-
-
Inferred
20.1
1.06
%
Frontier Lithium
PAK
Americas
Development
Measured
1.3
2.14
%
Indicated
24.7
1.59
%
Inferred
32.5
1.41
%
Sigma Lithium
Grota do Cirilo
Americas
Production
Measured
37.1
1.43
%
Indicated
39.9
1.43
%
Inferred
8.6
1.43
%
Piedmont Lithium
Carolina
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
28.2
1.11
%
Inferred
15.9
1.02
%
Sinomine (Bikita Minerals)
Bikita
EMEA
Production
Measured
21.7
1.17
%
Indicated
12.5
1.09
%
Inferred
6.1
1.08
%
Delta Lithium
Mt Ida
APAC
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
3.3
1.40
%
Inferred
9.3
1.10
%
Avalon Advanced Materials
Separation Rapids
Americas
Development
Measured
3.4
1.43
%
Indicated
5.0
1.39
%
Inferred
1.8
1.35
%
Andrada Mining
Uis
EMEA
Development
Measured
21.0
0.72
%
Indicated
17.0
0.73
%
Inferred
43.0
0.73
%
Global Lithium
Manna
APAC
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
18.5
1.03
%
Inferred
14.2
0.97
%
Global Lithium
Marble Bar
APAC
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
3.8
0.97
%
Inferred
14.2
1.01
%
Snow Lake Resources
Thompson Brothers
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
9.1
1.00
%
Inferred
2.0
0.98
%
Latin Resources
Colina
Americas
Development
Measured
0.4
1.34
%
Indicated
29.7
1.37
%
Inferred
15.0
1.22
%
Essential Metals
Dome North
EMEA
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
8.6
1.23
%
Inferred
2.6
0.92
%
Kodal Minerals
Bougouni
EMEA
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
11.6
1.13
%
Inferred
9.7
1.08
%
Savannah Resources
Mina Do Barroso
EMEA
Development
Measured
6.6
1.10
%
Indicated
11.8
1.00
%
Inferred
9.6
1.10
%
Zinnwald Lithium
Zinnwald
EMEA
Development
Measured
18.5
0.78
%
Indicated
17.0
0.73
%
Inferred
4.9
0.76
%
Rock Tech Lithium
Georgia Lake
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
10.6
0.88
%
Inferred
4.2
1.00
%
Core Lithium
Finniss
APAC
Production
Measured
7.0
1.45
%
Indicated
12.4
1.33
%
Inferred
11.3
1.21
%
Patriot Battery Metals
Corvette
Americas
Development
Measured
-
-
Indicated
-
-
Inferred
109.2
1.42
%
APAC = Asia-Pacific; EMEA = Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Americas = North America, and South America
About Patriot Battery Metals Inc.
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. is a hard-rock lithium exploration company focused on advancing its district-scale 100% owned Corvette Property located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, and proximal to regional road and powerline infrastructure. The Corvette Property hosts the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite with a maiden inferred mineral resource estimate of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 (at a cut-off of 0.40% Li2O), and ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite resource in the Americas, and is the 8th largest lithium pegmatite resource in the world. Additionally, the Corvette Property hosts multiple other spodumene pegmatite clusters that remain to be drill tested, as well as more than 20 km of prospective trend that remain to be assessed.
Mineral resources are not minerals reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Effective Date of the mineral resource estimate is June 25, 2023 (through drill hole CV23-190).
This news release has been approved by the Board of Directors,
“BLAIR WAY”
Blair Way, President, CEO, & Director
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “expects” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation statements with respect to potential continuity of pegmatite bodies, and mineral resource estimate preparation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include the results of further exploration and testing, and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, available at www.sedar.com and www.asx.com.au. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.
No securities regulatory authority or stock exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
FAQ
What is the significance of the maiden mineral resource estimate for the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite?
The estimate establishes CV5 as the largest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and the 8th largest globally.
What are the key numbers from the estimate?
The estimate returns 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred.
What is the growth potential of the resource?
The resource remains open along strike and to depth, providing opportunities for further expansion.
Are there other spodumene pegmatite clusters on the Property?
Yes, the estimate includes only the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite and there are multiple other clusters yet to be explored.
How much prospective trend is yet to be explored?
There is more than 20 km of prospective trend yet to be explored for lithium pegmatite at the Corvette Property.
