Highlights
- Significant expansion to the recently discovered high-grade
zone (herein termed the "Vega Zone") at the CV13
Spodumene Pegmatite. Highlights include:
- 33.4 m at 2.40% Li2O, including
11.1 m at 4.33%
Li2O, and 17.6 m at 1.89%
Li2O, including 5.6
m at 3.40% Li2O (CV24-507).
- 43.2 m at 1.10% Li2O, including
12.9 m at 3.06%
Li2O (CV24-498).
- 27.1 m at 1.02% Li2O including
7.6 m at 2.39% Li2O
(CV24-513).
- 32.1 m at 0.78% Li2O, including
10.7 m at 2.17%
Li2O (CV24-499).
- Vega Zone is open in several directions with multiple
step-out holes remaining to be reported.
- High-grade mineralization is relatively flat-lying to
shallow dipping and has now been delineated over a significant area
and thickness.
- Highest individual core sample assay reported to date at
Corvette – 1.7 m at 7.01%
Li2O (CV24–507, Vega Zone).
- Along the western arm at CV13, mineralized pegmatite has
been extended down-dip to over 400
m (~190 m vertical depth from surface) with intercepts
including 13.5 m at 1.15%
Li2O (CV24-497), and 8.6 m
at 1.21% Li2O (CV24–518).
- Results for 32,149 m (83 holes) remain to be
reported from the 2024 winter drill program – 27,611 m (67
holes) at CV5, and 4,538 m (16 holes)
at CV13.
- The Vega Zone will be a key target for the upcoming
summer drill program, with details of the program to be released to
the market in the coming weeks.
VANCOUVER, BC, June 10,
2024 /PRNewswire/ - June
11, 2024 – Sydney,
Australia
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Patriot")
(TSX: PMET) (ASX: PMT) (OTCQX: PMETF) (FSE: R9GA) is pleased
to announce the next batch of core assay results from the CV13
Spodumene Pegmatite, including holes targeting the recently
discovered high-grade zone (herein termed the "Vega Zone"), from
its recently completed 2024 winter drill program at Corvette. The
Corvette Property (the "Property" or "Project"), wholly owned by
the Company, is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of
Quebec. The CV13 Spodumene
Pegmatite is located approximately 3 km west-southwest of the CV5
Spodumene Pegmatite, which hosts a maiden mineral resource estimate
("MRE") of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O inferred1
and is situated approximately 13.5 km south of the regional and
all–weather Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure.
Darren L. Smith, Vice President
of Exploration for the Company comments, "The immediate
follow-up holes targeting an expansion of the high-grade Vega Zone
have been extremely successful, returning among the widest and most
well-mineralized pegmatite intercepts to date at CV13. This now
also includes the highest grading individual core sample returned
to date from Corvette at 7.01% Li2O (over 1.7 m) from hole CV24-507 in the Vega
Zone."
"The high-grade mineralization is relatively flat-lying to
shallow dipping and has now been delineated over a significant area
and thickness. The Vega Zone is open in several directions with
multiple holes remaining to be reported, which target a further
expansion of the zone", added Mr. Smith.
Core assay results for 28 drill holes, completed during the 2024
winter drill program at the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite, are reported
herein (Figure 1 and Table 1). Highlights include:
Vega Zone
- 33.4 m at 2.40% Li2O, including
11.1 m at 4.33%
Li2O, and 17.6 m at
1.89% Li2O, including 5.6
m at 3.40% Li2O (CV24-507).
- 43.2 m at 1.10% Li2O, including
12.9 m at 3.06%
Li2O (CV24-498).
- 27.1 m at 1.02% Li2O including
7.6 m at 2.39% Li2O
(CV24-513).
- 32.1 m at 0.78%
Li2O, including 10.7
m at 2.17% Li2O (CV24-499).
These drill holes (CV24-498, 499, 507, and 513) were completed
as follow-up to the Vega Zone's discovery hole (CV24-470), which
returned 34.4 m at 2.90%
Li2O, including 21.9
m at 3.58% Li2O (see news release dated
May 6, 2024). These drill holes
successfully expanded the footprint of the Vega Zone and include
the highest individual core sample assay reported to date at
Corvette – 1.7 m at 7.01%
Li2O (CV24-507) (Figure 3).
Geological modelling (Figure 2) indicates the Vega Zone
to be relatively flat-lying to shallow dipping and near-surface
(starting at ~100 m vertical depth from surface), covering an
area of approximately 350 by 125
m with an interpreted true thickness of ~8 to 30+
m, hosted within a wider moderately to strongly mineralized
pegmatite body. The Vega Zone is open in several directions with
multiple step-out holes targeting the zone remaining to be
reported.
Based on pegmatite intersections to date at the Vega Zone,
coupled with local trends inferred from magnetic data, the
interpreted prospective corridor at CV13 has been significantly
expanded to include areas to the north, northwest, and northeast
(Figure 4 and Figure 5). This highly prospective lithium pegmatite
corridor is of high priority for drill testing, especially in the
immediate area surrounding the Vega Zone.
A follow-up drill program at CV13, focused on further
delineation of the high-grade Vega Zone, is currently being
finalized and is anticipated to be carried out during the
summer-fall drill program. This follow-up drilling will target
extensions of the principal pegmatite body(s) and the Vega Zone to
the west, north, and east within this prospective corridor. To
date, the CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite, through outcrop and drill hole
data, is confirmed to extend over a strike length of at least 2.3
km and down dip at least 400 m, and
remains open at both ends and to depth.
As follow-up to drill hole CV23-311, which returned
28.7 m at 1.49 Li2O
located along the eastern arm of CV13 (See news release dated
April 7, 2024), drill hole CV24-446
was completed and intersected 18.3
m at 1.84% Li2O. Collectively, drilling in
the immediate area of these two drill holes has confirmed the
presence of a series of variably mineralized stacked pegmatite
dykes. This is significant as it implies an increase in overall
pegmatite volume in the area and potential for individual
mineralized lenses to coalesce along strike and/or at depth.
Additionally, drilling along the western arm of CV13 has
successfully extended the pegmatite body to depth at more than
400 m down dip (~190 m vertical depth
from surface) (Figure 6). The pegmatite intercepts are variably
mineralized, ranging from <5 m to
~20 m in thickness. Intercepts reported herein from the western arm
at CV13 include 13.5 m at 1.15%
Li2O (CV24-497) (Figure 7), 14.3 m at 0.80% Li2O, including
10.1 m at 1.09% Li2O
(CV24-436) and 8.6 m at 1.21%
Li2O (CV24–518). In this area of CV13, the pegmatite
remains open to the northwest and at depth.
The 2024 winter drill program totaled 62,518 m (166
holes), including 50,961 m (121 holes) at CV5, and
11,557 m (45 holes) at CV13, of which
32,149 m (83 holes) remain to be
reported – 27,611 m (67 holes) at CV5, and 4,538 m (16 holes) at CV13. This includes
multiple step-out holes that remain to be reported targeting the
newly discovered high-grade Vega Zone at CV13.
An updated MRE for the Corvette Project, incorporating drilling
through April 2024, is scheduled for Q3 2024. This update will
include both the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites for a
consolidated mineral resource statement for the Corvette
Project.
Core sample assays for drill holes reported herein from the CV13
Spodumene Pegmatite are presented in Table 1 for all pegmatite
intersections >2 m. Drill hole
locations and attributes are presented in Table 2.
1
|
The CV5 mineral
resource estimate (109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred) is reported at a
cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O with an effective date of June
25, 2023 (through drill hole CV23-190). Mineral
resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated
economic viability. Largest lithium pegmatite resource in the
Americas based on contained LCE.
|
Quality Assurance / Quality Control
(QAQC)
A Quality Assurance / Quality Control protocol following
industry best practices was incorporated into the program and
included systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified
reference materials into sample batches at a rate of approximately
5%. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split sample duplicates was
completed to assess analytical precision, and external (secondary)
laboratory pulp-split duplicates were prepared at the primary lab
for subsequent check analysis and validation.
All core samples collected were shipped to SGS Canada's
laboratory in Val-d'Or, QC, or
Radisson, QC, for sample
preparation (code PRP90 special) which includes drying at 105°C,
crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85%
passing 75 microns. The pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada's
laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where
the samples were homogenized and subsequently analyzed for
multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion
with ICP-AES/MS finish (codes GE_ICP91A50 and GE_IMS91A50).
About the CV Lithium Trend
The CV Lithium Trend is an emerging spodumene pegmatite district
discovered by the Company in 2017 and is interpreted to span more
than 50 kilometres across the Corvette Property. The core area
includes the approximate 4.6 km long CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite, which
hosts a maiden mineral resource estimate of 109.2 Mt at 1.42%
Li2O inferred1.
To date, eight (8) distinct clusters of lithium pegmatite have
been discovered across the Corvette Property – CV4, CV5, CV8, CV9,
CV10, CV12, CV13, and the recently discovered CV14. Given the
proximity of some pegmatite outcrops to each other, as well as the
shallow till cover in the area, it is probable that some of the
outcrops may reflect a discontinuous surface exposure of a single,
larger pegmatite "outcrop" subsurface.
Qualified/Competent Person
The information in this news release that relates to exploration
results for the Corvette Property is based on, and fairly
represents, information compiled by Mr. Darren L. Smith, M.Sc., P.Geo., who is a
Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 –
Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and member in
good standing with the Ordre des Géologues du Québec
(Geologist Permit number 01968), and with the Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (member number 87868). Mr. Smith
has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news
release.
Mr. Smith is Vice President of Exploration for Patriot Battery
Metals Inc. and holds common shares and options in the Company.
Mr. Smith has sufficient experience, which is relevant to the
style of mineralization, type of deposit under consideration, and
to the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person
as described by the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (the JORC Code). Mr.
Smith consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters
based on his information in the form and context in which it
appears.
About Patriot Battery Metals
Inc.
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. is a hard-rock lithium exploration
company focused on advancing its district-scale 100% owned 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 mineral resource
estimate of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O
inferred1 and ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite
resource in the Americas based on contained lithium carbonate
equivalent (LCE), and one of the top 10 largest lithium pegmatite
resources 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
remains to be assessed.
1
|
The CV5 mineral
resource estimate (109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li2O and 160 ppm Ta2O5 inferred) is reported at a
cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O with an effective date of June
25, 2023 (through drill hole CV23-190). Mineral
resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated
economic viability. Largest lithium pegmatite resource in the
Americas based on contained LCE.
|
For further information, please contact us at
info@patriotbatterymetals.com or by calling +1 (604) 279-8709, or
visit www.patriotbatterymetals.com. Please also refer to the
Company's continuous disclosure filings, available under its
profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au, for available
exploration data.
This news release has been approved by the Board of
Directors.
"KEN
BRINSDEN"
Kenneth Brinsden, President, CEO,
& Managing Director
Disclaimer for Forward-looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking information" or
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable
securities laws and other statements that are not historical facts.
Forward-looking statements are included to provide information
about management's current expectations and plans that allows
investors and others to have a better understanding of the
Company's business plans and financial performance and
condition.
All statements, other than statements of historical fact
included in this news release, regarding the Company's strategy,
future operations, technical assessments, prospects, plans and
objectives of management are forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are
typically identified by words such as "plan", "expect", "estimate",
"intend", "anticipate", "believe", or variations of such words and
phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results
"may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be
achieved. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but
are not limited to, statements concerning: the completion and
release of an updated MRE on the Property, the potential of the
Vega Zone, the release and content of the results of the winter
drill program, the processing and receipt of all remaining core
samples, statements relating to the continuity of spodumene
pegmatite at CV5, and statements about the probability that some of
the outcrops may reflect a discontinuous surface exposure of a
single, larger pegmatite "outcrop" subsurface.
Forward-looking information is based upon certain assumptions
and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such information or
statements. There can be no assurance that such information or
statements will prove to be accurate. Key assumptions upon which
the Company's forward-looking information is based include that
proposed exploration and mineral resource estimate work on the
Property will continue as expected, and that exploration and
development results continue to support management's current plans
for Property development.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all factors and assumptions which may have been used.
Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and
uncertainties facing the Company's business, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Some of the
risks the Company faces and the uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the
forward-looking statements include, among others, the ability to
execute on plans relating to the Company's Project, including the
timing thereof. In addition, readers are directed to carefully
review the detailed risk discussion in the Company's most recent
Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+, which discussion is
incorporated by reference in this news release, for a fuller
understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the
Company's business and operations.
Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon
reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important
factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to
differ materially from those described in forward-looking
statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events
or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There
can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to
be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such information. As such,
these risks are not exhaustive; however, they should be considered
carefully. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize,
actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the
forward-looking statements found herein. Due to the risks,
uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking
statements, readers should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for
the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's
business plans, financial performance and condition and may not be
appropriate for other purposes.
The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as
of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except to the extent required by applicable law. The Company
qualifies all of its forward-looking statements by these cautionary
statements.
Competent Person Statement (ASX Listing Rule 5.22)
The mineral resource estimate in this release was reported by
the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 on July 31, 2023. The Company confirms it is not
aware of any new information or data that materially affects the
information included in the announcement and that all material
assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in
the announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed.
The Company confirms that the form and context in which the
competent person's findings are presented have not been materially
modified from the original market announcement.
Appendix 1 – JORC Code 2012 Table 1
(ASX Listing Rule 5.7.1)
Section 1 – Sampling Techniques and
Data
Criteria
|
JORC Code
explanation
|
Commentary
|
Sampling
techniques
|
•
Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut
channels, random chips, or specific 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 meet 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 0.5 m and the maximum sample length is typically
2.0 m. Targeted individual pegmatite sample lengths are 1.0 to
1.5 m.
•
All drill core is oriented to maximum
foliation prior to logging and sampling and is cut with a core saw
into half-core pieces, with one half-core collected for assay, and
the other half-core remaining in the box for reference.
•
Core samples collected from drill holes
were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in Val-d'Or, QC, and Radisson, QC, for sample
preparation (code PRP90 special) which included drying at 105°C,
crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 250 g, and pulverize 85%
passing 75 microns. Core sample pulps were shipped by air to SGS
Canada's laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples were
homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including
Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish
(codes GE_ICP91A50 and GE_IMS91A50).
|
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 size core diamond drilling was
completed for all holes. Core was not oriented.
|
Drill sample
recovery
|
•
Method of recording and assessing core
and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.
•
Measures taken to maximize sample
recovery and ensure representative nature of the
samples.
•
Whether a relationship exists between
sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred
due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.
|
•
All drill core was geotechnically logged
following industry standard practices, and include TCR, RQD, ISRM,
and Q-Method. Core recovery is very good and typically exceeds
90%.
|
Logging
|
•
Whether core and chip samples have been
geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to
support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and
metallurgical studies.
•
Whether logging is qualitative or
quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc)
photography.
•
The total length and percentage of the
relevant intersections logged.
|
•
Upon receipt at the core shack, all drill
core is pieced together, oriented to maximum foliation, metre
marked, geotechnically logged (including structure), alteration
logged, geologically logged, and sample logged on an individual
sample basis. Core box photos are also collected of all core
drilled, regardless of perceived mineralization. Specific gravity
measurements of pegmatite are also collected at systematic
intervals for all pegmatite drill core using the water immersion
method, as well as select host rock drill core.
•
The logging is qualitative by nature, and
includes estimates of spodumene grain size, inclusions, and model
mineral estimates.
•
These logging practices meet or exceed
current industry standard practices.
|
Sub-sampling techniques
and sample preparation
|
•
If core, whether cut or sawn and whether
quarter, half or all core taken.
•
If non-core, whether riffled, tube
sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or
dry.
•
For all sample types, the nature, quality
and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
•
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 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.
•
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 at a
rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split
duplicates was completed to assess analytical precision, and
external (secondary) laboratory pulp-split duplicates were prepared
at the primary lab for subsequent check analysis and validation at
a secondary lab.
•
All protocols employed are considered
appropriate for the sample type and nature of mineralization and
are considered the optimal approach for maintaining
representativeness in sampling.
|
Quality of assay data
and laboratory tests
|
•
The nature, quality and appropriateness
of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the
technique is considered partial or total.
•
For geophysical tools, spectrometers,
handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining
the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times,
calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc.
•
Nature of quality control procedures
adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias)
and precision have been established.
|
•
Core samples collected from drill holes
were shipped to SGS Canada's laboratory in Val-d'Or, QC (CV5) and Radisson, QC (CV13)
for standard sample preparation (code PRP90 special)
which included drying at 105°C, crush to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle
split 250 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. Core sample
pulps were shipped by air to SGS Canada's laboratory in Burnaby,
BC, where the samples were homogenized and subsequently analyzed
for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide
fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (codes GE_ICP91A50 and
GE_IMS91A50).
•
The Company relies on both its internal
QAQC protocols (systematic use of blanks, certified reference
materials, and external checks), as well as the laboratory's
internal QAQC.
•
All protocols employed are considered
appropriate for the sample type and nature of mineralization and
are considered the optimal approach for maintaining
representativeness in sampling.
|
Verification of
sampling and assaying
|
•
The verification of significant
intersections by either independent or alternative company
personnel.
•
The use of twinned holes.
•
Documentation of primary data, data entry
procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and
electronic) protocols.
•
Discuss any adjustment to assay
data.
|
•
Intervals are reviewed and compiled by
the VP Exploration and Project Managers prior to disclosure,
including a review of the Company's internal QAQC sample analytical
data.
•
Data capture utilizes MX Deposit software
whereby core logging data is entered directly into the software for
storage, including direct import of laboratory analytical
certificates as they are received. The Company employs various
on-site and post QAQC protocols to ensure data integrity and
accuracy.
•
Adjustments to data include reporting
lithium 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, 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 RTK Trimble Zephyr 3.
•
The coordinate system used is UTM NAD83
Zone 18.
•
The Company completed a property-wide
LiDAR and orthophoto survey in August 2022, which provides
high-quality topographic control.
•
The quality and accuracy of the
topographic controls are considered adequate for advanced stage
exploration and development, including mineral resource
estimation.
|
Data spacing and
distribution
|
•
Data spacing for reporting of Exploration
Results.
•
Whether the data spacing and distribution
is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade
continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve
estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied.
•
Whether sample compositing has been
applied.
|
•
At CV5, drill hole collar spacing is
dominantly grid based. Several collars are typically completed from
the same pad at varied orientations targeting pegmatite pierce
points of ~50 to 100 m spacing.
•
At CV13, drill hole spacing is dominantly
grid based at ~100 m; however, collar locations and hole
orientations may vary widely, which reflect the varied orientation
of the pegmatite body along strike.
•
At CV9, drill hole collar spacing is
irregular with varied hole orientations and multiple collars on the
same pad.
•
It is interpreted that the large majority
of the drill hole spacing at each pegmatite is sufficient to
support a mineral resource estimate.
•
Core sample lengths typically range from
0.5 to 2.0 m and average ~1.0 to 1.5 m. Sampling is continuous
within all pegmatite encountered in the drill hole.
|
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 bodies are
relatively undeformed and very competent, although have some
meaningful structural control.
•
At CV5, 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.
•
At CV13, the principal pegmatite body has
a shallow varied strike and northerly dip.
•
At CV9, the orientation and geometry of
the pegmatite is not well understood. The pegmatite is currently
interpreted to be comprised of a single principal dyke, which
outcrops at surface, has a steep northerly dip, and is moderately
plunging to the east-southeast.
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Sample
security
|
•
The measures taken to ensure sample
security.
|
•
Samples were collected by Company staff
or its consultants following specific protocols governing sample
collection and handling. Core samples were bagged, placed in large
supersacs for added security, palleted, and shipped directly to
Val-d'Or, QC, or Radisson, QC, being tracked during shipment along
with Chain of Custody. 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 are
evaluated for tampering.
|
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
Competent 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 (through CV23-190) 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 (discussed in a
technical report titled " NI 43–101 Technical Report, Mineral
Resource Estimate for the CV5 Pegmatite, Corvette Property" by Todd
McCracken, P.Geo., of BBA Engineering Ltd., and Ryan Cunningham,
M.Eng., P.Eng., of Primero Group Americas Inc., Effective Date of
June 25, 2023, and Issue Date of September 8, 2023.
•
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 463
CDC claims located in the James Bay Region of Quebec, with Patriot
Battery Metals Inc. being the registered title holder for all of
the claims. The northern border of the Property's primary claim
block is located within approximately 6 km to the south of the
Trans-Taiga Road and powerline infrastructure corridor. The CV5
Spodumene Pegmatite is situated approximately 13.5 km south of the
regional and all–weather Trans-Taiga
Road and powerline infrastructure. The CV13 and CV9 spodumene
pegmatites are located approximately 3 km west-southwest and 14 km
west of CV5, respectively.
•
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), 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, and Azimut Exploration holds
2% on NSR on 39 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 February
2025 to November 2026.
|
Exploration done by
other parties
|
•
Acknowledgment and appraisal of
exploration by other parties.
|
•
No core assay results from other parties
are disclosed herein.
•
The most recent independent Property
review was a technical report titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report,
Mineral Resource Estimate for the CV5 Pegmatite, Corvette Property,
James Bay Region, Québec, Canada", by Todd McCracken, P.Geo., of
BBA Engineering Ltd., and Ryan Cunningham, M.Eng., P.Eng., of
Primero Group Americas Inc., Effective Date of June 25, 2023, and
Issue Date of September 8, 2023.
|
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 geological 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 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites are situated
within the CV Trend. Lithium mineralization at the Property,
including at CV5, CV13, and CV9, 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 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, 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:
o
easting and northing of the drill hole
collar
o
elevation or RL (Reduced Level –
elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole
collar
o
dip and azimuth of the hole
o
down hole length and interception
depth
o
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 is
included in a table herein.
•
Pegmatite intersections 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.
•
No specific grade cap or cut-off was used
during grade width calculations. The lithium and tantalum length
weighted average grade 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
some intervals having a small number of poorly mineralized samples
included in the calculation. Non-pegmatite internal dilution is
limited to typically <3 m where relevant and intervals indicated
when 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').
|
•
At CV5, geological modelling is ongoing
on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are received. 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')
•
At CV13, geological modelling is ongoing
on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are received. However,
current interpretation supports an upper and lower pegmatite body,
each trending sub-parallel to each other with a shallow northerly
dip (collectively, the 'CV13 Spodumene Pegmatite')
•
At CV9, geological modelling is ongoing
on a hole-by-hole basis and as assays are received. However,
current interpretation indicates CV9 is comprised of a single
principal dyke, which outcrops at surface, has a steep northerly
dip, and is moderately plunging to the east-southeast. A strike
length of 450 m has been delineated through drilling and
outcrop.
•
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 typical
irregular nature of pegmatite, as well as the varied drill hole
orientations. As such, true widths may vary widely from hole to
hole.
|
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 site
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 CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite. 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
Pegmatite and adjacent subordinate lenses, as well as the CV13
Pegmatite. A follow-up drill program at the CV9 Spodumene Pegmatite
is also anticipated.
|
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SOURCE Patriot Battery Metals Inc.