Patriot Battery on track for feasibility study in Q3

Patriot Battery Metals (TSX: PMET) has commenced drilling at the Shaakichiuwaanaan property located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. The property is a consolidated land package comprising 463 claims totalling 237.1 sq. km.

The winter 2025 program is expected to run through mid-April, targeting a minimum of 15,000 metres of drilling using four rigs. Results will be used for the upcoming feasibility study and inaugural mineral reserve estimate for the CV5 pegmatite, which the company says are on track for the third quarter.

The program has three objectives: extend the high-grade Vega zone (CV13 pegmatite) toward the CV12 pegmatite, test the CV5 to CV13 pegmatite corridor, and complete drilling at two proposed waste rock pile locations in support of the ongoing feasibility study.

Darren Smith, VP of exploration for the company, said 2025 will be a less drill intensive year compared to 2024. “However, exploration drilling along the CV trend remains a key component of the company’s flowthrough spend strategy as the CV5 pegmatite advances through development,” Smith said.

The Shaakichiuwaanaan property currently hosts a mineral resource estimate (including CV5 and CV13 pegmatites) of 80.1 million tonnes at 1.44% lithium oxide (Li₂O) indicated and 62.5 million tonnes at 1.31% Li₂O inferred. The CV5 is accessible year-round by all-season road and is approximately 14 km from a major hydroelectric powerline corridor.

Patriot announced results for its preliminary economic assessment for the CV5 pegmatite in August 2024, outlining the potential for a high-grade lithium project capable of producing up to 800,000 tonnes per annum of spodumene concentrate.