New Sirmac Pegmatite Yields Lithium Grades Up to 3.0% Li2O with Significant Cesium
Winsome Resources has announced a significant new high-grade spodumene pegmatite discovery at its Sirmac-Clapier Project in Quebec, featuring lithium grades up to 3.0% Li2O alongside notable cesium and tantalum mineralization.
- New spodumene pegmatite outcrop measuring 100m by 60m discovered
- High-grade lithium assays up to 3.0% Li2O confirmed through channel sampling
- Significant cesium mineralization detected, with some samples exceeding 25,000ppm Cs
- Project located 30km from road and rail infrastructure in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region
- Further mapping and drill testing planned for 2025 to assess mineralization extent
Discovery Highlights
Winsome Resources (ASX: WR1) has revealed a promising new high-grade spodumene-bearing pegmatite at its Sirmac-Clapier Project in Quebec, Canada. The outcrop, measuring approximately 100 metres north-south by 60 metres east-west, was identified during the company’s recent field season exploration efforts. Channel sampling has confirmed lithium grades reaching up to 3.0% Li2O, accompanied by significant cesium and tantalum mineralization.
This discovery is particularly notable given the scarcity of cesium globally, with only a handful of deposits mined historically. Winsome’s assays detected cesium levels exceeding laboratory detection limits in some samples, prompting re-analysis to precisely quantify this valuable element.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The Sirmac-Clapier Project lies roughly 30 kilometres from existing provincial road infrastructure and about 100 kilometres north of regional centres Chibougamau and Chapais, which connect to rail networks. This proximity to transport infrastructure is a strategic advantage for potential development. Additionally, the project is situated approximately 600 kilometres by road from the Renard Operation processing facilities, over which Winsome holds an option, potentially streamlining future processing pathways.
Exploration and Future Work
Winsome’s exploration team employed systematic geological and geophysical data reviews to prioritize targets across its Quebec portfolio, with Sirmac-Clapier being a relatively underexplored area due to prior focus on the flagship Adina Lithium Project. The initial discovery was followed by detailed channel sampling using diamond saw cuts to minimize sampling bias, with multiple crosscuts confirming consistent high-grade mineralization.
Looking ahead, Winsome plans to undertake further mapping and drill testing throughout 2025 to better define the extent and orientation of the pegmatite body. The company is also collaborating with Power Metals Corp, leveraging their expertise in cesium mineralization, as Winsome holds a significant equity stake and offtake rights in Power Metals’ Case Lake Project.
Market and Strategic Implications
Managing Director Chris Evans highlighted the excitement around new discoveries, emphasizing the potential to expand Winsome’s lithium portfolio beyond Adina. The addition of high-grade cesium and tantalum mineralization could diversify the company’s product offerings and enhance project economics, especially given the limited global supply of cesium.
While the discovery is still at an early stage, the combination of high-grade lithium and critical minerals in a well-located project area positions Winsome to capitalize on growing demand for battery and technology metals. The upcoming exploration results and assay updates will be closely watched by investors and analysts alike.
Bottom Line?
Winsome’s Sirmac-Clapier discovery could reshape its growth trajectory, but the full potential hinges on upcoming drilling and assay results.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the true extent and orientation of the spodumene pegmatite at Sirmac-Clapier?
- How will the high-grade cesium mineralization impact the project’s economics and development plans?
- What timeline and capital requirements will Winsome face to advance Sirmac-Clapier towards production?