15,000m Winter Drilling Underway at Shaakichiuwaanaan to Expand Lithium Resources

Winter Drilling Kicks Off at Shaakichiuwaanaan

Patriot Battery Metals has commenced its 2025 winter drill program at the wholly owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. The campaign, running from late January through mid-April, targets a minimum of 15,000 meters of NQ core drilling. This program is a strategic continuation of Patriot’s efforts to expand and delineate its lithium resources ahead of a pivotal feasibility study.

Strategic Objectives Focused on Resource Expansion and Development Support

The winter drill program has three primary objectives. First, it aims to extend the high-grade Vega Zone westward along a structural corridor toward the CV12 Pegmatite, potentially unlocking further high-grade spodumene mineralization. Second, it will test the highly prospective corridor between the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites, a key area for demonstrating connectivity between lithium clusters. Third, the program includes condemnation drilling at two proposed waste rock pile sites to support infrastructure planning for the CV5 Pegmatite’s ongoing feasibility study.

Operational Execution and Local Partnerships

Up to four drill rigs are anticipated to support the program, with two rigs already active since late January focusing on resource expansion targets. These operations leverage a combination of all-season and winter roads, ensuring year-round accessibility to the CV5 Pegmatite, which is situated near major hydroelectric infrastructure. Notably, Patriot has engaged Forage Construction Muskw Inc., a Cree-owned joint venture, to provide diamond drilling services, underscoring the company’s commitment to local partnerships.

Resource Base and Upcoming Milestones

The Shaakichiuwaanaan Property hosts a substantial mineral resource estimate, with 80.1 million tonnes at 1.44% Li2O indicated and 62.5 million tonnes at 1.31% Li2O inferred across the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites. This resource ranks as the largest lithium pegmatite deposit in the Americas and the eighth largest globally. Core assay results from 98 drill holes totaling over 31,500 meters completed in fall 2024 remain pending, with announcements expected shortly. These results, combined with the ongoing drill program, will feed into a comprehensive feasibility study and maiden Ore Reserve Estimate targeted for release in the third quarter of 2025.

Implications for North American Lithium Supply

Patriot’s Shaakichiuwaanaan project is positioned to become a significant source of spodumene concentrate, with a Preliminary Economic Assessment outlining potential production of up to 800,000 tonnes per annum using a straightforward Dense Media Separation process. The current drilling campaign and upcoming feasibility milestones will be critical in validating the project’s economic viability and advancing it toward development, aligning with growing demand for lithium in North American battery supply chains.