Work Programs Commence to Unlock Tantalum as a High-Value By-Product Critical Metal Opportunity
Shaakichiuwaanaan rapidly evolving into an emerging critical minerals powerhouse, with workstreams now underway on caesium, tantalum, and gallium opportunities
Highlights
- Emerging and high-growth applications of tantalum are being driven by both technological innovation and strategic shifts in global industries.
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Shaakichiuwaanaan ranks as a top-5
1
tantalum pegmatite Mineral Resource
2
globally in terms of both grade and tonnage:
- Indicated: 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5, and 66 ppm Ga.
- Inferred: 33.3 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 156 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga.
- High-grade tantalum (and lithium) drill intersections include:
- 9.6 m at 0.94% Li2O and 2,307 ppm Ta2O5 (CV23-271) – CV13
- 9.5 m at 1.12% Li2O and 1,538 ppm Ta2O5 (CV24-441) – CV5
- 22.7 m at 2.79% Li2O and 972 ppm Ta2O5 (CV24-661) – CV5
- 22.9 m at 2.58% Li2O and 621 ppm Ta2O5 (CV23-181) – CV5
- Tantalite is the primary mineral host for the tantalum identified at Shaakichiuwaanaan.
- Tantalite is commercially recovered as a by-product from multiple lithium pegmatite operations globally using simple, well-understood, and conventional methods – including Greenbushes,
Pilgangoora , Wodgina, and Tanco. -
The Company has commenced evaluating options to advance and incorporate the tantalum opportunity at Shaakichiuwaanaan as a potential by-product into the overall economic development of the Project, to follow the completion of the lithium-only Feasibility Study on the CV5 Pegmatite which remains on track for Q3 2025:
- Test programs now underway to thoroughly evaluate tantalum recovery, with ~19% Ta2O5 tantalite concentrate produced in the initial test program.
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1 Determination based on Mineral Resource data, sourced through |
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2 Cut-off grade is variable depending on the mining method and pegmatite (0.40% Li2O open-pit, 0.60% Li2O underground CV5, and 0.70% Li2O underground CV13). The Effective Date of the MRE (announced |
"With Shaakichiuwaanaan ranking as one of the top-5 tantalum pegmatites globally in terms of grade and tonnage, there is strong potential for tantalum to further enhance the economic and financial returns of the Project," added
The Shaakichiuwaanaan LCT pegmatites are highly evolved through the process of crystal fractionation during formation, whereby mineral crystallization leads to progressive changes in the chemistry of the remaining melt, resulting in increasingly rare minerals being formed as the process unfolds. This process of LCT pegmatite formation most commonly leads to only modest enrichment of lithium and other critical metals; however, in rare circumstances may result in extreme enrichment.
The Company is very fortunate that the Shaakichiuwaanaan LCT pegmatites are highly evolved, which has resultedin the extreme enrichment of lithium, caesium, and tantalum – each at potentially world-class scale – as well as other potentially recoverable critical and strategic metals (e.g., gallium). Each of these critical metals could become further value-added by-products to the envisioned primary lithium operation at Shaakichiuwaanaan. Additional information is provided below describing the tantalum opportunity and the steps being taken to evaluate the development of this unique asset.
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3 Shaakichiuwaanaan (CV5 & CV13) Mineral Resource Estimate (108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5 and 66 ppm Ga, Indicated, and 33.3 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 156 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga, Inferred) is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.40% Li2O (open-pit), 0.60% Li2O (underground CV5), and 0.70% Li2O (underground CV13) with an Effective Date of |
Tantalum Opportunity
Tantalum, which is primarily hosted in the mineral tantalite at Shaakichiuwaanaan, has been commercially recovered from LCT pegmatites historically and at active mining operations today (e.g., Greenbushes,
Further bolstering this potential is the ranking of the MRE at Shaakichiuwaanaan as a top-54 tantalum pegmatite in the worldin terms of both grade and tonnage (Figure 1), highlighting the exceptional critical metal endowment present at the Project – 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O and 166 ppm Ta2O5 Indicated, and 33.3 Mt at 1.33% Li2O and 156 ppm Ta2O5 Inferred. This equates to contained tantalum content of 23,104 tonnes (50.9 million pounds) Ta2O5.
As is common in LCT pegmatites, the tantalum mineralization is zoned within the wider pegmatite body and often overlaps with lithium mineralization zonation. Very high-grade tantalum zones are present within the deposit, which may overlap with high-grade lithium zones. Drill intersections include (Table 1, Table 2):
- 9.6 m at 0.94% Li2O and 2,307 ppm Ta2O5 (CV23-271) – CV13
- 9.5 m at 1.12% Li2O and 1,538 ppm Ta2O5 (CV24-441) – CV5
- 22.7 m at 2.79% Li2O and 972 ppm Ta2O5 (CV24-661) – CV5
- 22.9 m at 2.58% Li2O and 621 ppm Ta2O5 (CV23-181) – CV5
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4 Determination based on Mineral Resource data, sourced through |
Process Recovery
At historical and active lithium pegmatite mine operations (e.g., Greenbushes,
The Company has active testwork programs underway at
Tantalum Market
Tantalum is an essential component required for a range of high-tech devices, electronics, superalloys, and essential niche applications including capacitors. Due to these essential uses, tantalum is listed as a critical and strategic mineral by the province of Quebec (Canada),
Tantalum is a unique, high-performance metal known for its high melting point, exceptional corrosion resistance, and ability to efficiently store and transfer electrical charge. High-growth and emerging applications of tantalum are being driven by both technological innovation and strategic shifts in global industries. Emerging industry applications include advanced electronics and 5G infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology including implants and medical imaging equipment, aerospace, and quantum computing.
According to the
Tantalum currently trades for ~
Next Steps
Through the lithium-focused exploration and resource development drilling completed to date at the Property, the Company has identified other high-value critical metal potential by-products in addition to the existing large-scale lithium Mineral Resource at Shaakichiuwaanaan, namely caesium, tantalum, and gallium. The caesium opportunity was outlined in the News Release dated
The current phase of tantalum recovery testwork at
Additionally, the Company is actively engaged with potential end-users and supply chain participants to further develop the economic opportunity in the tantalum products anticipated to be derived from the Project.
The lithium-only Feasibility Study based on the CV5 Mineral Resource component of the overall Shaakichiuwaanaan MRE is on-track for completion in Q3-2025 and remains the near-term focus for the Company. The economic potential in critical metal by-products will be assessed once the lithium-only Feasibility Study is completed, with various studies concurrently underway to better evaluate the opportunities present for caesium, tantalum, and gallium specifically.
Qualified/Competent Person
The information in this news release that relates to exploration results for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property is based on, and fairly represents, information compiled by Mr.
About
A Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") was announced for the CV5 Pegmatite (lithium) on
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.
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5 Cut-off grade is variable depending on the mining method and pegmatite (0.40% Li2O open-pit, 0.60% Li2O underground CV5, and 0.70% Li2O underground CV13). The Effective Date of the MRE (announced |
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6 Determination based on Mineral Resource data, sourced through |
"
Appendix 1 – JORC Code 2012 Table 1 (ASX Listing Rule 5.8.2)
Section 1 – Sampling Techniques and Data
Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
Sampling techniques |
|
|
Drilling techniques |
|
|
Drill sample recovery |
|
|
Logging |
|
|
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation |
|
|
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
|
|
Verification of sampling and assaying |
|
|
Location of data points |
|
|
Data spacing and distribution |
|
|
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
|
|
Sample security |
|
|
Audits or reviews |
|
|
Section 2 – Reporting of Exploration Results
Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
|
|
Exploration done by other parties |
|
|
Geology |
|
|
Drill hole Information |
|
|
Data aggregation methods |
|
|
Relationship between mineralization widths and intercept lengths |
|
|
Diagrams |
|
|
Balanced reporting |
|
|
Other substantive exploration data |
|
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Further work |
|
|
Appendix 2: MRE details and sources for deposits/projects noted in Figure 1.
Company |
Project |
Stage |
Inclusive |
Measured |
Indicated |
Inferred |
Information Source(s) |
|||
Mt |
Ta2O5 |
Mt |
Ta2O5 |
Mt |
Ta2O5 |
|||||
Pilbara Minerals Ltd. |
|
Production |
Y |
16.5 |
144 |
314 |
106 |
76.6 |
124 |
Annual Report 2024 |
AVZ Minerals Limited 75% / La Congolaise d'Exploitation Minière SA 25% |
Manono |
Development |
Y |
132.0 |
44 |
367 |
42 |
342.0 |
51 |
ASX announcement dated |
|
Shaakichiuwaanaan |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
108 |
166 |
33.3 |
156 |
TSX announcement herein |
Liontown Resources Ltd. |
|
Production |
Y |
19.0 |
149 |
109 |
131 |
26.0 |
118 |
ASX announcement dated |
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd. |
|
Development |
Y |
15.8 |
113 |
46 |
124 |
11.2 |
119 |
ASX announcement dated |
|
Mibra |
Production |
– |
3.4 |
359 |
17 |
335 |
4.2 |
337 |
Euronext announcement dated |
|
Uis |
Production |
– |
27.3 |
110 |
18 |
105 |
32.7 |
89 |
AIM announcement dated |
Frontier Lithium Inc. 92.5% / Mitsubishi Corporation 7.5% |
PAK + Spark |
Development |
– |
1.3 |
94 |
25 |
108 |
32.5 |
113 |
NI 43-101 technical report dated |
Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd. |
Tanco |
Production |
– |
3.0 |
1,120 |
1 |
960 |
0.1 |
790 |
2024 Annual Report |
Delta Lithium Ltd. |
Yinnetharra Tantalum |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
27 |
95 |
12.9 |
117 |
ASX announcement dated |
Wildcat Resources Ltd. |
|
Development |
– |
– |
– |
70 |
65 |
4.1 |
80 |
ASX announcement dated |
Critical Elements Lithium Corporation |
Rose |
Development |
Y |
– |
– |
31 |
118 |
2.4 |
129 |
TSX announcement dated |
Delta Lithium Ltd. |
Mt Ida |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
8 |
224 |
6.8 |
154 |
ASX announcement dated |
Global Lithium Resources Ltd. |
Manna |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
33 |
52 |
18.7 |
50 |
ASX announcement dated |
|
Mt Cattlin |
Development |
Y |
0.2 |
154 |
10 |
155 |
4.8 |
177 |
ASX announcement dated |
Green Technology Metals Ltd. |
Seymour |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
6 |
149 |
4.1 |
100 |
ASX announcement dated |
Note: Mineral resources are presented on a 100% basis and inclusive of reserves where noted. Estimates may have been prepared under different estimation and reporting regimes and may not be directly comparable. |
Appendix 3: Listing of Mineral Reserves included in Mineral Resource Estimates Outlined in Appendix 2.
Company |
Project |
Stage |
Proven |
Probable |
Information Source(s) |
||
Mt |
Ta2O5 |
Mt |
Ta2O5 |
||||
Pilbara Minerals Ltd. |
|
Production |
14.0 |
131 |
194.7 |
101 |
Annual Report 2024 |
AVZ Minerals Limited 75% / La Congolaise d'Exploitation Minière SA 25% |
Manono |
Development |
65.0 |
– |
66.6 |
– |
AVZ FY23 Financial Report |
|
Shaakichiuwaanaan |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Liontown Resources Ltd. |
|
Production |
3.7 |
176 |
65.5 |
120 |
FY24 Annual Report |
Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co., Ltd. |
|
Development |
11.8 |
114 |
30.5 |
123 |
ASX announcement dated |
|
Mibra |
Production |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
|
Uis |
Production |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Frontier Lithium Inc. 92.5% / Mitsubishi Corporation 7.5% |
PAK + Spark |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Sinomine Resource Group Co., Ltd. |
Tanco |
Production |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Delta Lithium Ltd. |
Yinnetharra Tantalum |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Wildcat Resources Ltd. |
|
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Critical Elements Lithium Corporation |
Rose |
Development |
– |
– |
26.3 |
138 |
TSX announcement dated |
Delta Lithium Ltd. |
Mt Ida |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Global Lithium Resources Ltd. |
Manna |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
|
Mt Cattlin |
Development |
0.1 |
126 |
3.6 |
113 |
|
Green Technology Metals Ltd. |
Seymour |
Development |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Note: Mineral reserves are presented on a 100% basis. Estimates may have been prepared under different estimation and reporting regimes and may not be directly comparable. |
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
All statements, other than statements of present or historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "plan", "development", "growth", "continued", "intentions", "expectations", "emerging", "evolving", "strategy", "opportunities", "anticipated", "trends", "potential", "outlook", "ability", "additional", "on track", "prospects", "viability", "estimated", "reaches", "enhancing", "strengthen", "target", "believes", "next steps" 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 include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the ability of tantalum to be a high-value by-product at Shaakichiuwaanaan, Shaakichiuwaanaan's ability to become a critical minerals powerhouse, the recoverability of tantalite, timing of the lithium-only Feasibility Study, tantalum's ability to further enhance the economic and financial returns of the Project; the ability of each of lithium, caesium and tantalum as well as other critical and strategic metals to become further value-added by-products, and the ability to further develop with potential end-users and supply chain participants the economic opportunity in the tantalum products derived from the Project.
Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause actual results to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Key assumptions upon which the Company's forward-looking information is based include, without limitation, the market for tantalum, that proposed exploration work on the Property will continue as expected, the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates, the classification of resources between inferred and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based, long-term demand for spodumene supply, and that exploration and development results continue to support management's current plans for Property development.
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. Readers should consider reviewing the detailed risk discussion in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+, 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. If any of the risks or uncertainties mentioned above, which are not exhaustive, materialize, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.
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.
The production target from the PEA referred to in this release was reported by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.16 on
Competent Person Statement (ASX Listing Rule 5.23) for Shaakichiuwaanaan MRE
The mineral resource estimate in this release was reported by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 on
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