Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (ASX:PMT) Initiates Tantalum Work Programs at Shaakichiuwaanaan Project
Project Overview
Patriot Battery Metals Inc. has launched work programs to unlock tantalum as a high-value by-product at its Shaakichiuwaanaan Property in Quebec. The project ranks among the top five tantalum pegmatites globally in grade and tonnage.
Resource Highlights
The Shaakichiuwaanaan Mineral Resource comprises both CV5 and CV13 pegmatites, containing 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. High-grade drill intersections include 22.7 m at 2.79% Li₂O and 972 ppm Ta₂O₅.
Tantalum Recovery
Tantalum is primarily hosted in the mineral tantalite at Shaakichiuwaanaan and is recoverable as a by-product using conventional methods, similar to operations at Greenbushes and Pilgangoora. Initial test programs have produced approximately 19% Ta₂O₅ tantalite concentrate.
Market Outlook
Tantalum is critical for high-tech devices and listed as a strategic mineral by several regions. With global supply issues, production from lithium pegmatites like Shaakichiuwaanaan offers a secure, conflict-free source. Tantalum trades at approximately US$239/kg in its refined form.
Future Steps
The Company plans to complete tantalum recovery testwork, evaluate process design, and assess potential as a bolt-on recovery circuit to the primary lithium operation. Engagement with end-users and supply chain participants is ongoing.
Executive Comments
Darren L. Smith, Executive Vice President Exploration, commented, “The Shaakichiuwaanaan Project is rapidly evolving into a critical minerals powerhouse with tantalum, caesium, and gallium already identified as significant potential by-product opportunities to a primary lithium operation. Of these opportunities, tantalum is the most common in the industry, when grades are sufficiently high, and may be recovered using simple and conventional processing methods with no material impact on lithium recoveries.”
“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 Mr. Smith.
Motley Fool contributor Kiarra Jackson has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
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