Patriot Battery Metals (TSX: PMET, ASX: PMT, OTCQX: PMETF, FSE: R9GA) has confirmed a major caesium discovery at its Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, positioning it as a potential significant supplier in the global market, including for emerging terrestrial solar technologies.
MONTREAL, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – SYDNEY, Australia – July 21, 2025
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Shaakichiuwaanaan hosts the world’s largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposit, according to a new Mineral Resource Estimate (“Caesium Zone MRE”):
- Rigel Caesium Zone:
- Indicated: 163,000 tonnes at 10.25% Cs2O, 1.78% Li2O, and 646 ppm Ta2O5.
- Vega Caesium Zone:
- Indicated: 530,000 tonnes at 2.61% Cs2O, 2.23% Li2O, and 172 ppm Ta2O5.
- Inferred: 1,698,000 tonnes at 2.40% Cs2O, 1.81% Li2O, and 245 ppm Ta2O5.
- In total, the deposit contains 30.5 kt Cs2O Indicated and 40.8 kt Cs2O Inferred, highlighting its significant scale and global importance.
- Rigel Caesium Zone:
- The Rigel and Vega zones’ caesium resources are now factored into the CV13 Pegmatite open-pit resource, part of the Company’s consolidated MRE (including both CV5 and CV13 pegmatites). The updated figures are as follows:
- Indicated: 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 0.11% Cs2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5, and 66 ppm Ga.
- Inferred: 33.4 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 0.21% Cs2O, 155 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga.
- Caesium, a critical mineral facing supply constraints, is seeing increasing demand in next-gen terrestrial solar panels, where it improves efficiency, stability, and lifespan. This discovery could revolutionize the supply chain.
- Patriot is evaluating options, including a scoping metallurgical program to test conventional X-ray ore sorting for pollucite recovery. The program aims to potentially integrate caesium recovery into the overall economic development of the CV13 project after the CV5 Pegmatite lithium-only Feasibility Study is complete.
- The Company is on track to deliver its maiden Ore Reserve and Feasibility Study for lithium at the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite in CYQ3-2025.
Darren L. Smith, Executive and Vice President of Exploration at Patriot Battery Metals, noted, “At Shaakichiuwaanaan, we have now defined the largest reported occurrence of pollucite in the world – by a significant margin. To find a pollucite-hosted caesium deposit of this scale and grade is exceptionally rare, with only three deposits globally known to have produced this extremely high-value critical and strategic mineral.”
Smith added, “The pegmatites of the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project continue to demonstrate their unique, world-class nature for hosting abundant and varied critical minerals. With considerable mineral resources now defined for lithium, tantalum, gallium, and caesium, we are becoming increasingly well-positioned as an emerging critical minerals powerhouse to global markets as we move toward completion of a Feasibility Study for lithium at CV5 this quarter.”
Ken Brinsden, President, CEO, and Managing Director, commented, “This is another feather in the cap of our technical team, led by Darren, who have delivered yet another world-class discovery at Shaakichiuwaanaan. What stands out is the sheer scale and grade of this caesium discovery relative to anything that’s been found before globally.”
Brinsden continued, “It’s also a reflection of the extraordinary geology of this deposit, which hosts lithium, tantalum, and now caesium – all high-value critical minerals – at world-class scale. Given the scale, grade, and proximity to the CV5 Pegmatite, the new caesium discovery at Rigel and Vega has already added further substantial value to the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project.”
“What is particularly exciting for investors is that the addressable market for caesium appears to be at a key inflexion point, with its ability to improve the efficiency and stability of next generation terrestrial solar technologies having the potential to drive a massive increase in global demand. Shaakichiuwaanaan stands to play a driving role in the growth of this exciting new market. As we finalize the maiden lithium-only Feasibility Study for the CV5 Pegmatite, we are excited to start work on unlocking the enormous potential of the caesium resource, now outlined to NI 43-101 and JORC standards, for our shareholders,” added Mr. Brinsden.
Patriot Battery Metals is excited about the confirmation that the Shaakichiuwaanaan Property hosts the world’s largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposit, establishing the site as a key player in critical minerals on the global stage.
- Rigel Caesium Zone
- Indicated: 163,000 tonnes at 10.25% Cs2O, 1.78% Li2O, and 646 ppm Ta2O5.
- Vega Caesium Zone
- Indicated: 530,000 tonnes at 2.61% Cs2O, 2.23% Li2O, and 172 ppm Ta2O5.
- Inferred: 1,698,000 tonnes at 2.40% Cs2O, 1.81% Li2O, and 245 ppm Ta2O5.
The Caesium Zone MRE, hosted within the open-pit resource component of the CV13 Pegmatite, shows a total contained caesium metal content of 30.5 kt Cs2O Indicated and 40.8 kt Cs2O Inferred. A 0.50% Cs2O grade constraint was used to define the Rigel and Vega zones, supported by mineralogical analysis confirming the presence of pollucite as the predominant caesium-bearing mineral. The presence of high-grade lithium and tantalum, present in the host minerals spodumene and tantalite, respectively, suggests they may be co-recovered as separate concentrates.
The footprint of caesium mineralization at Rigel covers an area of at least 200 m x 100 m, consisting of a single, shallow dipping lens at a depth of approximately 50 m. At Vega, the mineralized area extends over 800 m x 250 m, comprising two proximal flat-lying lenses at a depth of approximately 110 m.
The Consolidated MRE, updated and restated, including caesium reporting for the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites stands as follows:
- Indicated: 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O, 0.11% Cs2O, 166 ppm Ta2O5, and 66 ppm Ga.
- Inferred: 33.4 Mt at 1.33% Li2O, 0.21% Cs2O, 155 ppm Ta2O5, and 65 ppm Ga.
The Uncommon Commodity: Caesium
With only three mines having historically operated and extracted the element, pollucite-hosted caesium deposits are few and far between.
Estimates suggest the pollucite resources at Bikita (Zimbabwe) and Sinclair (Australia) were exhausted in 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Tanco mine (Canada) is speculated to be nearing the end of its lifecycle.
Unlike commonly traded metals, the market for caesium compounds and metals is privately negotiated. Caesium carbonate (Cs2CO3 ≥99%) trades at approximately US$120/kg, while refined caesium metal (Cs >99.5%) trades around US$2,540/oz (or ~$81 per gram, excluding VAT sourced from Shanghai Metal Markets). As it stands, current supply sources struggle to keep up with global demand. The Shaakichiuwaanaan discovery stands to be a leading supply source to address critical mineral needs, such as those in the terrestrial solar panel industry improving perovskite crystal efficiency and lifespan.
Looking Forward
Beyond the completion of the MRE for Rigel and Vega, Patriot Battery Metals is actively considering ways to develop its caesium assets at CV13, including environmental studies, additional infill drilling, end user discussions, and X-ray ore sorting.
The company also says it is on track to fulfill lithium-focused Feasibility Study goals and is positioned for completion in CYQ3-2025.
<img src="http://aicnbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Patriot_Battery_Metals_Inc__World_s_Largest_Pollucite_Hosted_Cae.jpg" title="Figure 1: Plan view footprints of the Vega and Rigel caesium zone geological models based on a 0.5% Cs2O grade constraint within the wider CV13 Pegmatite body. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)” alt=”Figure 1: Plan view footprints of the Vega and Rigel caesium zone geological models based on a 0.5% Cs2O grade constraint within the wider CV13 Pegmatite body. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)”/>
<img src="http://aicnbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1753045906_519_Patriot_Battery_Metals_Inc__World_s_Largest_Pollucite_Hosted_Cae.jpg" title="Figure 2: Tonnage vs grade chart highlighting Rigel and Vega caesium zones as the largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite Mineral Resource in the world. Mineral Resource data sourced through July 11, 2025, from corporate disclosure. Deposit/Project data presented includes the total caesium zone resource tonnage. Mineral Resources are presented on a 100% basis. Data is presented for all documented in-situ pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposits/projects to the knowledge of the Company. See Appendix 2 for further details and supporting information. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)” alt=”Figure 2: Tonnage vs grade chart highlighting Rigel and Vega caesium zones as the largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite Mineral Resource in the world. Mineral Resource data sourced through July 11, 2025, from corporate disclosure. Deposit/Project data presented includes the total caesium zone resource tonnage. Mineral Resources are presented on a 100% basis. Data is presented for all documented in-situ pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposits/projects to the knowledge of the Company. See Appendix 2 for further details and supporting information. (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)”/>
<img src="http://aicnbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/1753045906_785_Patriot_Battery_Metals_Inc__World_s_Largest_Pollucite_Hosted_Cae.jpg" title="Figure 3: Pollucite mineralization in high-grade caesium drill intersection at ~64.5 m depth in drill hole CV23-271 at the Rigel Zone, CV13 Pegmatite. Interval grades(5) 22.69% Cs2O over 1.0 m (64.0 m to 65.0 m) with XRD-Rietveld reporting a pollucite content over the interval of 58%. [ (5) Refer to news release dated April 9, 2025. ] (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)” alt=”Figure 3: Pollucite mineralization in high-grade caesium drill intersection at ~64.5 m depth in drill hole CV23-271 at the Rigel Zone, CV13 Pegmatite. Interval grades(5) 22.69% Cs2O over 1.0 m (64.0 m to 65.0 m) with XRD-Rietveld reporting a pollucite content over the interval of 58%. [ (5) Refer to news release dated April 9, 2025. ] (CNW Group/Patriot Battery Metals Inc.)”/>
MINERAL RESOURCE STATEMENT (NI 43-101)
Table 1: Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project.
|
Conceptual |
Pegmatite |
Classification |
Tonnes |
Li2O |
Cs2O |
Ta2O5 |
Ga |
Contained |
|
Open-Pit |
CV5 |
Indicated |
97,757,000 |
1.39 |
0.09 |
163 |
66 |
3.35 |
|
Underground |
4,071,000 |
1.08 |
0.06 |
186 |
66 |
0.11 |
||
|
Total |
101,828,000 |
1.38 |
0.09 |
164 |
66 |
3.46 |
||
|
Open-Pit |
CV5 |
Inferred |
5,745,000 |
1.16 |
0.09 |
163 |
61 |
0.17 |
|
Underground |
8,153,000 |
1.24 |
0.07 |
136 |
60 |
0.25 |
||
|
Total |
13,898,000 |
1.21 |
0.08 |
147 |
60 |
0.41 |
||
|
Open-Pit |
CV13 |
Indicated |
5,996,000 |
1.89 |
0.60 |
201 |
76 |
0.28 |
|
Underground |
167,000 |
0.85 |
0.06 |
132 |
60 |
0.00 |
||
|
Total |
6,163,000 |
1.86 |
0.59 |
199 |
76 |
0.28 |
||
|
Open-Pit |
CV13 |
Inferred |
18,020,000 |
1.44 |
0.32 |
168 |
70 |
0.64 |
|
Underground |
1,462,000 |
1.05 |
0.08 |
75 |
55 |
0.04 |
||
|
Total |
19,482,000 |
1.41 |
0.30 |
161 |
69 |
0.68 |
||
