Vancouver-headquartered Patriot Battery Metals is making strides in the permitting process for its Shaakichiuwaanaan lithium project, located in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. The company has confirmed that permitting for the project is on track, with federal and provincial processes proceeding in parallel.

The company formally started the federal permitting process in February, submitting its initial project description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. This submission, which meets the necessary requirements, enables the federal permitting process to officially begin, and paves the way for the federal Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) to be submitted later this year.

CEO Ken Brinsden said he was proud of the teams' efforts to ensure the project remained on track, but also that the quality and extensive work contributing to the upcoming ESIA submissions suited the community's and regulator's needs. "It can't be underestimated how much work has already been achieved by Patriot to ensure Shaakichiuwaanaan is well-placed in the global lithium raw material development pipeline."

The Shaakichiuwaanaan property hosts an indicated mineral resource estimate of 80.1-million tonnes at 1.44% lithium oxide (Li₂O)and 62.5-million tonnes at 1.31% Li₂O Inferred, with the CV5 Spodumene Pegmatite at the heart of the deposit. The project is accessible year-round by all-season road and is located near key infrastructure, including a major hydroelectric powerline corridor.

Patriot’s efforts to secure federal approval are progressing in tandem with the provincial permitting process. The company filed its preliminary information statement with the Québec Government in November 2023, and received formal guidelines for the project’s ESIA submission in April 2024. These submissions will ultimately help the company navigate the mine authorisation process, which is expected to unfold later in 2025.

Brinsden noted the importance of recent developments concerning federal approvals. "We also note with interest recent comments in the public domain in respect of federal approvals, minimising duplication and greater provincial approval cooperation," he added. "We intend to maintain close-contact with all the key government agencies and the Cree, to ensure a diligent and timely approval process for the project."

Patriot has also focused on environmental data collection and community consultation, which have been ongoing for over three years. This will underpin the company’s ESIA submissions, which are slated for completion in late 2025.

Meanwhile, Patriot announced that Alix Drapack, executive vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG), will retire from her executive duties but will remain with the company in an advisory role, ensuring continuity during the permitting process.

"We are very pleased that Alix has agreed to provide advisory support to the team for the foreseeable future," Brinsden said, wishing Drapack well in her retirement. "Her expertise will be invaluable as we continue to engage with communities and navigate the permitting process."