Dual-listed Patriot Battery Metals on Tuesday updated the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites at its Shaakichiuwaanaan property, formerly known as the Corvette, in Quebec.

The updated resource estimate for the Shaakichiuwaanaan project includes both the CV5 and CV13 spodumene pegmatites for a total of 80.1-million tonnes at 1.44% lithium oxide indicated and 62.5-million tonnes at 1.31% lithium oxide inferred, for 4.88-million tonnes contained lithium carbonate equivalent.

The company said the consolidated MRE for the Shaakichiuwaanaan project, including that of the CV5 pegmatite on its own, reaffirmed it – by a wide margin – as the biggest lithium pegmatite mineral resource in the Americas and eight-largest globally.

“With both the CV5 and CV13 pegmatites remaining open, as well as multiple spodumene pegmatite clusters on the property still to be drill tested, significant potential for further resource growth is evident,” said VP of exploration Darren Smith.

President, CEO and MD Ken Brinsden said the resource upgrade cemented Shaakichiuwaanaan as one of the most important new hard rock lithium assets globally.

“The delivery of a substantial maiden indicated resource of over 80-million tonnes is a major milestone which will underpin development studies, while the continued growth of the overall resource – in conjunction with the exploration target announced separately today – highlights the Tier-1 scale of the mineral system and the enormous potential for further growth. I am immensely proud of our team members and consultants who continue to put a significant focus on safety and quality deliverables as we move forward through the various phases of development. 

"As we advance towards a preliminary economic assessment in the near-term for the Shaakichiuwaanaan project, and further towards a feasibility study scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025, the company is firmly positioned as a leading candidate to provide long-term spodumene supply to the North American and European markets," stated Brinsden.