Patriot Battery Metals (ASX: PMT) has identified high-grade caesium zones at its Shaakichiuwaanaan project in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. This discovery complements the company’s existing world-class lithium resources, offering a potential value-add opportunity. The largest zone of caesium enrichment coincides with the company’s high-grade lithium Vega zone (CV13). Another high-grade Rigel zone is estimated to be at least 200 metres by 80m in area and up to 5m thick.
Executive VP Darren Smith emphasized the rarity and high value of economically viable caesium deposits, typically smaller in scale than lithium pegmatite deposits. The growing demand for caesium, driven by its use in cancer treatment, oil and gas exploration, and other industries, is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 2.3% to around $5.3 billion between 2024 and 2029. While the company will further evaluate the caesium opportunity, Patriot’s primary focus remains on advancing the CV5 lithium deposit. Patriot believes the caesium discovery can significantly enhance stakeholder value and solidifies Shaakichiuwaanaan as a premier global LCT pegmatite asset.
