While it may be struggling to conduct its exploration programs as a result of ongoing forest fires, Patriot Battery Metals (TSXV: PMET) is still forging ahead wherever possible with the development of its Corvette Property in the James Bay Region of Quebec. The company has completed preliminary metallurgical testwork for the CV13 Pegmatite, which is said to have generated positive results.
The company conducted what is referred to as heavy liquid separation testwork on a total of five samples from CV13, which was followed by magnetic separation. The process is said to have yielded a 6%+ Li2O spodumene concentrate, while demonstrating lithium recoveries ranging from 67% to 77%, with strong recoveries at low, moderate, and high feed grades.
The significance of the results is that they suggest that material from both CV13 and CV5 might be able to be processed using the same design criteria and flow sheet, reducing potential production costs should the asset become a mine. Similar testwork conducted on the CV5 Pegmatite in 2022 yielded 79% recoveries and a Li2O spodumene concentrate of 5.8%.
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Moreover, the ability to use magnetic separation rather than floatation is expected to result in “relatively lower CAPEX and OPEX, reduced reagents needs, coarser product and tailings, quick operational start-up,” and perhaps most significantly, less technical risk.
“The results of this HLS testwork at CV13 are very positive and indicate strongly that joint processing with CV5 Pegmatite material is practical and viable. From a Project development, risk mitigation, and flowsheet perspective, it is difficult to ask for a better result,” commented mineral process consultant Brett Grosvenor.
Following the positive results, Patriot Battery Metals intends to conduct a pilot plant project, which will see sizable composite drill core samples collected over the summer-fall exploration program as feedstock.
Patriot Battery Metals last traded at $15.98 on the TSX Venture.
Information for this briefing was found via Sedar and the companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
