Power Metals Corp. Reports Successful Ore Sorting Test Work for High-Grade Cesium Oxide Production
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 22, 2024 /CNW/ – Power Metals Corp. (the “Company”) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of initial ore sorting test work at its 100%-owned Case Lake Project (“CLP”) in northeastern Ontario. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with Tomra (Sydney, Australia), has yielded a high-grade cesium oxide product, a critical step in the Company’s journey towards commercial-scale production.
The ore sorting tests were conducted on metallurgical holes drilled earlier this year as part of the summer 2024 drill program at the CLP. These holes targeted shallow mineralization zones at the West Joe deposit, with cesium oxide grades ranging from 1.65% to 18.55%. In addition to cesium, these holes also intersected high-grade spodumene (up to 3.08% Li2O) and tantalum mineralization zones (up to 3,236ppm). These discoveries add to the project’s value and highlight the potential for multiple revenue streams.
Tomra Ore Sorting Success
The Company employed a two-stage process on a 60kg sample of ore material. Through meticulous sorting, a highly concentrated and high-grade cesium oxide product was achieved, paving the way for mining studies and the production of cesium oxide. This successful separation will also form the basis for metallurgical test work on chemical production with SGS Lakefield.
Metallurgical Drilling Results
Phase I of metallurgical drilling at West Joe involved four HQ (63.5mm) diamond drill holes targeting known mineralization zones. The goal was to obtain a series of samples for ore sorting and mineral separation, focusing on high-grade cesium oxide while targeting the Company’s proposed cutoff grade at the lower end of the scale.
Table 1: Drill Collar Table
| Hole ID | Easting (NAD83) | Northing (NAD83) | Elevation (MASL) | Hole Depth (m) | Dip | Azimuth | From (m) | To (m) | Significant Intersections | Cs2O (%) | Li2O (%) | Ta (ppm) |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| PWM-24-203 | 576306 | 5431109 | 347 | 30 | -45 | 170 | 12 | 16 | 4 | 8.57 | 1.06 | 332 |
| | | | | | | | | | | including 3.0m @ 11.1% Cs2O, 1.36% Li2O, & 204ppm Ta from 13.0m |
| | | | | | | | | | also including 1.0m @ 18.55% Cs2O, 1.05% Li2O, & 90ppm Ta from 14.0m |
| PWM-24-204 | 576297 | 5431109 | 347 | 30 | -45 | 170 | 10 | 15 | 5 | 1.65 | 1.01 | 906 |
| | | | | | | | | | | including 3.0m @ 3.44% Cs2O, 1.13% Li2O, & 1752ppm Ta from 11.0m |
| | | | | | | | | | | also including 1.0m @ 3.88% Cs2O, 0.49% Li2O, & 3236ppm Ta from 11.0m |
| PWM-24-205 | 576321 | 5431131 | 345 | 45 | -45 | 170 | 30 | 32 | 2 | 4.98 | 1.34 | 241 |
| | | | | | | | | | | including 1.0m @ 8.5% Cs2O, 0.14% Li2O, & 138ppm Ta from 30.0m |
| PWM-24-206 | 576318 | 5431116 | 345 | 30 | -45 | 170 | 17 | 20 | 3 | 9.96 | 1.08 | 324 |
| | | | | | | | | | | including 1.0m @ 12.83% Cs2O, 1.85% Li2O, & 192ppm Ta from 18.0m |
Strong Government Support and Future Plans
The Ontario government has expressed strong support for Power Metals and critical mineral projects in the province. The Company continues to build strong relationships with government officials, aiming to establish Ontario as a global leader in cesium production. The Company is also preparing for Phase II of its metallurgical test work with SGS, alongside planning for Phase III drilling at Case Lake in 2024.
About Power Metals Corp.
Power Metals Corp. is a diversified Canadian mining company focused on exploring, developing, and acquiring high-quality mining projects, particularly in the critical minerals sector. The Company is committed to providing a sustainable source of lithium and high-growth specialty metals and minerals, playing a vital role in supporting the growth of the lithium battery and clean-technology industries.
About Tomra Mining
Tomra Mining is a leading global provider of ore sorting solutions for the mining industry. With specialized test centers in Australia, Germany, and South Africa, Tomra offers services across industrial minerals, diamonds, and metallic ores.
For more information about Power Metals Corp., visit www.powermetalscorp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Investors should carefully consider the Company’s disclosure documents which can be found on www.sedar.com.