VISION LITHIUM PEA ON SIRMAC BOASTS A PRE-TAX 839% IRR, C$183M PRE-TAX NPV5% AND LESS THAN ONE YEAR PAYBACK

Original announcement by tmx on

Company
Vision Lithium Inc.
Ticker
VLI
Exchange
TSX
Region
Quebec, Canada
Primary commodity
Lithium
Secondary commodities
Tantalum, Rubidium
Document categories
Resource update, Metallurgy, Permitting
Extracted
2026-09-13 07:01:19 UTC

Analysis by Minestarters Atlas

Minestarters Atlas analysis

Summary

Vision Lithium Inc. announced positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) results for its Sirmac #5 Lithium Dike deposit in Quebec, Canada, highlighting a pre-tax NPV of C$183.6 million (5% discount rate) and an impressive 839% IRR with less than one year payback. The PEA outlines a low-cost, direct shipping ore (DSO) operation with initial capital costs of C$2.925 million, based on a mineral resource estimate with almost 90% in the Measured and Indicated categories. While the study is preliminary and does not include mineral reserves, it confirms the project's strong economic potential and suitability for producing a 6% Li2O concentrate.

Reasoning: The PEA presents highly attractive economics for the Sirmac Lithium Project, driven by high IRR and low payback, supported by a high-confidence resource. However, the preliminary nature of the study, the small contained metal, and the lack of reserves introduce some risk.

Positive factors

  • High pre-tax IRR (839%) and NPV (C$183.6M) for the PEA.
  • Very short payback period (<1 year).
  • Low initial capital costs (C$2.925M).
  • High confidence in resource categories (84.78% M&I).
  • Good average grades for Measured and Indicated resources (1.38-1.39% Li2O).
  • Project located in Quebec, Canada, a stable mining jurisdiction.
  • Material suitable for producing a 6% Li2O concentrate.
  • Qualified Person sign-off under NI 43-101.
  • Potential for additional lithium-bearing dikes and byproduct value from rubidium and tantalum.

Negative factors

  • PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources, with no certainty of realization.
  • No mineral or ore reserve estimate has been developed.
  • Total contained lithium (Li2O) is small (4,290 tonnes) relative to typical resource scales.
  • Economic analysis was completed before the royalty repurchase, so not yet adjusted.
  • Tantalum and Rubidium values are not included in the mineral resource estimate.
  • The project requires an environmental evaluation process under the James Bay Agreement.
  • The company is selling DSO, meaning they are not responsible for processing or recovery, which shifts risk to the buyer.

Low confidence — this extraction should be reviewed alongside the original source.

Facts used in scoring: 10

Classification and evidence

Measured Resourcepositive

Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.

Why it applies: The document reports 192,000 tonnes of Measured resources at 1.38% Li2O.

Evidence · table

“Measured”

Context: 192,000

Indicated Resourcepositive

Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.

Why it applies: The document reports 81,000 tonnes of Indicated resources at 1.39% Li2O.

Evidence · table

“Indicated”

Context: 81,000

Inferred Resourcenegative

Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.

Why it applies: The document reports 49,000 tonnes of Inferred resources at 1.05% Li2O.

Evidence · table

“Inferred”

Context: 49,000

Category Upgradepositive

Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal.

Why it applies: The document states that almost 90% of the Mineral Resources are in the Measured and Indicated categories, indicating a high confidence level.

Evidence · text

“Although almost 90% of the Mineral Resources are in the Measured and Indicated categories”

Maiden Resourceneutral

First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component. No prior estimate exists, so every change band is not applicable.

Why it applies: This is the first formal Mineral Resource Estimate presented as part of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Sirmac project.

Evidence · text

“Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Sirmac #5 Lithium Dike deposit”

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: The document is a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the project.

Evidence · text

“Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the Sirmac #5 Lithium Dike deposit”

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: The PEA and mineral resource estimate were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

Evidence · text

“prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects”

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: The technical content of the news release has been reviewed and approved by Claude Duplessis, P.Eng., and Daniel Dufort, P.Eng., both qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101.

Evidence · text

“The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Claude Duplessis , P.Eng., and Daniel Dufort , P.Eng., both of GoldMinds Geoservices Inc. and qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101.”

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: The resource tables report tonnage and grade but do not explicitly state contained metal figures.

Evidence · table

“Table 1 : Mineral Resources for the Sirmac Project with Li 2 O Cut-off Grade of 0.50% (2023)”

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: The mineral resource estimate is reported with a clear cut-off grade of 0.50% Li2O.

Evidence · table

“Cut-Off Grade Li 2 O %”

Context: 0.50

Bench Scale Onlynegative

Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work.

Why it applies: The document states the PEA is based on 'low-level technical and economic assessments' and 'further evaluation work and appropriate studies are required', implying metallurgical testwork is not yet at pilot scale.

Evidence · text

“The PEA is based on low-level technical and economic assessments that are not sufficient to support the estimation of mineral or ore reserves. Although almost 90% of the Mineral Resources are in the Measured and Indicated categories, there is no certainty that further exploration work will result in the determination that the production targets underlying the PEA will be realised. Further evaluation work and appropriate studies are required to establish sufficient confidence that any PEA production targets or financial forecasts contained in the PEA will be met.”

Single Domain Onlynegative

Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established.

Why it applies: The metallurgical discussion refers to 'the Sirmac pegmatite #5 Dike' and does not mention variability testing across different ore domains.

Evidence · text

“previous metallurgical testing programs demonstrated the Sirmac pegmatite #5 Dike is suitable to produce a spodumene concentrate grading 6% Li 2 O and above.”

Mill Routeneutral

Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).

Why it applies: the document describes a flotation route ("concentrate")

Extracted facts

Stored fact records: 10. Some facts used in scoring do not have a stored record.

Resource Estimates (9)

measuredSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 192000Grade: 0.639Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:064ffeab95c381c89ee9
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
measured
Tonnes
192000
Grade
0.639
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High confidence Measured resource with good grade, contributing significantly to the project's economic viability.

Positive factors

  • Highest confidence resource category.
  • Good grade for lithium.
  • Part of a positive PEA.

Evidence · table

“192,000”

Context: 192,000

Tags used in scoring

Measured Resourcepositive

Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "measured"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

measuredSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 192000Grade: 1.38Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:064ffeab95c381c89ee9
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
measured
Tonnes
192000
Grade
1.38
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: High confidence Measured resource with good grade, contributing significantly to the project's economic viability.

Positive factors

  • Highest confidence resource category.
  • Good grade for lithium.
  • Part of a positive PEA.

Evidence · table

“1.38”

Context: 192,000

Tags used in scoring

Measured Resourcepositive

Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "measured"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

measuredSirmac · tantalumTonnes: 192000Grade: 0.0074Grade Unit: %View all details
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Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
tantalum
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:064ffeab95c381c89ee9
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
measured
Tonnes
192000
Grade
0.0074
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Tantalum is present but its economic viability and inclusion in the resource are not yet established.

Positive factors

  • Tantalum values reported alongside lithium resource.

Negative factors

  • Tantalum values have yet to demonstrate extractability and economic potential.
  • Not included in the mineral resource estimate at this stage.

Evidence · table

“0.0074”

Context: 192,000

Tags used in scoring

Measured Resourcepositive

Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "measured"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

indicatedSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 81000Grade: 0.647Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:2ac7c8623ca0777cf453
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
indicated
Tonnes
81000
Grade
0.647
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Indicated resource with good grade, contributing to the project's economic viability.

Positive factors

  • Good confidence resource category.
  • Good grade for lithium.
  • Part of a positive PEA.

Evidence · table

“81,000”

Context: 81,000

Tags used in scoring

Indicated Resourcepositive

Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "indicated"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

indicatedSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 81000Grade: 1.39Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:2ac7c8623ca0777cf453
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
indicated
Tonnes
81000
Grade
1.39
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Indicated resource with good grade, contributing to the project's economic viability.

Positive factors

  • Good confidence resource category.
  • Good grade for lithium.
  • Part of a positive PEA.

Evidence · table

“1.39”

Context: 81,000

Tags used in scoring

Indicated Resourcepositive

Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "indicated"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

indicatedSirmac · tantalumTonnes: 81000Grade: 0.0081Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
tantalum
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:2ac7c8623ca0777cf453
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
indicated
Tonnes
81000
Grade
0.0081
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Tantalum is present but its economic viability and inclusion in the resource are not yet established.

Positive factors

  • Tantalum values reported alongside lithium resource.

Negative factors

  • Tantalum values have yet to demonstrate extractability and economic potential.
  • Not included in the mineral resource estimate at this stage.

Evidence · table

“0.0081”

Context: 81,000

Tags used in scoring

Indicated Resourcepositive

Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.

Why it applies: category is "indicated"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

inferredSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 49000Grade: 0.487Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:20038ee2237afff7a253
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
inferred
Tonnes
49000
Grade
0.487
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Inferred resource provides additional tonnage but with lower geological confidence.

Positive factors

  • Adds to total resource tonnage.

Negative factors

  • Lowest confidence resource category.
  • Cannot support economic studies alone.

Evidence · table

“49,000”

Context: 49,000

Tags used in scoring

Inferred Resourcenegative

Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.

Why it applies: category is "inferred"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

inferredSirmac · lithiumTonnes: 49000Grade: 1.05Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:20038ee2237afff7a253
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
inferred
Tonnes
49000
Grade
1.05
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Inferred resource provides additional tonnage but with lower geological confidence.

Positive factors

  • Adds to total resource tonnage.

Negative factors

  • Lowest confidence resource category.
  • Cannot support economic studies alone.

Evidence · table

“1.05”

Context: 49,000

Tags used in scoring

Inferred Resourcenegative

Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.

Why it applies: category is "inferred"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

inferredSirmac · tantalumTonnes: 49000Grade: 0.0062Grade Unit: %View all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
tantalum
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Resource scope

Estimate type
resource
Effective date
2023-01-23T00:00:00.000Z
Reporting standards
ni_43_101
QP Signed
Yes
Qualified person names
Claude Duplessis, Daniel Dufort
Resource group id
resource:20038ee2237afff7a253
Deposit or zone
#5 Dike
Mining method
open_pit

Resource Data

Category
inferred
Tonnes
49000
Grade
0.0062
Grade Unit
%
Cutoff Grade
0.5
Cutoff Unit
% Li2O

Prior Estimate

Resource Date
2023-01-23

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat

Location

Loc. Confidence
medium

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: Tantalum is present but its economic viability and inclusion in the resource are not yet established.

Positive factors

  • Tantalum values reported alongside lithium resource.

Negative factors

  • Tantalum values have yet to demonstrate extractability and economic potential.
  • Not included in the mineral resource estimate at this stage.

Evidence · table

“0.0062”

Context: 49,000

Tags used in scoring

Inferred Resourcenegative

Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.

Why it applies: category is "inferred"

Cut-off Disclosedpositive

Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.

Why it applies: cutoff_grade is stated

QP/CP Signedpositive

Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.

Why it applies: qp_signed is true

NI 43-101 Compliantpositive

Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.

Why it applies: reporting_standards includes ni_43_101

No Contained Metalnegative

Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.

Why it applies: contained_metal was not reported

PEA-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

PFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

DFS-Supportingneutral

Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.

Why it applies: the release names the study this estimate supports

Metallurgical Results (1)

metallurgical testing programsSirmac · lithiumHead Grade: 1.33Head Grade Unit: % Li2OView all details
Link to this fact

Identity

Project
Sirmac
Commodity
lithium
Region
canada_qc
Reported Region
Quebec, Canada
Ticker
VLI

Test Work

Program Status
preliminary
Test Type
metallurgical testing programs
Processing Route
Direct Shipping Ore

Recovery

Recovery Basis
unspecified
Head Grade
1.33
Head Grade Unit
% Li2O
Conc. Grade
6
Conc. Grade Unit
% Li2O

Lab

Laboratory
SGS Canada – Geostat
Consultant
GoldMinds Geoservices Inc.

Review

Needs Review
No
Historical
No

Dates

Event date
2023-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

Reasoning: The material's suitability for high-grade concentrate production is a positive, but the lack of direct recovery data from the company's own testwork and the preliminary nature of the assessment introduce uncertainty.

Positive factors

  • Material is suitable for producing a high-grade spodumene concentrate.
  • DSO approach simplifies company's processing requirements.
  • QP sign-off on metallurgical information.

Negative factors

  • No recovery percentage reported by the company as they are selling DSO.
  • Effective recovery depends on the buyer's plant.
  • PEA is based on low-level technical assessments.

Evidence · text

“previous metallurgical testing programs demonstrated the Sirmac pegmatite #5 Dike is suitable to produce a spodumene concentrate grading 6% Li 2 O and above.”

How Atlas produces this analysis

Minestarters Atlas uses automated extraction to summarize mining announcements, identify reported measurements, and classify supporting evidence. Sentiment reflects the extracted narrative and classification rules; it is an interpretation, not a reported measurement. Evidence quotes and context are provided where available. Missing data, low-confidence results, and review flags indicate limitations. Check the original publisher announcement before relying on an interpretation.