First Class Metals Reports High-Grade Lithium and Rubidium from Zigzag Project, Ontario

First Class Metals PLC (LSE: FCM) has released exceptional channel sampling results from its Zigzag Property in Ontario, Canada. While the project is primarily being advanced for its lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatites, results have also confirmed strong rubidium grades, alongside tantalum and gallium, further positioning Zigzag as a multi-critical metals exploration opportunity.

Key Channel Sampling Highlights

• Lithium Oxide (Li₂O): Channel 7: 5.5m @ 2.36% Li₂O, including 2.5m @ 3.44% Li₂O. Multiple channels returned >1% Li₂O across the 400m core zone.

• Rubidium (Rb₂O): Channel 3: 2.4m @ 0.20% Rb₂O (2,000 ppm), including 1.0m @ 0.29% Rb₂O (2,920 ppm). Channel 7: 5.5m @ 0.17% Rb₂O (1,740 ppm), including 2.5m @ 0.13% Rb₂O. Other channels returned values up to 2,550 ppm Rb.

• Other Critical Metals: Tantalum up to 290 ppm, Gallium up to 140 ppm.

Rubidium – A Strategic Critical Metal

Rubidium is classed as a critical technology metal by the US and Canadian governments. It plays a key role in:

• Semiconductors & advanced electronics

• Specialised glass and fibre optics

• Defence and aerospace applications

Global rubidium supply is almost entirely controlled by China, making new discoveries outside Asia strategically significant. With spot prices above US$3,100/oz, rubidium offers strong economic credits to Zigzag’s lithium development case.

Exploration Upside at Zigzag

• Sampling has defined a continuous >1% Li₂O zone across 400m, open along strike.

• Prospecting has identified a subparallel pegmatite structure to the south, with assays pending.

• The current permit allows for mechanical stripping and drilling, expected to expand continuity and grade distribution.

CEO Comment

Marc J. Sale, CEO of First Class Metals, commented:

“The channel results confirm our confidence in Zigzag’s lithium and critical metals potential. The presence of rubidium, tantalum, and gallium adds an exciting new dimension to the project’s future development.”

Why Zigzag Matters

The Zigzag Project gives investors exposure not only to the booming lithium sector but also to rubidium, one of the world’s rarest and most valuable metals. With grades exceeding 2,500 ppm Rb and multiple high-grade lithium intersections, First Class Metals is emerging as one of the few rubidium exploration companies outside China.