First Class Metals Confirms Lithium and Rubidium Potential at Zigzag Property, Ontario

First Class Metals PLC (LSE: FCM) has announced encouraging results from soil and grab sampling at its Zigzag Project, located in Ontario’s Seymour-Falcon pegmatite corridor. The results validate that the main lithium-bearing zone remains open along strike and highlight elevated rubidium, caesium, and tantalum values as important by-product credits.

Key Results

• Soil Sampling (MMI Survey): Lithium response ratios up to 11 confirm the mineralisation continues east and west of the drilled core zone. Strong anomalies in caesium (up to 30) and zinc (up to 40) further support the system’s fertility.

• Grab Samples: Pegmatite samples 200–250m south of the main zone returned: 2,600 ppm lithium 4,290 ppm rubidium 920 ppm caesium (highest value reported to date at Zigzag) 686 ppm tantalum Additional sampling ~500m south of the eastern extension reported 1,240 ppm rubidium, pointing to another mineralised trend.

Rubidium as a Value-Add Credit

While Zigzag is primarily advanced as a lithium exploration project, the presence of rubidium — with grades exceeding 4,000 ppm in sampling — provides an additional potential credit. Rubidium is classified as a critical technology metal, used in semiconductors, specialised glass, and defence applications, with market prices reported above US$3,100/oz.

Exploration Outlook

• Evidence now supports at least two subparallel mineralised structures, with indications of a possible third.

• First Class Metals is preparing to engage with First Nations partners to support the next stage of exploration permitting.

• Results from the December 2023 drilling programme are expected soon, which will further inform the geological model and next steps.

CEO Statement

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

“These results reinforce our view that the Zigzag main zone is open along strike, while also providing compelling evidence for parallel structures. The presence of rubidium, caesium and tantalum adds an important new dimension to the project’s potential value.”

Strategic Significance

The Zigzag Project offers investors exposure to lithium exploration in a proven pegmatite corridor, with the additional upside of rubidium and other critical metals as valuable credits. While Zigzag is not a rubidium-only project, the grades reported strengthen its attractiveness as a multi-element opportunity within Ontario’s Tier-1 jurisdiction.