Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB, OTC:FRBMF) is working to recruit high-purity manganese experts to build out its in-country Chinese team as the company prepares to release scoping studies for its Chinese and Australian Battery Grade Manganese Sulphate strategy in the coming weeks.
The company owns a portfolio of manganese projects in Western Australia, which it intends to leverage into high purity (more than 99.8%) manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) for the battery metal sector.
Demand for lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMIP) batteries is accelerating, with many in the battery sector considering the chemistry to be superior to other lithium derivatives.
Firebird plans to create a China-based subsidiary company and secure land and operating permits to build a battery grade manganese sulphate operation, which can directly service the Chinese and Australian battery manufacturing sectors.
Capitalising on emerging opportunities
“The journey towards creating long-term shareholder value is a continuous one, and we are committed to the efficient execution of our plans across China and Western Australia and accelerating our achievements,” Firebird Metals managing director Peter Allen said.
“Our growth strategy I designed to strengthen our position in the domestic and international manganese market, and this will be characterised by significant efforts across our LMFP battery strategy and development of the Oakover Manganese Project.
“The overwhelming demand and commitments received from our recent $8 million placement is a huge endorsement that Firebird has the right strategy, right assets, and right people to ensure we deliver on our plan and grow into key supplier of battery-grade manganese sulphate and a global cathode producer.
“With these funds, we are well-equipped to deliver on a busy 12-month work program and advance key workstreams in China and further the development of the Oakover Project.
“This strategic investment represents a pivotal moment in our journey and positions us to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the battery industry.”
Advancing multiple workstreams
Firebird says it’s nearing a final decision for its industrial land location in China – which will host the company’s pilot plant and allow for samples to be manufactured for potential offtake partners for qualifications.
A pre-feasibility study (PFS) for the Oakover Project is also fully funded following the recent share placement capital raise, expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2024.
The company is now planning for the next stage of environmental surveys and studies which will allow the company to advance its flagship Oakover project; the project’s mineral resource currently sits at 176.7 million tonnes at 10% manganese, with 105.8 million tonnes in the higher confidence indicated category.
Finally, FRB plans to conduct a diamond drilling program at Oakover to support ongoing metallurgical work during the first quarter of 2024.