Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB, OTC:FRBMF) has taken steps to optimise its proposed battery-grade high-purity manganese sulphate (HPMS) plant with the delivery of the pilot-scale calcining kiln to Hunan Firebird Battery Technologies Plant in Hunan Province, China.
The kiln – designed by Firebird and built by Zhongji Sunward Technology Co, Ltd – has the potential to reduce energy usage by 80%, enhancing the cost effectiveness and energy efficiency of the plant.
Under the strategic agreement between Sunward and Firebird, Sunward will co-fund and evaluate commercialising the rotary kiln design, including all detailed technical engineering and construction.
With the kiln installed, testing is now underway at the plant, expected to take six weeks.
Lowest quartile costs for HPMS
“Our industry-leading sulphate technical team in China are always looking to improve our proposed production processes, with a very strong focus on reducing our already impressive low-cost profile to produce high-purity manganese sulphate,” Firebird managing director Peter Allen said.
“The testing of this pilot scale kiln holds potential to significantly reduce our operational expenses in the production of manganese sulphate, a key component for the battery industry in China and beyond.
“Importantly, we already sit in the lowest quartile of operational costs to produce high-purity manganese sulphate, which again highlights the significant cost, development and operational advantages through establishing operations in China.
“The high calibre of our development partners in China, including Sunward, reinforces our commitment and the robust in-country support we have in becoming a near-term, low-cost producer of manganese sulphate with global significance.
“We eagerly anticipate completing the testing phase and sharing the results as they become available.”
Detailed 3D Design of Firebird’s Rotary Kiln
Firebird intends to test the kiln with 10 tonnes of manganese ore, anticipating ‘significantly’ lower energy consumption with promising applications in iron ore beneficiation and lithium sulphate production.
Sunward has agreed to pay a 5% royalty on all future sales revenue for the calcining kiln, with FRB retaining the right to collaborate with other manufacturers.
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