Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB, OTC:FRBMF) has entered into a binding strategic collaboration agreement with Central South University (CSU) in Hunan, China, to develop a processing method to produce lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) as a cathode active material (CAM).
Firebird is progressing a unique China-focused LMFP battery strategy, which will develop Firebird into a near-term producer of high-purity, battery-grade manganese sulphate — a key cathode material in LMFP batteries for electric vehicles.
The primary focus of the collaboration with CSU is to develop a process for producing LMFP as a CAM from Firebird’s proposed battery-grade manganese sulphate plant, which will be in Jinshi, Hunan Province.
Firebird benefits from a substantial cost advantage in LMFP production as it bypasses the manganese sulphate crystallisation process. This streamlined approach reduces costs and results in a higher-quality LMFP product.
The collaboration
The collaboration combines the significant LMFP cathode experience of CSU with Firebird’s expertise in battery-grade manganese sulphate production, aiming to enhance LMFP cathode technology and accelerate commercialisation.
The parties will develop a unique process that will commence with lab-scale testing while planning a scoping study for a commercial pilot plant to produce nextgen cathode materials.
This collaboration aims to position Firebird as a global leader in the evolving lithium-ion battery market, addressing the growing demand for cost-effective, high-performance and energy storage solutions.
Early-stage test-work will be completed at Firebird’s R&D centre in Jinshi with initial results expected next quarter.
"Strong step forward"
“Just over 12 months ago we set out our vision to become a leading, low-cost manganese sulphate producer, which supplies high-quality battery cathode products direct to the market,” Firebird managing director Peter Allen said.
“We have delivered a strong year of progress in China and continue to work tirelessly to position Firebird as a leader in the evolving lithium-ion battery market and generate significant value for all our stakeholders.
“The binding strategic collaboration agreement with Central South University is another strong step forward in delivering on our vision and ultimate goal of developing cost-effective processing method for lithium manganese iron phosphate cathode materials.”
Global leader in battery material processes
Central South University brings a strong reputation for being a global leader when it comes to producing battery materials processes.
CSU has already made advanced progress in the development of the LMFP process and under the collaboration agreement with Firebird will take the work completed to date to finalisation.
This collaboration will be led by two industry leaders, Professor Xing Ou and Professor Lei Ming, who bring significant industry and LMFP research and development (R&D) experience.
The professors have worked on numerous globally significant projects, including serving as the chief technical officer for LFP development between 2010 and 2014. More recently, they played a key role in establishing and listing Pa Wa Gu Fen — a Shenzhen-listed company focused on ternary-based cathodes.
Allen added, “This collaboration will place Firebird in a very strong technical position and fits perfectly into our LMFP strategy. Importantly, this collaboration has only been possible due to the strength of the company’s in-country team and the relationships and networks we have developed in China.
“The team is very excited to be able to work with Professors Ou and Ming, who bring leading and extensive experience when it comes to developing low-cost and efficient battery cathode processes.
“The reputation of CSU and its professors in the field of battery materials is unmatched. Teamwork is the key ingredient to any long-term success and value generation of a company, and we are proud to have a standout team who are dedicated to delivering on our vision.”
Under the agreement, Firebird will make a total payment of RMB850,000 (A$188,000) in instalments over a 15-month period to CSU. Firebird will own all test-work results and patents within China and internationally.
Testing, study and commercial-sized pilot plant
Firebird plans to begin lab testing soon, with specialist equipment already being ordered. Results will lead into an internal scoping study, laying the groundwork for a pilot plant capable of producing around one tonne per day of LMFP.
The CSU professors and their team have already established a strong foundation in the LMFP production process. Lab testing with Firebird’s Chinese technical team will refine this process, which will differ from mainstream production methods.
Firebird plans to patent aspects of the process both in China and internationally.