Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB, OTC:FRBMF) has received preliminary design approval for its proposed battery-grade manganese sulphate plant in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China.
“The company has taken another big step forward in the development of our battery-grade manganese sulphate plant, in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China,” said Firebird managing director Peter Allen.
“The approval of the preliminary design of our plant and building is another key milestone achieved and impressively, over the past year, we have delivered all our stated objectives on time and under budget, which represents excellent value to all stakeholders.
“To be in the position we are in just over 12 months since establishing our China-based LMFP battery strategy is a huge testament to the drive and dedication of the entire Firebird team.”
Approval process
Following an in-depth technical review of the preliminary design, the Jinshi High-Tech Industrial Park Committee convened with the Hunan Chemical Engineering Design Institute (HCEDI) and Firebird subsidiary Hunan Firebird Battery Technology Co., Ltd. (HFBT) to address key technical considerations and provide guidance for the approval of the preliminary design.
The committee also offered feedback, primarily directed toward the upcoming detailed engineering design phase, noting that successful completion of this phase will facilitate the issuance of the Building and Construction Permit.
HCEDI has successfully completed the preliminary design as part of the broader feasibility study, which encompassed process design, engineering, financial assessments and the necessary environmental, safety and energy permits.
Meeting at the HFBT office at the R&D centre in Jinshi China, including Jinshi High-Tech Industrial Park committee, planning experts, Hunan Chemical Engineering Design Institute and HFBT staff.
Final investment decision ahead
Feedback gathered at various stages of development has been integrated into the preliminary design, with its approval signifying that around 80% of the requirements for obtaining the Building and Construction Permit have now been met.
Firebird has also begun geotechnical drilling at the proposed plant site, with results expected this month. These findings will inform the detailed engineering design, ensuring robust project planning and strict adherence to specifications.
“Through the hard work delivered over the last year, we have set a strong platform to work towards a final investment decision in coming quarters,” Allen said.
“We will continue to work tirelessly every day to deliver on our unique, low-cost, speed-to-market strategy and build the company into a near-term, low-cost battery grade manganese sulphate and tetroxide producer and by doing this, will deliver significant long-term value to all our stakeholders.”
Aerial view of proposed plant and buildings.