Element 25 (ASX:E25) has received the first major processing equipment for its Butcherbird Expansion Project in Western Australia.
The logwasher, manufactured by KISA in Germany, arrived at Fremantle Port last week and will undergo inspection before transport to the Pilbara site.
The equipment represents a key milestone as the company advances toward 1.1 million tonnes per annum manganese concentrate production.
The logwasher features a 600‑tonne-per-hour design throughput with a 10,000mm by 3,500mm main trough containing two counter‑rotating shafts equipped with hardened paddles.
The equipment can wash feed material up to 250mm and includes hydraulic height adjustment and advanced washing technology for improved clay removal.
“The logwasher was designed and custom-built to perfectly suit our needs. It is only one piece of a much larger plan, but as we work towards bringing the Butcherbird Expansion Project into fruition,” Managing Director Justin Brown says.
“It is an exciting highlight to see this key piece of equipment arrive in WA as it represents a key step forward in executing our expansion strategy at Butcherbird.”
The Butcherbird Expansion Project targets production of manganese concentrate for traditional steel markets and battery-grade refining feedstock.
The project is based on an updated January 2025 Feasibility Study and an ore reserve of 101.4 million tonnes at 10.4% manganese, supporting an 18‑year mine life.
Element 25 continues advancing multiple project workstreams, including contractor engagement, detailed engineering, and construction planning. The company has issued construction contract tender packages to pre‑qualified bidders with initial bid evaluations underway.
The delivery follows Element 25’s signing of integrated Mining Services and Ore Haulage Services Agreements with Regroup Australia in May. Discussions with preferred ore offtake partners are at an advanced stage.
All permits remain in place for construction, with mechanical completion and commissioning scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The company maintains its disciplined project management framework with ongoing milestone tracking and supplier deliverable monitoring.
Element 25 operates the Butcherbird Manganese Project and is commercialising proprietary technology to produce battery‑grade high‑purity manganese sulphate monohydrate.
The company is planning its first refinery in Louisiana with support from General Motors, Stellantis, and a US$166 million ($238.7 million) grant from the US Department of Energy.
Element 25 is an Australian manganese producer advancing its Butcherbird operation in Western Australia while developing downstream processing capabilities for battery‑grade materials.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Element 25
