Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) has produced lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries using manganese sulphate in solution during LMFP cathode material testwork at its research and development centre in China.
Shares advanced 7.6% in early trade following the news, to an intraday high of $0.099.
Five batches out of 100 have been completed, with each batch to be turned into button batteries for full evaluation and analysis. The company says these insights are considered critical for potential cell manufacturing clients, providing valuable data to optimise battery performance.
The testwork program is being completed with Central South University of Hunan, under a binding strategic collaboration agreement. Central South University has a “strong” reputation for developing battery materials processes, according to Firebird.
Firebird, which has a market capitalisation of $13 million, says this collaboration has potential to position the company in the evolving lithium-ion battery market, addressing the growing demand for cost-effective, high-performance, energy storage solutions.
Managing Director Peter Allen says this latest achievement places Firebird in a small select group of non-Chinese owned companies to have produced LMFP batteries.
“Manganese sulphate is a critical element within LMFP and our manganese processing knowledge and IP enables Firebird to drive significant value by co-precipitation,” Allen says.
“We expect our process to translate into substantial cost advantages in sulphate production by bypassing the manganese sulphate crystallisation process, which is the largest component of our operating cost.
“This streamlined approach not only reduces costs but also results in a superior quality LMFP product, strengthening our position as a cost-effective, high-quality leader in the market.”
Eliminating packaging and crystallisation steps within the sulphate process equates to a 32% or US$167 ($269) per tonne saving in projected manganese sulphate operating costs.
Once the testwork is completed, results will be used to conduct a Scoping Study on LMFP production. Upon completion, Firebird will assess the results and opportunity to expand the current pilot plant to produce one tonne per day of LMFP.
To maintain confidentiality and protect IP, Firebird will lodge patents domestically and internationally. All necessary equipment has been ordered to enable the company to complete future testwork at its own research and development lab facilities.
Firebird Metals is an advanced manganese developer focused on combining mining and downstream processing with a focus on advancing the EV battery sector.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Firebird Metals
