Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) has engaged mining consultant Sedgman to assist in the commercialisation of its calcining kiln in Australia and internationally, excluding China.
The company says this is a step forward in its strategy to commercialise its calcining technology worldwide, alongside addressing the increasing demand for an energy-efficient solution for mineral processing.
Firebird’s calcining kiln, currently under patent application, provides greater energy efficiency than existing alternatives. The company has completed trials of the pilot-scale calcining kiln, with results showing the potential to reduce energy usage by 70%.
In comparison to conventional kilns, which require more than 300 kilowatts per hour per tonne of feed, Firebird’s pilot kiln operates at between 80 to 100 kilowatts per hour per tonne.
The company says this translates to a cost reduction of US$30 ($47) per tonne of product, which is equal to 5% of the total production costs.
Managing Director Peter Allen says Sedgman has pioneered the use of new process technologies to improve the performance of processing plants for over four decades.
“Sedgman brings a proven track record of commercialising novel equipment and solutions to advance efficiency within our industry,” Allen says.
“Firebird’s calcining kiln presents not only an opportunity to improve the cost efficiency of our processes as we become an effective producer of manganese-based cathode materials, but also an opportunity to bring that same efficient and emerging technology to the global mineral processing industry.
“Sedgman, alongside Sunward, are high calibre development partners for our calcining kiln, and engaging them for this project reinforces our commitment to advancing innovative and efficient emerging technologies, in alignment with our lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate battery storage.”
Firebird notes the calcining kiln is highly scalable, and in addition to applications in manganese-related mineral processing, will also be assessed for use across industries such as iron ore beneficiation and lithium sulphate production.
The company has also received numerous inquiries about the technology internationally. As such, Sedgman will support Firebird to capitalise on the technology’s demand.
Firebird Metals is currently progressing its China-focused lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery strategy, which paves the way for the company to become a near-term producer of high-purity battery-grade manganese sulphate — a key cathode material in LMFP batteries for EVs.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Firebird Metals
