Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) announces successful delivery of energy efficient pilot scale calcining kiln

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX:FRB) has announced the successful delivery of a new energy efficient pilot scale calcining kiln to the Company's Battery Grade High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Plant (Plant) by Sunward. The installation of the unit has been completed, and testing is underway, with results expected within six weeks. The kiln has the potential to reduce energy usage by up to 80% and further enhance the cost-efficiency of Firebird's proposed Plant, with potential applications in industries such as iron ore beneficiation and lithium sulphate production.

Firebird Managing Director, Mr Peter Allen, comments on the delivery and potential impact of the new calcining kiln

Our industry-leading sulphate technical team in China are always looking to improve our proposed production processes, with a very strong focus on reducing our already impressive low-cost profile to produce high-purity manganese sulphate. The testing of this pilot scale kiln holds potential to significantly reduce our operational expenses in the production of manganese sulphate, a key component for the battery industry in China and beyond. Importantly, we already sit in the lowest quartile of operational costs to produce high-purity manganese sulphate, which again highlights the significant cost, development and operational advantages through establishing operations in China. The high calibre of our development partners in China, including Sunward, reinforces our commitment and the robust in-country support we have in becoming a near-term, low-cost producer of manganese sulphate with global significance. We eagerly anticipate completing the testing phase and sharing the results as they become available.

Summary of Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) announcement and outlook

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX:FRB) has successfully received the delivery of an energy efficient pilot scale calcining kiln, which has the potential to reduce energy usage by up to 80% and enhance the cost-efficiency of the Company's proposed Battery Grade High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Plant. The strategic agreement with Sunward for the detailed technical engineering and construction of the kiln is a significant step towards Firebird's goal of rapidly developing into a low-cost producer of high-purity manganese sulphate. The successful testing of the kiln could have promising applications in industries such as iron ore beneficiation and lithium sulphate production. Firebird looks forward to the results of the testing phase and remains committed to becoming a near-term, low-cost producer of manganese sulphate with global significance.