Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) secures final permit for China plant operation

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX:FRB) has successfully obtained the Energy Permit for its proposed battery-grade manganese sulphate plant in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China. This achievement marks the culmination of receiving all three key permits, including Energy, Safety, and Environmental, within a span of less than four months, underscoring the Company's commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

Firebird Managing Director's Comments on Energy Permit Approval

The Company is extremely proud to receive the Energy Permit, which is the final key permit required to allow Firebird to operate our battery grade manganese sulphate plant, in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China. Importantly, our team in China continue to focus on lowering our already impressive cost profile and ensure our operations meet the highest environmental standards. The receipt of the Energy Permit is another huge tick in the credentials of our proposed operations and is a result of the hard work of our team in China and the innovative technologies they have developed like the 5th Gen crystallisation reactor. We will look to lower energy consumption further and meet our primary objective of reducing energy usage throughout our process. Testing of our pilot scale calcining kiln, which boasts the potential to lower energy consumption by up to 80%, is underway and the team look forward to assessing and releasing results in the next 6 weeks. We have now been executing our LMFP battery strategy in China for 12 months and the progress we have made has been outstanding. We have delivered and completed on numerous workstreams and milestones and, through this, have set a strong platform to work towards a Final Investment Decision in coming quarters. I am very excited about the future of Firebird and we will continue to execute on our unique opportunity and vision to become a near-term, low-cost producer of battery-grade, high- purity manganese sulphate and tetroxide.

Outlook for Firebird Metals and Manganese Sulphate Plant

Firebird Metals' successful acquisition of the Energy Permit for its proposed battery-grade manganese sulphate plant in China signifies a significant milestone in the Company's strategic roadmap. With all three critical permits in place, Firebird is poised to advance towards the Final Investment Decision (FID) in the coming quarters. The Company's focus on reducing energy consumption, as evidenced by the ongoing testing of the pilot scale calcining kiln, reflects its commitment to operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, the Company's emphasis on sustainable production, zero-waste process, and proximity to key inputs and consumers reaffirms its position as a low-cost and environmentally responsible producer. As the demand for manganese in batteries continues to grow, Firebird is well-positioned to capitalize on this market trend and deliver substantial value to its shareholders. The outlook for Firebird Metals remains optimistic as it progresses towards becoming a leading producer of high-purity manganese sulphate and tetroxide, aligning with the burgeoning EV battery sector and the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions.