Firebird Metals announced the operational commencement of its Chinese-based manganese sulphate pilot plant, part of its research and development centre.
After being completed on schedule and under budget, the Jinshi, Hunan province, plant will produce high-purity manganese sulphate and manganese tetraoxide, key minerals used to make Li-ion batteries.
Previously released scoping study results indicate a highly competitive low OPEX of ~US$659 ($999.58)/mt, strong projected NPV of ~US$331 million (~$502.1 million) at a discount rate of 8%, and a payback period under two years.
Firebird confirmed that the financial viability of the Oakover Manganese Project is independent of the inferred resources included in the scoping study.