Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB) has achieved an important step during test work to support commercialisation of its LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) cathode materials (CAM), producing batteries from the same combination.

During the test work, which was carried out in collaboration with Central South University (CSU) of Hunan, solid and co-precipitation methods were assessed concerning the production of LMFP CAM. Five batches were produced.

The LMFP batteries were produced through this, using manganese sulphate in solution, which was then processed into LMFP CAM.

The development, the company said today, now makes Firebord one of only a few companies outside China to have produced such batteries.

Firebird signed an agreement with CSU in October 2024 to precipitate this collaborative work; managing director Peter Allen has today said this was an important first step in that team-up agreement between the two.

“The commencement of testwork and first production of LMFP batteries with CSU is an exciting and transformative step forward for Firebird in the commercialisation of our LMFP cathode materials, which will ultimately be distributed directly into global battery markets,” Mr Allen explained.

“Manganese sulphate is a critical element within LMFP and our manganese processing knowledge and IP enables Firebird to drive significant value by co-precipitation.

“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 costs.

“This streamlined approach not only reduces costs but also results in a superior qualityLMFP product, strengthening our position as a cost-effective, high-quality leader.”

Firebird shares moved up after the news, and at 11:39am in Sydney they were trading at 9.9 cents – a rise of 7.61% since the market opened.

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