** Shares of Firebird Metals FRB.AX rise 7.6% to A$0.099, their highest levels since February 25
** The manganese developer announces that material testing on its Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) at its R&D unit in Hunan Province, China
** This streamlined approach will not only significantly reduce costs but result in a higher-quality LMFP product - Firebird
** Stock set for its strongest session since February 20, if current gains hold
** Stock down 1% YTD, including current session's moves
(Reporting by Manasi Dasa in Bengaluru)
((Manasi.DasaSundeep@thomsonreuters.com;))