Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB) has received preliminary design approval for its battery-grade manganese sulphate plant in Jinshi, China – with a detailed technical review of its design giving way to discussions by key players in the process.

The plant will be located in Jinshi High-Tech Industrial Park, and so the main discussions involved the Park Committee meeting with he Hunan Chemical Engineering Design Institute (or HCEDI) and Firebird subsidiary Hunan Firebird Battery Technology Co (HFBT) to discuss some of the plant’s key technical considerations and provide advice on the design.

Looking ahead to the imminent detailed engineering phase, the Committee also offered feedback, acknowledging that this stage would open the door to the issuing of the Buildingand Construction Permit.

The design – which was completed by HCEDI – forms part of a larger feasibility assessment for the plant, with this involving process design, engineering, financial assessments and thenecessary environmental, safety, and energy permits.

Reaching the preliminary design approval stage is significant for the project, as it indicates that 80% of requirements for gaining a Building and Construction Permit have been met.

Firebird managing director Peter Allen said this was an important milestone.

“The company has taken another big step forward in the development of our battery grade manganese sulphate plant, in Jinshi, Hunan Province, China,” he said.

“The approval of the preliminary design of our plant and building is another key milestone achieved and impressively, over the past year, we have delivered all our stated objectives on time and under budget, which represents excellent value to all stakeholders.

“To be in the position we are in just over 12 months since establishing our China-based LMFP battery strategy is a huge testament to drive and dedication of the entire Firebird team.

“Through the hard work delivered over the last year, we have set a strong platform to work towards a Final Investment Decision in coming quarters.”

Firebird has been trading at 12 cents.

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