Firebird Metals, an Australia-based company, has announced a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with French miner Eramet for the supply of manganese ore.
The agreement supports the first phase of Firebird’s planned facility in China, which will produce battery-grade manganese sulphate (MnSO₄) and manganese tetra-oxide (Mn₃O₄).
The companies aim to finalise a long-term supply agreement by 2026.
Eramet, through its subsidiary Comilog, operates the Moanda mines in Gabon, which are considered the world’s largest manganese mining operation.
The MOU outlines an annual supply of 80,000 tonnes of manganese, with quarterly deliveries of 20,000 tonnes to align with Firebird’s operational needs and ensure a stable logistics chain.
According to Firebird, the annual supply volume exceeds the 66,000 tonnes per annum projected in its feasibility study, with the additional tonnage serving as a contingency against potential supply chain disruptions.
The company believes this arrangement is critical for its ambition to become a cost-effective, near-term producer of MnSO₄ and Mn₃O₄.
Stage one of Firebird’s operations will produce 50,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade MnSO₄ and 10,000 tonnes per annum of Mn₃O₄ using third-party ore.
Stage two will focus on incorporating ore from the company’s wholly-owned Oakover Manganese Project in Western Australia to boost production to approximately 300,000 tonnes per annum of MnSO₄ in China, and an additional 100,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade MnSO₄ in Western markets.
Firebird Managing Director Peter Allen stated that securing this reliable and strategic supply of manganese ore marks a pivotal step in accelerating the company’s journey to production and building a strong foundation for sustainable cash flow generation.
He added that Firebird has made rapid progress in executing its unique LMFP (lithium manganese iron phosphate) strategy, attracting and securing high-profile partnerships that reinforce the strength of its strategic vision and increase confidence in its ability to deliver on key milestones.
The agreement follows successful testing of a 200kg Eramet ore sample at Firebird’s Jinshi research and development centre, yielding battery-grade MnSO₄ and Mn₃O₄.
The progression to a binding contract is dependent on Firebird meeting several milestones, including securing project financing, beginning construction of the processing facility, and initiating production ore requirements.
Allen added that the agreement with Eramet reflects Firebird’s commitment to establishing a vertically integrated operation and positions it to deliver on its long-term strategy of supporting the clean energy transition by becoming a key supplier of manganese for LMFP batteries.
Firebird Metals’ subsidiary, Hunan Firebird Battery Technologies, obtained a safety permit for the first phase of its MnSO₄ plant in China in May 2024.
