[Ferro-Alloys.com] Firebird Signs Non-Binding MOU With Eramet Regarding Manganese Ore Supply For China Operations

Firebird Metals Limited  is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Eramet for the supply of manganese ore for Stage One of operations at Firebird’s proposed manganese sulphate (MnSO4) and manganese tetra-oxide (Mn3O4) plant in China. The agreement positions Firebird to meet future operational requirements and represents a crucial milestone in the Company’s journey toward becoming a low-cost and near-term MnSO4 and Mn3O4 producer. However, it is important to note that the MOU is non-binding and does not constitute a legally binding agreement.

Stage One of operations aims to produce 50,000tpa of battery grade MnSO4 and 10,000tpa Mn3O4 utilising third party ore.

Stage Two operations remain firmly focused on leveraging the Company’s 100%-owned Oakover Project, strategically located 85 kilometres east of Newman in Western Australia’s East Pilbara region, once production commences. This phase is forecast to expand production to approximately 300,000tpa MnSO4 in China, alongside 100,000tpa of battery-grade MnSO4 produced in Western markets.

Firebird Managing Director Mr Peter Allen commented: “I am very pleased to announce that Firebird has entered into a MoU agreement with Eramet, a world-renowned supplier of manganese ore and a truly high-calibre partner. Securing this reliable and strategic supply of manganese ore marks a pivotal step in accelerating our journey to production and building a strong foundation for sustainable cash flow generation.

“Firebird has made rapid progress in the execution of our unique LMFP strategy, attracting and securing high-profile partnerships that reinforce the strength of our strategic vision and increasing confidence in our ability to deliver on key milestones.

“This agreement with Eramet reflects our commitment to establishing a vertically integrated operation, and positions us to deliver on our long-term strategy of supporting the clean energy transition by becoming a key supplier of manganese for LMFP batteries.

“The Company and I look forward to building a strong partnership with Eramet to deliver value for all stakeholders.”

FIREBIRD METALS AND ERAMET MOU

The non-binding MoU between Firebird and Eramet establishes a collaborative framework aimed at securing the regular purchase and supply of manganese ore. The agreement specifies an annual supply of 80,000 tonnes, with 20,000 tonnes delivered quarterly. This arrangement is designed to align with Firebird’s operational requirements and ensure a consistent and reliable logistics chain.

The agreed annual supply volume exceeds the 66,000 tonnes per annum identified in Firebird’s Feasibility Study, the additional tonnage serves as a strategic buffer, mitigating potential disruptions across the logistics chain and safeguarding uninterrupted operations.

The MoU reflects the shared intent of Firebird and Eramet to progress the collaboration into a formal, long-term supply agreement. This transition is contingent upon Firebird achieving key milestones, including securing project financing, commencing construction of the processing plant, and initiating ore requirements for production.

Terms relating to pricing and payment mechanisms are commercially sensitive and confidential. This approach allows both parties to operate within a competitive market environment while advancing their partnership towards a sustainable and mutually beneficial supply arrangement.

ERAMET： Eramet, a French multinational mining and metallurgy leader, is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange. Eramet transforms the Earth’s mineral resources to provide sustainable and responsible solutions to the growth of the industry and to the challenges of the energy transition. Its employees are committed to this through their civic and contributory approach in all the countries where the mining and metallurgical group is present. Manganese, nickel, mineral sands, and lithium: Eramet recovers and develops metals that are essential to the construction of a more sustainable world. As a privileged partner of its industrial clients, the Group contributes to making robust and resistant infrastructures and constructions, more efficient means of mobility, safer health tools and more efficient telecommunications devices. Fully committed to the era of metals, Eramet’s ambition is to become a reference for the responsible transformation of the Earth’s mineral resources for living well together.

Through its subsidiary Comilog, Eramet operates the Moanda mines in Gabon, recognised as the world’s largest manganese mining operation. Since commencing operations in 1962, the Moanda mines have been a cornerstone of global manganese production, extracting 7.4 million tonnes of ore in 2023, with 6.6 million tonnes successfully transported

About Firebird Metals Limited

Firebird Metals is an advanced manganese developer focused on combining mining and downstream processing with a dedication to the advancement of the EV battery sector. The Company is currently progressing its unique China-focused lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery strategy, which will develop Firebird into a near-term producer of high-purity, battery-grade manganese sulphate, a key cathode material in LMFP batteries for electric vehicles.

Execution of this strategy will place Firebird at the forefront of manganese sulphate production, at a time when the use and demand for manganese in batteries continues to rapidly grow. Due to the low number of ASX-manganese developers and increasing use of LMFP by car manufacturers, Firebird is in a strong position to benefit from this growing market and deliver significant value to its shareholder base.

The Company also has a project portfolio located in the renowned East Pilbara manganese province of Western Australia, which boasts a total Resource of 234Mt3,4, with exciting exploration and development growth upside. The portfolio is led by the flagship Oakover Project, which holds a Mineral Resource Estimate3 of 176.7 Mt at 9.9% Mn, with 105.8 Mt at 10.1% Mn in an Indicated category.

The Company’s other key Project is Hill 616 which provides Firebird with compelling growth opportunities. Hill 616 contains an Inferred Mineral Resource4 of 57.5Mt at 12.2% Mn and shares similar geological traits to Oakover. The Company is committed to generating sustainable long-term value and growth for stakeholders, through the implementation of best practice exploration methods while prioritising the well-being, health and environmental protection of its employees and communities it operates in.

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• [Editor:tianyawei]