Giyani Metals Corp (TSX-V:EMM, OTC:CATPF) has provided an update on the commissioning progress of its Demonstration Plant in Johannesburg.
The plant, intended as a smaller-scale model of the company’s planned K.Hill Commercial Plant in Botswana, has moved through the C2 dry commissioning phase and is progressing into C3 wet commissioning.
Production of high-purity battery-grade manganese (HPMSM) remains on schedule for the end of 2024, with material to be used for off-taker qualification.
The Demo Plant, designed to operate at a continuous process flow, is aimed at producing consistent, specification-grade HPMSM.
This capability is essential for Giyani’s engagement with potential offtake partners and will enable the company to test and adjust its processes in real time, aided by an on-site, ISO-certified laboratory nearing completion.
Giyani reports that the lab’s installation is critical for meeting OEM requirements for high-purity battery-grade manganese and provides a key resource for ongoing testing and quality assurance.
The Demo Plant will allow the company to refine the engineering design and optimize operational efficiencies, including cost and carbon profile reductions, in conjunction with its ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study.
Charles FitzRoy, president and chief executive of Giyani, said: “The Demo Plant’s production capacity establishes a strong foundation for Giyani to engage with potential offtake partners: and offers Giyani many advantages that would not be available with a smaller or non-continuous facility.
“The continuous process flow of the Demo Plant will allow the team to target steady-state operations over extended periods, consequently proving Giyani’s ability to produce consistent battery-grade manganese and satisfy offtake requirements.
“This continuous operation at pre-commercial scale also provides critical information for understanding how the Commercial Plant will respond, significantly de-risking the project.”
Giyani also announced the resignation of board member Danny Keating, effective November 13, with his departure finalized ahead of the annual shareholder meeting on November 15.