Giyani Metals Corp (TSX-V:EMM, OTC:CATPF), the developer of the K.Hill Battery-Grade Manganese Project in Botswana, said it is on track to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) in the first quarter of 2025.
Throughout January 2025, Giyani advanced through Hot Commissioning (C4 Commissioning) at the Demonstration Plant.
Giyani plans to produce HPMSM samples in the first quarter, which will be provided to potential off-takers for qualification trials, the company said.
The Demonstration Plant is designed to identify opportunities, improve design, and significantly de-risk the broader project. Insights gained from its operation will inform the construction, commissioning, and ramp-up of the Commercial Plant in Botswana. The plant also allows for final optimization of the engineering design and flowsheet to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
This work is progressing in parallel with the Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), which is expected to be completed later in 2025.
Giyani recently received a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) license for its planned Commercial Plant, which will be constructed adjacent to its 100%-owned manganese ore sources in Botswana. The SEZ license provides both fiscal and non-fiscal benefits, including a 5% corporate tax rate for the first 10 years of production, rising to 10% thereafter—a significant advantage that was not accounted for in the company’s 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment.
“Giyani’s Demonstration Plant is progressing to the production ramp-up commissioning phase, and the team continues to work determinedly towards first production of battery-grade manganese,” CEO Charles FitzRoy told investors.
“Our technical and operational teams are demonstrating excellent skill and resilience in navigating the usual late-stage commissioning challenges that occur when plants ramp-up toward production.”
With continuous process flow, the plant will allow the company to target steady-state operations over extended periods, proving its ability to produce consistent battery-grade manganese and meet off-take requirements.
Shares of Giyani traded higher following the update, adding 5.6% at noon on Friday.