Firebird Metals Ltd has engaged Sedgman Pty Ltd to assist in the commercialisation and technical marketing of its calcining kiln technology in Australia and international markets, excluding China.
The kiln, currently under patent application, offers significantly improved energy efficiency compared to conventional alternatives.
Trials of the pilot-scale kiln indicate an energy consumption of 80-100 kWh per tonne, a 70% reduction compared to traditional kilns that typically require more than 300 kWh per tonne.
This efficiency translates to cost savings of US$30 per tonne, or 5% of total production costs.
Sedgman, a CIMIC Group company, has more than 40 years of experience in minerals and metals project development and the adoption of novel process technologies.
Firebird Metals views this partnership as a key step in advancing its calcining kiln internationally while supporting its research and development team in China.
The technology is highly scalable and will be assessed for applications beyond manganese processing, including iron ore beneficiation and lithium sulphate production.
Firebird expects further energy savings as the kiln progresses to full-scale production, positioning it as a cost-efficient and energy-saving solution in global mineral processing.