Giyani Metals Corp (TSX-V:EMM, OTC:CATPF) has hit a major milestone, producing high-purity manganese oxide (HPMO) at its demonstration plant in Johannesburg.
The achievement moves the company one step closer to supplying key materials for electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage system (ESS) batteries.
HPMO is an important component in modern battery technology and can be used in multiple battery types, including lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate (LMFP) and lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide (LMNO) batteries.
These battery types are gaining traction in the EV market, offering a strong alternative to existing lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. Giyani plans to ship samples of its HPMO to potential buyers, known as offtakers, later this month.
The company has already received interest from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery producers, who will conduct qualification trials to assess the material’s suitability for large-scale use.
Charles FitzRoy, CEO of Giyani, called the production a “huge milestone” for the company.
“It proves the flowsheet at this precommercial scale, confirms Giyani’s technological optionality to be able to serve the rapidly evolving battery industry, and diversifies Giyani’s product risk.
"A fantastic achievement from all the team and now onto the next step of producing HPMSM which is anticipated in [the first quarter].”
Alongside HPMO, the company is also gearing up to produce high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM), another key battery material.
HPMSM production is expected to start later in the first quarter of 2025. Once completed, samples will be sent to potential buyers for testing as part of Giyani’s efforts to secure long-term supply agreements.
The demonstration plant plays a crucial role in refining Giyani’s production process before the company scales up to a full commercial plant in Botswana.
This smaller-scale facility is designed to identify and solve any technical challenges before large-scale production begins. The ultimate goal is to lower operating costs and reduce the project’s carbon footprint, making Giyani’s manganese products as sustainable as possible.
Giyani’s Botswana-based commercial plant is set to benefit from a newly granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) licence.
The licence brings financial incentives, including a reduced corporate tax rate of 5% for the first 10 years of production. The company has also launched a tender for site preparation work, specifically targeting locally owned businesses to ensure economic benefits for the surrounding community.