Firebird Metals Ltd has commercialised its proprietary energy-efficient calcining kiln, completing successful pilot-scale test work for Kazakhstan-based Taza Metal Technologies, a supplier to the European manganese sulphate market.
Innovative downstream processing
This trial strengthens Firebird’s technical credentials and supports its strategy to integrate innovative downstream processing into its future production plans.
The trial involved processing 3.3 tonnes of low-grade manganese ore (18–20% Mn) from Taza’s stockpiles using Firebird’s pilot kiln operated by its Chinese subsidiary, Hunan Firebird Battery Technology.
Taza covered all costs associated with the trial, which formed a core part of its due diligence in assessing equipment for future high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) production.
Firebird’s kiln recorded average energy consumption of just 230 kilowatt-hours per tonne (kWh/t), including drying and kiln pre-heating.
This compares favourably to the 400+ kWh/t quoted for conventional rotary kilns by third-party suppliers. On commercial-scale deployment, Firebird expects an additional 25% reduction, bringing total energy usage to less than half the standard.
Leaching results also demonstrated high efficiency, with around 95% manganese recovery and only 1.5% residual content in the acid leaching residue.
The kiln’s performance with low-grade ore adds to previous trials with high-grade ore, where energy savings of up to 70% were achieved.
The technology is scalable and applicable across various ore types and chemical processing sectors, including lithium spodumene and iron ore beneficiation.
Commercialisation strategy
The outcome dovetails with Firebird’s broader strategy to commercialise its calcining technology globally, while progressing its vertically integrated lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery materials business.
The company is positioning itself as a competitive, low-cost producer of battery-grade manganese sulphate.
Firebird continues to receive inbound interest in its kiln technology from both Chinese and international parties.
With its pilot kiln now validated under real-world conditions, the company sees significant opportunity to deploy the system across the battery materials supply chain, where energy efficiency and process innovation are increasingly critical.