Giyani Metals Corp (TSX-V:EMM, OTC:CATPF) earlier this week confirmed the shipment of its first high purity manganese oxide samples from its demonstration plant in Johannesburg to potential off-takers.
The company said this shipment represents a key milestone as it transitions from laboratory to demonstration scale—a process it claims sets it apart from competitors outside China. Giyani is the only group to reach this scale in battery-grade manganese production outside of China.
The company told investors that manganese oxide represents the first step in its process, with manganese sulphate production expected in early Q3 2025. It highlighted that the ability to produce both oxide and sulphate allows it to target a wider range of battery chemistries.
Giyani said its demonstration plant—measuring 100 metres long and 50 metres high—has provided significant technical insights. These include reagent optimisation and the removal of harmful chemicals, leading to a cleaner waste stream. The company also said it has identified a valuable byproduct with potential market applications.
These findings are being used to refine the commercial plant design, which is planned for Botswana. The company said that as a result, it now expects to complete its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) in Q1 2026, with commercial construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
The company also referenced increasing demand for high manganese battery chemistries, including recent developments by Ford and General Motors in lithium manganese-rich (LMR) chemistries. It noted that other formats such as LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) are also gaining traction.
Giyani said it expects this rising demand to accelerate from 2027 onward, and that it is well positioned to ramp up production in line with that market trend. The company said it plans to use the current product shipments to initiate further discussions with off-takers and advance project financing.