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Battery Grade Manganese Sulphate Pilot Plant Operational
January 28, 2024
Advanced Manganese developer Firebird Metals Limited (ASX: FRB, “Firebird” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce completion of fit-out of the Chinese-based Research and Development Centre (“R&D Centre”) and commencement of Pilot Plant operations, ahead of schedule and under budget.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chinese-based Research and Development (R&D) Centre fit-out completed ahead of schedule and under budget
- R&D Centre situated in the Jinshi High Tech Industries Development Zone, Jinshi, Hunan province, China
- Completion of R&D Centre includes commencement of Pilot Plant operations, with samples of high-purity manganese sulphate (MnSO4) and manganese tetra oxide (Mn3O4) to be produced for potential customers and offtake parties
- R&D centre will be used to complete testing on several other potential manganese rich precursor cathode active materials (pCAM)
- Commencement of Pilot Plant operations represents the execution of another key milestone for the China-based LMFP battery strategy
- Establishment of the R&D Centre follows completion of the Battery Grade Manganese Sulphate Scoping Study, which delivered excellent results and reaffirmed the opportunity to establish Firebird as low-cost, near-term manganese sulphate producer, key results include:
- Low-cost total CAPEX of ~US$82.3M before tax
- Highly competitive low OPEX of ~ US$659/mt
- Strong projected NPV of ~US$331M at a discount rate of 8%, before tax
- Internal rate of return of 47% before tax
- Payback period of less than two years
- Plant capacity of 72,000 mt/a of battery grade manganese sulphate (MnSO4) equivalent, producing:
- 50,000mt/a Battery Grade Manganese Sulphate (MnSO4); and
- 10,000mt/a Manganese Tetra Oxide (Mn3O4)
- Battery Grade Manganese Sulphate Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) at an advanced stage and on-track for completion in Q1 2024
Commenting on completion of the R&D Centre and rapid execution of the China-based LMFP battery strategy, Firebird Managing Director Peter Allen said, “We continue to make excellent strides in China on our LMFP Battery Strategy, which will position us to become a major, low-cost, manganese sulphate producer, providing battery-grade manganese into a market that is forecast to experience exponential growth over the coming decade.
“Completion of the R&D Centre, under budget and ahead of schedule, is an excellent achievement and a strong testament to the team on-the-ground in China. We have commenced Pilot Plant work and will focus on demonstrating our ability to produce high-purity manganese sulphate and manganese tetra oxide for potential customers and offtake parties. This work will also play a key role in securing finance to construct our plant in Hunan and continue our focused efforts towards becoming a producer in the next 18-24 months.
“We have attracted and assembled a leading and experienced manganese team in China and I am very confident and excited on what we are working towards and the future for Firebird and our shareholders.
“Importantly, we are well-funded following our heavily oversubscribed Placement from last October and in a very strong position to execute key work programs in China, along with the continued development of our Oakover Project in Western Australia. We are fully focused on maintaining this strong momentum and look forward to delivering on a very busy 2024.”
The R&D Centre is located in the Jinshi High Tech Industries Development Zone, Jinshi, Hunan province, China, which is a central location for Chinese Battery production and manganese sulphate demand in China.
Initially, the Pilot Plant will produce samples of battery grade manganese sulphate (MnSO4) and manganese tetra oxide (Mn3O4) for potential customers and offtake parties. The Plant will also be used to demonstrate the production process to financiers, as Firebird continues to progress its China-based LMFP battery strategy and develop into a near-term producer of battery grade manganese.
The Pilot Plant forms part of Firebird’s Research and Development Centre, which will be used to complete testing on several other potential manganese rich precursor cathode active materials.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Firebird Metals Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
FRB:AU
09 January
Canadian Markets Steady Amid Trump Tariff Speculation and Renewed Greenland Interest
Canada's main stock index gained on Wednesday (January 8), driven by strength in tech and mining stocks.
Investors continue to weigh the impact of potential US trade policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump, as well as his renewed interest in taking ownership of Greenland, an idea he first raised in 2019.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) closed at 25,049.66, recovering from two consecutive sessions of losses following Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canadian prime minister on Monday (January 6).
According to CNN, Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national economic emergency so that he can impose widespread tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The tech sector led gains in Canada, rising 1.8 percent after sharp losses earlier in the week. Mining stocks also supported the index, with the materials group adding 1.7 percent as gold and copper prices strengthened. The sector’s performance was bolstered by expectations that a weaker US dollar could make commodities more attractive globally.
On the other hand, some Canadian exporters and manufacturers remain cautious about the possible tariffs. Concerns have been raised about how universal tariffs might affect industries reliant on cross-border trade with the US.
Market watchers anticipate Trump turmoil
In the US, major indexes continued to rally, led by gains in large-cap tech stocks.
The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) and Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) both advanced on Wednesday, reflecting investor optimism despite speculation around Trump's tariff plans.
The US dollar's weakness, reversing its recent surge, was another key factor driving gains in equities.
Trump's actions are drawing comparisons to his first term, when abrupt policy announcements frequently impacted global markets. In 2019, the president-elect invoked IEEPA to threaten tariffs on Mexican imports; however, the move was later withdrawn following a bilateral agreement on immigration measures.
Commodities prices broadly saw gains as the US dollar weakened. For its part, the Canadian dollar remained relatively steady, benefiting from higher commodities prices, but tempered by broader market caution.
Oil prices, however, remained under pressure, with concerns about global demand overshadowing temporary gains in other asset classes. Energy stocks in Canada showed mixed performances.
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland
As mentioned, markets are also fluctuating in part due to Trump's renewed interest in Greenland.
In addition to his comments, Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to Greenland this week, described as a personal trip, has drawn attention to the island’s strategic location and resources, including rare earths.
While both Greenland and Denmark have dismissed the possibility of a sale, US interest in Greenland continues to make headlines, particularly regarding its importance for defense and natural resource availability.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and the country's foreign minister has said Greenland has the right to pursue independence if its residents choose; even so, he rejected the idea that it could become a US state.
The implications of these events were felt as far away as Australia, where shares of ASX-listed Energy Transition Minerals (ASX:ETM,OTC Pink:GDLNF) soared by 36 percent. The company, which owns the Kvanefjeld rare earths project in Southern Greenland, has positioned itself as a player in the global green energy transition.
Trump’s comments have added new momentum to discussions about Greenland's resource potential, even as the territory remains firm on its stance that it is "not for sale."
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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07 January
Trudeau Resigns, Canadian and US Markets React
Canadian markets showed mixed reactions following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) closed lower on Monday (January 6), while the Canadian dollar gained strength against the US dollar, reflecting diverging investor sentiment.
The index dropped by 142.14 points to settle at 24,995.93, marking a 0.57 percent decline from its starting point for the day. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar rose to 69.7 cents US, reaching a near three week high.
Overall, the market’s performance was uneven across sectors. Eight of the 10 major sectors on the TSX experienced declines, with consumer staples seeing the most significant drop at 1.6 percent.
Gold wrapped up the day at the US$2,640 per ounce level, while copper futures climbed to US$4.16 per pound.
Energy stocks gained modestly, reflecting higher oil prices earlier in the day. West Texas Intermediate crude futures ultimately ended Monday at the US$73.50 per barrel level, while Brent crude finished around US$76.20 per barrel.
Meanwhile, the technology sector showed resilience, buoyed by the absence of further developments on the Canadian capital gains tax proposal introduced last year. The proposed tax changes, criticized by parts of the business community, remain stalled due to Trudeau’s resignation and the subsequent suspension of parliamentary activities.
South of the border, US markets demonstrated mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) dipped by 25.57 points, closing at 42,706.56, while the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) gained 32.91 points to end at 5,975.38. The Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) rose by 243.3 points, driven by gains in large-cap technology stocks.
Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) announcement of an US$80 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure contributed to the Nasdaq’s rise, boosting semiconductor companies, including NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA).
Trudeau resignation a result of "political infighting"
Trudeau’s decision to step down comes amid mounting pressure from within his party and declining public approval ahead of a Canadian federal election, which will be held later this year.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said during a press conference on Monday.
Trudeau confirmed that he will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. Parliament will be suspended until March 24, pending the leadership transition.
The news places Canada’s political landscape in limbo. While some analysts view the prospect of a Conservative-led government as a catalyst for more business-friendly policies, others see the interim period as a source of risk.
"The (expected) change in government could usher in a policy agenda that stimulates economic growth," Ian Chong, portfolio manager at First Avenue Investment Counsel, told Reuters.
Sachit Mehra, president of the Liberal Party, confirmed that the party’s board of directors will convene this week to outline the leadership selection process. "Liberals across the country are immensely grateful to Justin Trudeau for more than a decade of leadership to our Party and the country,” he said in a statement.
Trudeau was elected to head the party in 2013 and won the role of prime minister in 2015. His leadership has spanned nine years, during which his government prioritized climate policy, social programs and pandemic response measures.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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02 January
5 Australian Mining Grants Open for Applications in 2025
As 2025 begins, companies in the mining sector are gearing up for another year of work.
In Australia, there are many chances for explorers and developers to access government funding at both the state and federal level. The list below includes five programs that are open for applications, or will be soon.
Read on to learn more about what companies can apply and how much money is up for grabs.
1. Exploration Incentive Scheme
The Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) is a program in Western Australia that dates back to April 2009.
Managed by the Geological Survey and Resource Strategy Division within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the program aims to encourage exploration in Western Australia.
The program's focus is on “the long-term sustainability of the State’s resources sector and the demand for critical minerals on the transition to a net-zero energy system.”
The EIS hosts co-funded programs for drilling, geophysics and energy analysis. These programs provide financial support for innovative exploration drilling, greenfields geophysical surveys and energy systems projects.
This past October, the government announced that 50 successful applicants were assisted through Round 30.
Grants worth AU$7.28 million will be delivered to the applicants, with the funds being dedicated toward the drilling of projects between December 2024 and November 2025.
Applications for Round 31 of the co-funded programs will open on February 3, 2025.
2. METS Innovation Program
The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) launched its Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Innovation Program in December 2023.
The AU$3 million program supports industry-led research projects relating to mining equipment, technology and services. It features a specific grant scheme with matched funding of up to AU$250,000 for eligible and successful grant holder companies, as well as project facilitation assistance for collaborative projects.
METS focuses on supporting the development of new technologies in MRIWA’s strategic focus areas: low-emissions technologies, precision and low-impact mining, critical minerals and the alternative use of tailings and waste.
In October, five companies were each awarded matching funding of AU$250 million via the METS program, for a total of AU$1.25 million. The successful applicants were Aquirian (ASX:AQN), Total Marine Technology, Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company, Electric Power Conversions Australia and CMG Operations.
Applications for the next round of funding will close on March 4, 2025.
3. Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program
Australia's Northern Territory has been holding a co-funding program to advance geological understanding and resource development since 2008. Through its Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) Program, the government takes up to AU$3 million from its AU$9.5 million Resourcing the Territory program to co-fund projects that address gaps in geoscientific knowledge, advance exploration and support resource discovery and development.
“The outcomes of the program are expected to improve geological knowledge and mineralisation targeting within a region, particularly at depth,” the Northern Territory government says on the program's website.
During Round 17, the latest iteration of the program, 41 projects from 29 companies were awarded co-funding, with projects set for completion within the 2024/2025 financial year.
Participants will submit reports on their work to the Northern Territory Geological Survey, with data to be made publicly accessible six months from the completion of the fieldwork, or on August 1, 2025(whichever is earlier).
Applications for Round 18 of the GDC Program will open on February 25, 2025, and will close on April 28, 2025. Submission guidelines and templates are available here.
4. Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative
Since October 2018, the Tasmanian government has awarded 98 grants through its Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI). The goal of the initiative is to provide stimulus to greenfields exploration in Tasmania.
The EDGI favours minerals included on Australia's critical minerals list. Administered by Mineral Resources Tasmania, the program has a funding commitment from the government of AU$5 million over 10 years.
Contributions to each successful project are capped at AU$70,000 for drilling costs, although an additional AU$20,000 can be allotted in case of the need for helicopter support.
Tasmania closed Round 10 of the EDGI recently, with grants to be paid after final reports are reviewed, any time before the funding agreement ends on June 13, 2025. The announcement of Round 11 is expected in early 2025.
Applicants may submit more than one proposal, and applications can be made for all mineral categories, as defined in the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.
Applications for the grant must be submitted and completed online using this form.
5. Cooperative Research Centres Program
Established by the Australian government in 1990, the Cooperative Research Centres Program funds industry-led collaborations between mining industry members, researchers and end users.
The program has two grants under its umbrella, with one being for medium to long-term collaborations and the other being intended for short-term collaborations. The former is called the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grant, while the latter is known as the Cooperative Research Centres-Projects (CRC-P) grant.
CRC grant applicants can receive support for up to 10 years, while CRC-P recipients can be covered for up to three years. Funding covers a wide range of AU$100,000 to AU$3 million.
Among the recent recipients is Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT), which was awarded AU$2.87 million under the CRC-P program for its pilot plant in Lake Hope in October of last year.
Applications for Stage 2, Round 25 of the CRC grant program closed on October 29, 2024. An announcement about the results is expected in early 2025, and funding is projected to begin in July.
No dates have been announced so far for the 2025 rounds of the CRC and CRC-P grants.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: Impact Minerals is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
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30 December 2024
VRIC 2025 Preview — Jay Martin Talks Resource Wars, Geopolitics and How to Invest
The next Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) is set to run from January 19 to 20, 2025, and Jay Martin, president of Cambridge House, joined the Investing News Network ahead of time to discuss the event.
Looking at the resource sector, Martin, who also hosts the Jay Martin Show on YouTube, said the current decade has been defined by chaos and uncertainty, with no signs of a slowdown any time soon.
With that in mind, his macro thesis on commodities remains steadfast, and he's watching three key drivers.
The first is geopolitics, which Martin said now matters more than it ever has before.
"Countries that used to share resources aren't sharing them like they used to. And when the supply of something becomes uncertain, the price of that thing goes up. That's fueled a lot of the commodity prices that we've seen," he said.
Martin also pointed to a lack of investment in the mining industry as important.
"These two forces butting up against each other makes for a very bullish case," he explained.
He also pointed to copper's bullish supply/demand setup as a scenario that could play out for other metals as well — while the balance has been fairly consistent for decades, it's now looking like supply is set to fall short.
"You can take that blueprint and apply it to silver and nickel and many other commodities," Martin said.
When it comes to VRIC, there will be three main themes: geopolitics, macro finance and capital allocation in mining. He's planning to bring together experts who can speak on those topics, and said more than 100 keynote speakers will be taking the stage. Three hundred mining companies are also expected to attend, as well as over 9,000 investors.
If you'd like to attend VRIC, click here to register. And stay tuned for the Investing News Network's coverage.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
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30 December 2024
Queensland to Streamline Mining Approvals Under New Resources Cabinet Committee
Queensland's new Resources Cabinet Committee (RCC) has met for the first time, the government said last week.
The RCC is part of the Crisafulli government’s 100 Day Plan, announced last October. The plan outlines more than 40 actions the government will take in its first 100 days in office, focusing on youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.
“We’ve pulled together the key players in our ministerial team that have a direct impact on resources,” said Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last, who has been appointed chair of the RCC.
Members of the committee are: Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie; Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki; and Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell.
The committee was established to ensure a coordinated approach for resource companies operating in Queensland, and to streamline communication processes moving forward.
“The first task of the Committee is to bring forward solutions that will reduce delays and improve approval time frames including actions that will reduce process duplication, simplify and align notification processes, and improve consistency in assessment and administration of applications,” Last said in a December 18 press release.
The goal of the committee is to offer resource companies certainty around their investment decisions, promising that projects and opportunities will no longer have to wait for years for a decision.
“(We are) considering policies and initiatives to maintain and improve the competitiveness of Queensland’s resources sector and the value of its supply chain,” Last continued.
Through this plan and other initiatives, the Crisafulli government is looking to keep Queensland open for business. The resource sector was the state's largest industry in 2023/2024, accounting for nearly 13 percent of the economy.
“We will never take for granted the abundance of our resources and the value the sector delivers to the Queensland economy, nor will we take for granted the more than 60,000 people who are directly employed in the sector," added Last.
The government also has long-term plans that will “see new and expanded mining opportunities across the state.”
The RCC will have its second meeting in February 2025. Progress updates will be made after.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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