Firebird Metals (ASX: FRB) has been granted Mining Lease ML 52/1086 for its Oakover Manganese Project in Western Australia, marking a pivotal step in its strategy to become a leading low-cost producer of battery-grade cathode raw materials. The lease, covering a substantial 3,429.8 hectares, includes key areas like the Sixty Sixer, Jay Eye, and Karen Pits, as well as planned infrastructure for processing, tailings storage, and waste disposal. The granting of the mining lease is conditional on DEMIRS approval of a mining proposal, which is currently supported by ongoing environmental surveys and mining studies.
The Oakover Project boasts a significant Mineral Resource Estimate of 176.7 Mt at 9.9% Mn, including an Indicated Resource of 105.8 Mt at 10.1% Mn. This resource is integral to Firebird’s vertical integration strategy, aiming to establish a secure and wholly-owned feedstock supply for its proposed manganese sulphate processing plant in China. The plant, located in the Jinshi High-Tech Industrial Park, is projected to have a production capacity of 50kt MnSO4 plus 10kt MnO (equivalent to 72.5Kt MnSO4). The company anticipates a low CAPEX of US$83.5 million for the plant, with approximately 60% of the required financing secured through indicative agreements.
Firebird’s strategic location in China places it at the heart of the electric vehicle manufacturing industry, enabling access to efficient supply chains and supportive government policies. The company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for manganese in lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries. Managing Director Peter Allen emphasized that the Oakover project’s 18-year Life-of-Mine will provide a competitive edge by ensuring a 100% owned and secure supply of high-quality manganese feedstock.
