Firebird Metals reports positive results from LMFP test work, advancing battery material program

Firebird Metals Ltd (ASX:FRB, OTC:FRBMF) has announced promising early-stage results from its ongoing lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode active material (CAM) development program, forwarding its strategy to become a low-cost, globally competitive producer of manganese-based battery materials.

The progress comes as a global shift towards manganese-rich cathodes, especially LMFP, accelerates, driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and higher-performance battery technologies.

Strong results from lab-scale testing

Firebird has successfully completed more than 50 lab-scale batches of LMFP, with more than 100 planned for the program. Early testing has shown that Firebird’s LMFP material achieves higher energy density compared with industry benchmarks.

Specifically, key measurements such as 0.1C discharge at 156 mAh/g show more than a 10% improvement over standard lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes.

"These initial test results provide clear validation that we are progressing in the right direction," said Firebird managing director Peter Allen.

"Achieving high discharge specific capacity confirms the technical strength of our cathode material. To our knowledge, no other manganese sulphate producer has demonstrated this level of vertical integration from raw material to cathode material."

The test work has exceeded current industry standards, positioning Firebird’s LMFP as a strong candidate for commercialisation. This is in line with the company’s long-term strategy to leverage its manganese chemistry expertise and vertically integrated approach to reduce costs in the production of LMFP.

Building on collaboration with Central South University

The lab testing follows a binding strategic collaboration agreement reached with Central South University (CSU) in October 2024. CSU, an internationally recognised leader in battery material research, has been instrumental in the testing and development of Firebird's cathode materials.

The partnership is expected to enhance Firebird’s capabilities and further solidify its position in the rapidly growing LMFP market, which is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2030.

As part of the testing program, 51 batches of LMFP have been successfully produced, with production now scaled up to 10 kilograms per day. These samples will be distributed to cathode manufacturers for evaluation, helping to secure potential future customers in China and beyond.

Next steps: pilot plant and commercialisation

Firebird’s next phase involves scaling up to a pilot plant with a production capacity of 1 tonne per day. Following successful trials, the company expects to attract attention from international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as it refines its production process.

“We believe this process innovation will deliver material cost advantages in manganese sulphate production by bypassing the energy-intensive crystallisation stage — historically the largest contributor to our operating costs,” Allen said.

“This integrated approach not only enhances cost efficiency but also supports production of a higher-quality LMFP cathode product.”

Firebird's innovative approach to battery material production, combined with its world-class R&D team, is positioning the company as a key player in the EV supply chain. The company plans to expand its operations beyond China to Western markets, replicating its successful model with localised production facilities.