Element 25 Targets 1.1Mtpa Manganese Output with AU$64.8M Butcherbird Expansion
Element 25 Limited has raised AU$10 million to advance its Butcherbird Expansion Project in Western Australia, aiming to increase manganese production and support its innovative battery materials refinery in the US.
- AU$10 million share placement completed to fund Butcherbird Expansion Project (BBX)
- BBX aims to raise manganese output to 1.1 million tonnes per annum with AU$64.8 million capital cost
- Project backed by AU$50 million senior debt facility from Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
- Advancing battery-grade high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) refinery in Louisiana, USA
- Signed MoU for potential HPMSM facility in Japan, expanding global footprint
Capital Raise Fuels Ambitious Expansion
Element 25 Limited has successfully completed a AU$10 million share placement to accelerate the Butcherbird Expansion Project (BBX) in Western Australia. This capital injection complements a previously secured AU$50 million senior debt facility from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, collectively underpinning the company’s strategy to boost manganese production capacity to 1.1 million tonnes per annum.
The Butcherbird manganese resource is a world-class asset, boasting an Ore Reserve of 101 million tonnes at 10.4% manganese content, equating to 10.5 million tonnes of contained manganese. The BBX feasibility study updated in January 2025 estimates a capital expenditure of AU$64.8 million and projects a robust pre-tax net present value of AU$561 million alongside an impressive 96% internal rate of return.
Engineering and Regulatory Progress
Element 25 has appointed Perth-based Altris Engineering to lead the detailed engineering design for BBX, leveraging Altris’s expertise in mineral processing projects to ensure cost-effective and operable solutions. The project has secured full regulatory approvals from Western Australian authorities, including the Departments of Water and Environmental Regulation and Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, clearing key hurdles for development.
Battery Materials Refinery Advancements
Beyond mining, Element 25 is advancing its battery materials ambitions with a planned high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) refinery in Louisiana, USA. This facility, designed to convert Butcherbird manganese concentrate into critical battery raw materials, benefits from US$166 million in grant funding from the US Department of Energy, alongside US$115 million in committed financing from automotive giants General Motors and Stellantis.
The company’s proprietary processing technology promises industry-leading low carbon intensity and waste reduction, positioning Element 25 as a potential leader in sustainable battery materials manufacturing. Additionally, Element 25 has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Nissan Chemical Corporation and NC Tokyo Bay Corporation to explore a similar HPMSM facility in Japan, signaling a strategic push into key global markets.
Financial Stability and Outlook
Element 25’s quarterly cash flow report reveals a stable financial position with AU$10.19 million in cash at quarter-end, supported by prudent management of operating and investing activities. The company’s 2025 Annual Report further outlines operational progress and sets the stage for upcoming shareholder engagement at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 26, 2025.
With the Butcherbird Expansion Project poised to significantly increase manganese output and the HPMSM refinery projects advancing in two major global markets, Element 25 is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for battery materials driven by the electric vehicle revolution.
Bottom Line?
Element 25’s funding and project milestones set the stage for a transformative year ahead in manganese production and battery materials supply.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the timeline for final investment decisions and construction commencement for the Louisiana and Japan HPMSM refineries?
- How will Element 25 manage potential risks related to project execution and market demand fluctuations for manganese and battery materials?
- What are the expected impacts of the Butcherbird Expansion on Element 25’s overall production costs and carbon footprint?
