Firebird Metals Produces 200kg of MFP PCAM Surpassing Industry Benchmarks

Technical Breakthrough in Battery Materials

Australian battery materials company Firebird Metals Limited (ASX – FRB) has announced that its proprietary manganese iron phosphate (MFP) precursor cathode active material (PCAM) has outperformed established China industry standards across multiple key performance parameters. This achievement, validated by both internal and independent testing, marks a pivotal step in Firebird’s ambition to supply high-quality lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) cathode materials tailored for Western markets.

Firebird’s approach leverages a unique process that uses high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) in solution form prior to crystallisation, bypassing a costly and energy-intensive intermediate step common in conventional manufacturing. This innovation not only reduces capital and operational expenditures but also enhances process efficiency and quality control, allowing precise atomic-level control of manganese and iron ratios critical to cathode performance.

From Lab Success to Commercial Scale

With more than 150 individual test batches completed and approximately 200 kilograms of MFP PCAM produced, Firebird has demonstrated robust technical expertise in optimising key parameters such as pH levels, temperature, mixing speed, and impurity removal. Notably, 30 kilograms of this material have already been supplied to a potential downstream customer for LMFP cathode production, with initial coin-cell testing indicating excellent performance.

Looking ahead, Firebird plans to commission its Australian Demonstration Plant (ADP) in 2026. This facility will be the first of its kind in Australia to integrate the full production flow from manganese concentrate to high-purity battery materials, including MFP PCAM and cathode active material (CAM). The ADP aims to serve as a commercialisation and knowledge-transfer hub, supporting customer-specific research and development while de-risking the pathway to full-scale production.

Strategic Implications for Western Battery Supply Chains

Firebird’s technology and the ADP’s integrated process could position the company as a key supplier in the growing EV and energy storage markets, particularly in Western countries seeking secure and sustainable battery material sources. By eliminating the crystallisation step and maintaining manganese sulphate in solution between stages, Firebird reduces energy consumption and simplifies material handling, potentially offering a competitive cost advantage.

CEO Ron Mitchell highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating that the results provide confidence in meeting the demanding requirements of LMFP cathode producers and underpin the company’s commercial ambitions. The company also holds substantial manganese resources in Western Australia, providing optionality for ore sourcing and further strengthening its supply chain control.

While the technical progress is promising, Firebird’s next challenge will be translating these results into commercial contracts and partnerships. The ADP’s success in validating the process at demonstration scale will be critical to attracting tier-one Western customers and securing offtake agreements or joint ventures.