Firebird Advances Lithium-Manganese-Rich Cathode Production with Strategic Co-Funding

A Milestone in Manganese-Rich Cathode Development

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX – FRB) has marked a significant step forward in its battery materials strategy by completing the commissioning of its proprietary equipment designed to produce advanced lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) cathode active materials (CAM) at its wholly owned pilot plant in China. This milestone sets the stage for initial production to commence in February 2026, with customer samples expected in the second half of the year to support ongoing technical evaluation and qualification.

The development is part of Firebird’s vertically integrated ore-to-cathode approach, leveraging a world-leading processing pathway from manganese concentrate through high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) to advanced cathode materials including lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), LMR, and nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) chemistries. This integrated strategy aims to deliver cathode materials that combine higher energy density with reduced reliance on costly and supply-constrained metals like nickel and cobalt.

Strategic Partnership and Risk Mitigation

Firebird’s LMR development program benefits from a strategic co-funding arrangement with Taza Metal Technologies, which has committed to fund 50% of the research and development activities. Taza is one of only a few companies outside China producing HPMSM, a critical precursor in the LMR cathode production process. This partnership not only accelerates Firebird’s technology validation but also materially reduces the company’s capital exposure, reflecting growing external confidence in manganese-rich cathode chemistries.

Firebird’s CEO, Ron Mitchell, emphasised the significance of this milestone, highlighting the company’s ability to produce high-energy manganese-rich cathode materials that meet the performance, safety, and cost requirements of next-generation electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets. The upcoming Australian Demonstration Plant (ADP), scheduled for deployment in 2026, will provide a world-first integrated facility capable of producing LMR, NCM, and LMFP cathode materials under one roof, further strengthening Firebird’s position in the battery materials supply chain.

Market Context and Technology Advantages

The momentum behind manganese-rich cathodes is building globally, driven by demand for safer, lower-cost, and higher-performance battery chemistries. Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Ford and General Motors have publicly expressed interest in commercialising LMR cathodes for next-generation EVs by 2030. Notably, General Motors highlighted LMR’s higher operating voltage, improved energy density, and lower overall cell cost at a recent industry conference.

LMR cathodes offer several advantages over conventional lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and high-nickel cathodes. They promise materially higher energy density than LFP, with performance comparable to certain high-nickel systems, while significantly reducing nickel and cobalt content through high manganese substitution (≥50% Mn). This shift not only aligns with OEMs’ supply chain de-risking and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives but also improves thermal stability, enhancing safety for EV and energy storage system applications.

Moreover, LMR materials can be integrated into existing cathode manufacturing processes with evolutionary adjustments, facilitating faster adoption without requiring new battery cell architectures. Advances in material science, including doping and surface coatings, are addressing historical challenges such as cycle life and voltage retention, positioning LMR as a compelling option for cost-sensitive EV platforms and grid-scale storage.

Looking Ahead

Firebird’s commissioning of its LMR production equipment and the planned demonstration at the Australian facility represent critical steps toward commercialising manganese-rich cathode materials. As the company prepares to deliver customer samples and deepen technical engagement, the broader market will be watching closely to see how these materials perform in real-world applications and how quickly OEMs and battery manufacturers embrace this promising technology.