Highlights

  • ARENA approved Milestone 1 of a A$2 million grant, releasing A$1.0 million in July 2026.
  • Independent customer testing confirmed high-purity manganese sulphate above 99.99% purity.
  • LMR cathode testing returned a discharge capacity of 263.7 mAh/g at 0.1C.
  • The first equipment container for the Australian Demonstration Plant shipped from China ahead of schedule.

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX:FRB) has released its quarterly activities report for the period ended 30 September 2026. The quarter centred on progress at its Australian Demonstration Plant program, product testing for battery materials and funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

ARENA Funding and Battery Material Results

ARENA approved completion of Milestone 1 under the A$2 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative grant, releasing A$1.0 million on 17 July 2026. All Milestone 1 deliverables were completed ahead of schedule and within budget, and a further A$1.0 million is expected as assembly and commissioning milestones are met.

Independent international customer testing confirmed production of high-purity manganese sulphate above 99.99% purity, with manganese content of 32.6 wt%. Separately, the company reported lithium manganese-rich (LMR) cathode results with a discharge capacity of 263.7 mAh/g at 0.1C and 211.2 mAh/g at 1C. Strategic partner Taza Metal Technologies funds 50% of the LMR research and development work.

Australian Demonstration Plant Progress

Firebird moved into its Osborne Park site in Perth on 6 August 2026 under a multi-year lease, and Dr Chris Passmore started as Technical Lead on 1 August. The first equipment container left China on 2 September, about two weeks ahead of schedule, with arrival at Fremantle expected in late October. The first manganese feedstock was prepared from Oakover ore on 23 September.

CEO Ron Mitchell said, "The September quarter saw Firebird deliver on every front of the Australian Demonstration Plant program." After the quarter, the company announced it had produced its first 99.999% ultra-high-purity manganese sulphate using a fluoride-free impurity extraction process.

Projects, Finances and Upcoming Milestones

Firebird holds the 100%-owned Oakover Manganese Project, with a resource of 176.7Mt at 9.9% manganese, and the Hill 616 project, giving total manganese resources of 234Mt. Cash stood at A$3.3 million at 30 September 2026, and the company estimates a funding runway of about 5.5 quarters.

Upcoming milestones include equipment arrival and plant assembly in Q4 CY2026, followed by commissioning and first production in Q1 CY2027, when the company expects to deliver product samples to customers. Further ARENA milestone payments, patent work and potential strategic partner updates are also planned. The Annual General Meeting is scheduled for 25 November 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • ARENA funding supports Firebird's Australian Demonstration Plant program.
  • Testing confirmed high-purity manganese sulphate and strong LMR cathode performance.
  • Plant equipment is arriving, with assembly planned for Q4 CY2026 and commissioning in Q1 CY2027.
  • Cash of A$3.3 million and further ARENA payments support near-term activities.