Firebird Metals and Eramet Sign MOU for Manganese Supply in China

  Australian mining company Firebird Metals has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French multinational Eramet to supply manganese ore to Eramet’s planned battery-grade manganese sulfate plant in China. This collaboration aims to secure a stable supply of high-purity manganese, a critical component in the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).

Under the terms of the MOU, Firebird Metals will provide manganese ore extracted from its Oakover project in Western Australia. Eramet’s facility in China is designed to process this ore into battery-grade manganese sulfate, essential for the cathode materials in EV batteries. This partnership reflects the growing demand for reliable and ethically sourced battery materials as the global automotive industry accelerates its shift toward electrification.

  The collaboration also underscores the strategic importance of Australia as a supplier of critical minerals and highlights the role of international partnerships in building resilient and sustainable battery supply chains.