Firebird Metals (ASX:FRB) demonstrates LMFP technical leadership as MFP precursor surpasses China industry standards

Firebird Metals has released a comprehensive technical update confirming that its proprietary MFP precursor has achieved performance levels that meet or exceed China industry standards across every measured parameter.

With more than 150 individual test batches completed and approximately 200kg of precursor produced, the Company has developed a robust dataset that highlights the consistency and maturity of its concentrate to cathode process.

The results, which have been supported through internal analysis and independent verification, set a strong platform for the commissioning of the Australian Demonstration Plant in 2026, which will be the first facility in the World capable of integrating manganese ore through to HPMSM, MFP PCAM and CAM.

To support investors, analysts and prospective strategic partners in assessing the significance of these developments, the following Q&A has been prepared with Ron Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, addressing key themes arising from the announcement.

How material is the performance improvement of Firebird’s MFP PCAM relative to China industry standards, and what does the test program demonstrate about scalability?

Firebird’s performance improvement is significant because it has been demonstrated across a large and diverse test program comprising more than 150 individual batches and resulting in the production of approximately 200kg of precursor material.

This volume of work provides a strong evidence base showing that the product consistently meets or exceeds China industry standards and customer requirements across several key technical and performance parameters that include impurity thresholds, particle size distribution, metal ratio accuracy and specific capacity at both 0.1C and 1C.

The progression from Q2 to Q4 2025 also indicates positive optimisation over time, reinforcing the reliability of the process.

The ability to supply 30kg of precursor to a downstream LMFP cathode producer for coin cell testing further validates the scalability of the program.

External testing confirmed excellent performance and demonstrates that the material behaves as expected beyond laboratory conditions.

Achieving performance improvement over China industry standards, across multiple parameters, is a significant technical milestone for Firebird and a strong validation of our proprietary battery materials production process.

This milestone reflects not only the performance of the material itself but also the growing operational maturity of Firebird’s integrated LMFP technology pathway.

What specific process innovations enable Firebird to outperform established LMFP manufacturing routes?

The central innovation in Firebird’s process is the use of HPMSM solution prior to crystallisation, which represents a departure from traditional LMFP manufacturing routes that typically rely on externally sourced electrolytic manganese metal or crystallised HPMSM.

By eliminating the crystallisation stage, Firebird reduces energy requirements, lowers capital intensity and streamlines operational complexity.

The Company’s extensive testing has refined several parameters that influence precursor morphology and performance, including pH control, temperature management, mixing intensity and impurity removal.

These elements govern particle size distribution, metal uniformity and structural quality, all of which are essential to producing a high performance precursor.

The results, supported by both internal and independent testwork, give us confidence that our MFP precursor can meet the demanding requirements of LMFP cathode producers.

Together, these process advantages provide a differentiated and technically credible pathway for delivering LMFP precursor tailored to Western supply chain needs.

How does the Australian Demonstration Plant position Firebird within Western supply chains and future commercialisation pathways?

The Australian Demonstration Plant will be the first facility capable of converting manganese ore through to HPMSM, MFP PCAM and CAM within a single integrated flowsheet.

This positions Firebird strongly within Western supply chains that are increasingly focused on diversification, transparency and geographically aligned production.

By producing Australian-made samples, the ADP will enable Firebird to participate directly in qualification programs with Western OEMs, battery and cathode manufacturers, where iterative testing and material validation are essential.

The ADP will also serve as a training and development hub, creating local capability in precursor and cathode material production while supporting customer specific R&D.

This foundation strengthens the Company’s platform for future commercial scale feasibility studies using Oakover ore as the preferred feed source.

With more than 150 test batches completed, 200 kilograms of material produced and 30 kilograms already in the hands of a potential downstream customer, we are now focused on translating this technical success into commercial outcomes as we progress toward commissioning our Australian Demonstration Plant in 2026.

The ADP therefore represents not only a technical milestone but a strategic enabler for long term commercial engagement in Western markets.

What evidence is there that Firebird’s precursor meets the requirements of potential downstream cathode producers?

The most direct evidence is the supply of 30kg of precursor to a downstream LMFP cathode manufacturer who has already completed initial coin cell testing that confirmed excellent material performance.

This validation is an important step because it demonstrates that the precursor maintains its performance characteristics outside Firebird’s laboratory environment.

When viewed alongside the data in Table 1, which shows that the Company’s latest results exceeded China industry standards across all measured parameters, the external results reinforce the suitability of the material for further qualification.

The combination of internal, independent and customer testing supports strong confidence that the precursor aligns with the performance requirements of LMFP cathode producers as Firebird advances toward demonstration scale operations for the Western markets.

How does Firebird’s integrated flowsheet reduce risk and cost across the value chain from ore through to cathode material?

The integrated flowsheet reduces risk and cost because it eliminates the energy intensive crystallisation stage traditionally associated with HPMSM based processes.

By retaining manganese sulphate in solution throughout precursor production, Firebird lowers energy consumption, reduces capital intensity and eliminates several unit operations that often introduce additional operational complexity and ensures the Company is positioned in the first cost quartile

This simplified pathway enhances process stability, improves control over metal ratios and impurity levels, and supports consistent production of high quality precursor and CAM.

The ADP will provide formal validation of this integrated pathway at demonstration scale, enabling feasibility studies and deepening engagement with Western customers by supplying Australian-made sample material aligned with qualification requirements.

Firebird strengthens its technical base as it moves toward demonstration scale in 2026

Firebird Metals latest results confirm the strength and reliability of its proprietary LMFP precursor process, demonstrating consistent performance across a large volume of testwork and validating the pathway through both internal and independent analysis.

With 150 batches completed, 200kg of material produced and downstream coin cell testing confirming excellent performance, the Company has established a substantial technical foundation for the Australian Demonstration Plant.

As Firebird advances toward commissioning the ADP in 2026, the results outlined in this Q&A clarify the operational and commercial relevance of the work undertaken and highlight the readiness of the Company to progress further along its integrated battery materials strategy.

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