Giyani Metals Corp. Advances Battery-Grade Manganese Production in Johannesburg

Giyani Metals Corp. (TSXV:EMM, GR:A2DUU8), a leader in battery-grade manganese production, has taken a significant step forward with the commissioning of its Demonstration Plant (Demo Plant) in Johannesburg. This marks a crucial milestone in the development of the K.Hill Battery-Grade Manganese Project in Botswana.

Production Ramp-Up Begins

The Demo Plant has entered the Production Ramp-Up (C5 Commissioning) phase, bringing it closer to the first production of high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), a critical material for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Having successfully progressed through Hot Commissioning (C4 Commissioning) in January 2025, the plant is now focused on producing sample materials for potential off-takers. These samples will be used for qualification trials, an essential step in securing project financing.

Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Risks

Giyani’s Demo Plant serves as a crucial testing ground for optimizing engineering designs and improving operational efficiency. By identifying opportunities to reduce operating costs and lower the project’s carbon footprint, the facility plays a key role in de-risking the upcoming Commercial Plant in Botswana. The company is also advancing its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), expected to be completed later in 2025.

Strategic Economic Benefits in Botswana

In a recent milestone, Giyani received a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) license for its Commercial Plant. This designation brings significant fiscal incentives, including a reduced corporate tax rate of 5% for the first ten years of production, rising to just 10% thereafter. These benefits strengthen the project’s economic viability and were not included in Giyani’s 2023 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

Global Engagement and Industry Presence

Giyani’s leadership, including CEO Charles FitzRoy, has been actively engaging with stakeholders. FitzRoy recently visited Johannesburg to oversee progress ahead of the company’s investor site visit scheduled for February 1, 2025. The team will also attend major industry events, including the 121 conference and the Indaba conference in Cape Town, where they will engage with investors, off-takers, and strategic partners.

Commissioning Progress and Challenges

The Demo Plant, comprising nine self-contained process modules, is now largely complete. The commissioning process follows five key phases:

• C1 – Mechanical completion of individual process modules.
• C2 – Dry testing and system checks.
• C3 – Cold commissioning with water and software testing.
• C4 – Hot commissioning with reagents and steam.
• C5 – Full-scale production ramp-up.

Despite challenges such as power outages, water supply disruptions, and control system commissioning issues, Giyani remains on track to achieve steady-state operations soon. The plant’s on-site laboratory, independently operated by Quality Lab Services (QLS), is fully functional, providing critical analytical data for process optimization.

Scaling for Commercial Success

Designed at a 1:10 scale to the future Commercial Plant, the Demo Plant enables reliable scale-up, ensuring a seamless transition to full-scale production. The laboratory setup and standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be directly transferred to the Commercial Plant, further streamlining the commissioning process.

Pioneering Sustainable Manganese for EV Batteries

Giyani Metals Corp. is at the forefront of sustainable battery materials production, developing a proprietary hydrometallurgical process for HPMSM manufacturing. With financial backing from strategic partners such as ARCH Sustainable Resources Fund LP and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, Giyani is well-positioned to establish itself as a leading supplier of high-purity manganese for the global EV market.

For further details, visit Giyani Metals Corp. or refer to corporate filings on SEDAR+.