Key approvals received for Butcherbird expansion

Element 25 has secured regulatory approval for the stage two expansion of its Butcherbird manganese project in Western Australia.

The WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) approved the project’s mining proposal and mine closure plan, paving the way for long-term operations.

The expansion project will see production of manganese concentrate increase to 1.1 million tonnes per annum for the next 12 years.

The project’s tailings storage facility has also been approved to support six years of processing operations, with provisions in place for future expansion.

“This is a key approval under the Western Australian regulatory framework and marks an important milestone for the Butcherbird project,” Element 25 said.

The company is now awaiting a works approval to begin construction of the expanded processing facility.

The Butcherbird project, situated in the Pilbara region of WA, has the potential to contribute significantly to the global manganese market.

The expanded operations will supply manganese oxide concentrate to customers in downstream steel markets, as well as provide feedstock for a battery-grade high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) plant planned for Louisiana, USA.

The HPMSM facility, developed in partnership with General Motors and Stellantis, is backed by the US Department of Energy, which awarded the project a $US166 million ($269.6 million) grant.

The refinery will supply raw materials to the fast-growing US electric vehicle battery market, aligning with Element 25’s goal to become a global leader in low-carbon battery materials.

With all major approvals in place, Element 25 is well-positioned to advance its Butcherbird and HPMSM projects.