Giyani Metals Corp. has successfully produced its first batch of high-purity manganese oxide (HPMO) from the K.Hill project in Botswana. This development marks a significant step in strengthening Africa’s role in the global battery materials supply chain.
The material, processed at the company’s demonstration plant in Johannesburg, serves as a key precursor for high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM), a vital component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Giyani has confirmed that samples will be shipped to potential buyers later this month.
Following the announcement, the company’s stock rose by 6.25/percent on Monday in Toronto, increasing its market capitalization to $23.3 million. The growing demand for HPMO is driven by its use in lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate (LMFP) and lithium-manganese-nickel-oxide (LMNO) batteries, which offer improved energy efficiency and cost savings for EV manufacturers. While HPMSM remains the dominant precursor for nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, both HPMO and HPMSM are being adopted for LMFP and LMNO battery chemistries.
Giyani’s demonstration plant remains on schedule to begin HPMSM production in early 2025. A full-scale commercial plant is planned for Botswana, with a definitive feasibility study set for completion the same year.
The K.Hill project contains over 2.2 million tonnes of manganese oxide resources. A 2023 economic assessment estimated the project’s post-tax net present value at $984 million (discounted at 8/percent), with an internal rate of return of 29/percent. Over its projected 57-year lifespan, the site is expected to produce more than 3.5 million tonnes of HPMSM.
With the rising demand for sustainable and high-performance battery technologies, Giyani’s progress underscores Africa’s growing importance in the global supply of critical minerals.