Giyani Metals enters production phase at demonstration plant in South Africa
Giyani Metals Corp. has announced significant progress at its Johannesburg demonstration plant, entering the production ramp-up phase (C5 commissioning) with the goal of producing high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) for battery applications.
Throughout January 2025, the company advanced hot commissioning (C4 commissioning), and both C4 and C5 stages are progressing in parallel as the plant approaches initial production. The demonstration plant is on schedule to produce sample batches of HPMSM within the first quarter of 2025. These samples will be distributed to potential off-take partners for qualification trials, a critical step in securing future supply agreements and facilitating project financing.
Economic framework
Designed at a 1:10 scale of the planned commercial facility in Botswana, the demonstration plant aims to identify optimization opportunities, enhance design elements, and mitigate risks ahead of full-scale operations. Insights gained will inform the final engineering design and process flowsheet, targeting reductions in operating costs and carbon footprint. This work complements the ongoing definitive feasibility study (DFS), anticipated to conclude later in 2025.
In addition to operational advancements, Giyani has secured a special economic zone (SEZ) license for its upcoming commercial plant in Botswana. This license offers both fiscal and non-fiscal benefits, positively impacting the project’s economic framework.
“Giyani’s demo plant is progressing to the production ramp-up commissioning phase, and the team continues to work determinedly towards first production of battery-grade manganese. Our technical and operational teams are demonstrating excellent skill and resilience in navigating the usual late-stage commissioning challenges that occur when plants ramp-up toward production. All the learnings and identified adjustments we are making from the process underway further endorse the strategic decision to construct a demo plant at a 1:10 scale to the planned commercial facility.
The demo plant is an essential component in Giyani’s long-term strategy to deliver high-purity battery-grade manganese to the EV market. This production capacity establishes a strong foundation for Giyani to engage with potential offtake partners, as the continuous process flow of the demo plant will allow the team to target steady-state operations over extended periods, consequently proving Giyani’s ability to produce consistent battery-grade manganese and satisfy offtake requirements,” said CEO Charles FitzRoy during his visit at the Johannesburg site.
