Giyani announce K.Hill Battery Manganese project results

Highlights

• The LCA assesses the global warming potential (GWP) of the production of one kg of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) produced from manganese oxide resources, extracted at K.Hill.
• The LCA was conducted according to the requirements of relevant ISO standards, including a critical review.
• Results conclude a total product GWP of 3.2 kg CO2eq. per kg HPMSM.
• Scope one and scope two emissions contribute 1.4 kg CO2eq. per kg HPMSM.

The goal of this LCA is to determine the significant project and process parameters contributing to the GWP from production of HPMSM at K.Hill. The LCA is a cradle-to-gate study, meaning the product GWP is assessed from the point of ore and waste rock extraction (cradle) to the end-gate (a set point at the end of processing, with HPMSM being ready for transport to customers), modelled in the two distinct stages of mining and processing using data developed as part of the FS.

The total GWP of 3.2 kg CO2eq. per kg HPMSM can be classified into scope 1, 2 and upstream scope 3 emissions:

• Scope one (direct) emissions, which reflect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the combustion of fuels on-site and emissions from reagents used in processing, total 0.2 kg CO2eq. per kg HPMSM.
• Scope two (indirect) emissions, which reflect GHG emissions from imported power, total 1.2 kg
• CO2eq. per kg HPMSM.
• Scope three (indirect) upstream emissions, which reflect other GHG emissions such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, total 1.8 kg CO2eq. per kg HPMSM.

The LCA will support Giyani in understanding the GWP of the K.Hill Battery Manganese project, its main drivers and inform decision-making on advancing project development. The main impact driver of the GWP is the consumption of electricity from the national grid in Botswana, corresponding to approximately 37% of total GWP. The plan, as laid out in the FS for K.Hill, includes a 4.5 MW photovoltaic solar plant and Giyani is currently assessing various options to further reduce the GWP for K.Hill and to develop a roadmap for decarbonisation.

Robin Birchall, CEO of the Company, commented:

“The results of the LCA confirm the potential of the K.Hill Battery Manganese project to be a low carbon producer of a critical battery raw material. One of Giyani’s key strengths will be our ability to produce HPMSM directly from our high-grade manganese oxide ore without the need for calcining or electro-refining, both potentially significant emitters of greenhouse gases. In addition to calculating our global warming potential, the LCA will also act as a guide to help develop a roadmap to decarbonise our operation, which is part of our long-term strategic objective. Further information on K.Hill and its development plan will be available in the FS, which is expected to be published in the coming weeks.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/30092022/giyani-announce-khill-battery-manganese-project-results/