Canadian mineral resource development company Giyani Metals has secured a mining licence from the Ministry of Minerals and Energy of Botswana for its K.Hill battery-grade manganese project.

Valid for 15 years with potential for multiple renewals, the licence marks a crucial step in the project’s development.

Giyani Metals’ project secured environmental authorisation and surface rights earlier in the year.

With a projected 57-year operational lifespan, the project will produce battery-grade manganese.

The company’s next focus is the production of battery-grade manganese from its demonstration plant in Johannesburg, set to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year.

This plant’s output will be instrumental in the qualification process for potential offtakers.

Giyani Metals is also progressing with a definitive feasibility study, expected to be completed in 2025, which will refine the project’s economic assessment.

Giyani Metals president and CEO Charles FitzRoy said: “Securing mining licences can often be a lengthy process, so achieving this major milestone in such a short time frame is testament to the diligent approach adopted by the Giyani team and the efficient and rigorous review undertaken by the Department of Mines.

“Giyani’s pre-emptive decision to commit to the IFC [International Finance Corporation] Performance Standards, in addition to the high requirements of Botswanan legislation, as part of this process not only aligns with our values as a company but ensures all workstreams and activities align with international lenders’ requirements for construction financing.”

In December 2023, Giyani raked in $16m (C$21.68m) from the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa to help advance the K.Hill manganese project.

Located within a 438km² licence area that is part of the Giyani project area, the K.Hill project produces high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate.