AEF Commences Stage 3 Testwork Program Targeting Battery-Grade High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Production

Executive Summary

• AE Fuels Corporation’s Australian subsidiary signed a Stage 3 research agreement with CSIRO to advance continuous‑flow purification of battery‑grade high‑purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) and explore electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) capability.
• The program is co‑funded through CSIRO’s Kick‑Start initiative and is intended to generate technical and product‑quality data that will de‑risk the planned pre‑feasibility study (PFS) targeted for mid 2027.
• The agreement builds on prior testwork, synthetic feed trials, and beneficiation studies, moving the South Woodie Woodie Project toward a scalable processing flowsheet and strategic offtake partnerships.

Key Details

• Research Agreement: Stage 3 with CSIRO; focus on continuous solvent extraction (SX) purification performance and first commercial‑spec HPMSM production.
• Funding: Co‑funded by CSIRO’s Kick‑Start program; no cash outlay disclosed for AEF.
• Project Scope: Validation of scalable purification pathway for HPMSM with optional downstream EMM production.
• Timeline: Data generation to support a Pre‑Feasibility Study (PFS) slated for H1 2027.
• Technical Workstreams:
• Beneficiation studies to refine concentrate assumptions.
• Reduction and leaching testwork to improve upstream performance.
• CSIRO‑led purification programs forming the basis for pilot testing.
• Internal mine planning review completed to frame mining scenarios.
• Location: South Woodie Woodie Manganese Project, Eastern Pilbara, Western Australia – acquisition finalized on Jan 13 2026 (option exercised with Trek Metals).
• Strategic Goal: Establish a fully integrated global manganese supply chain from mine to battery‑grade product, targeting North American and allied markets for both EV and stationary storage applications.
• Qualified Person: John Levings, BSc FAusIMM., Technical Director, responsible for scientific and technical content under NI 43‑101.

Notable Quotes

“This program reflects our collective desire to make smart decisions based on quality data to accelerate progress and reduce risk… We are excited to be continuing our collaboration with CSIRO, working together to better understand these high‑purity battery materials and to unlock their value.” – Gary Lewis, CEO & Director

All boilerplate, forward‑looking statements, and disclaimer sections have been omitted for brevity.