TSX-V-listed Giyani has announced the results of a lifecycle assessment (LCA), prepared by Minviro, based on the feasibility study for its K.Hill battery-grade manganese project, in Botswana, with these concluding a total product global warming potential (GWP) of 3.2 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per kilogram high-purity manganese sulphate mono-hydrate (HPMSM).

Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions contribute 1.4 kg CO₂e per 1 kg of HPMSM.

The LCA assesses the GWP of the production of 1 kg manganese oxide resources extracted at K.Hill.

The LCA was conducted according to the requirements of relevant International Organisation for Standardisation standards, including a critical review.

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 feasibility study.

The total GWP of 3.2 kg of CO₂e per kg of HPMSM can be classified into Scope 1 and 2 and upstream Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 1 (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 of CO₂e per kg of HPMSM.

Scope 2 (indirect) emissions, which reflect GHG emissions from imported power, total 1.2 kg CO₂e per kg HPMSM.

Scope 3 (indirect) upstream emissions, which reflect other GHG emissions such as the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, total 1.8 kg CO2e per kg HPMSM.

The LCA will support Giyani in understanding the GWP of K.Hill, its main drivers and inform decision-making on advancing project development, the company points out.

It notes that the main impact driver of the GWP is the consumption of electricity from the national grid in Botswana, corresponding to about 37% of total GWP.

The plan, as laid out in the feasibility study 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.

“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 electrorefining, 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,” CEO Robin Birchall says.