• Agreement with Taza Metal Technologies to co-fund Firebird's manganese rich cathode R&D program
• Non-dilutive funding of US$650,000 (~A$1M) from Taza
• Firebird retains global LMR rights, Taza granted rights in Kazakhstan only

Firebird Metals Limited (ASX: FRB) has entered into an agreement with Taza Metals Technologies (Taza) to co-fund the development of Firebird's lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) cathode laboratory program. Under the agreement, Taza will fund 50% of the US$1.3 million lab-scale test work budget through staged instalments, with the first two payments made prior to the commencement of each of the first two phases of work. Firebird retains global rights to LMR with Taza holding exclusive rights in Kazakhstan only. The program is expected to run for 18 months, with test work to be led by Firebird's in-house technical team and specialist consultants, aiming to deliver samples and a full process package focused on strong capacity and long-life performance. In addition to the co-funding agreement for cathode development program, Taza has previously provided Firebird an EOI for five high-efficiency kilns, which could provide more than US$10 million in revenue. Firebird's entry into LMR cathode development represents a strategic expansion within Firebird's vertically integrated business and reinforces its key position as a comprehensive supplier of manganese-based materials for battery markets. The agreement demonstrates and reinforces the value of Firebird's proprietary processes and technical expertise in manganese-rich cathodes and high-efficiency kiln design, and stands as a strong endorsement of Firebird's technology.

Firebird is positioned to deliver across both LMFP and LMR, as LMFP is scaling today and LMR is next for higher-energy EV and storage applications. The company is proud to be working in partnership with Taza and looks forward to building a strong, long-term collaboration as they advance this program together.