Element 25 (ASX:E25) is advancing works on its expansion project at its Butcherbird mine in Western Australia to increase manganese concentrate production to 1.1 million tonnes per year, according to a Wednesday filing with the Australian bourse.

Discussions with a preferred offtake partner are in progress, with completion expected in the first quarter of the year, the filing said.

Additionally, the mining services contract is expected to be awarded in the first quarter, while the site services contract award is anticipated in the second quarter of the year, per the filing.

Shares fell past 1% in afternoon trade on Wednesday.