Name of the Project
Cobalt sulphate refinery.

Location
Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Canada.

Project Owner/s
Minerals company Electra Battery Materials Corporation, formerly First Cobalt.

Project Description
The cobalt sulphate refinery is expected to have an installed capacity of 6 500 t/y of cobalt.

At full capacity, the refinery could produce enough cobalt sulphate to supply more than one-million electric vehicles (EVs) a year. The project’s modular design is able to grow with the EV market.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The previous 2023 re-baseline estimate of $60-million is being updated to reflect inflationary impacts and work already completed. Electra intends to provide a further market update in January 2026, providing greater visibility into final cost, an accelerated schedule and execution milestones.

Planned Start/End Date
Commissioning is slated for 2027.

Latest Developments
Electra Battery Materials Corporation has issued a major mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation (SMPEI) tender package as part of its refinery construction works. The issuance marks another important milestone as Electra transitions from early works to full construction mobilisation.

The tender covers the installation of critical processing systems. The scope includes structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation and utility connections – all core elements required to physically integrate the refinery’s key systems. The issuance of the SMPEI tender reflects the company's readiness to advance into sustained construction activity following extensive engineering and procurement.

The company recently started its construction reactivation programme at the site, supported by project financing and permitting, and with the majority of long-lead equipment procurement completed. 

With core infrastructure already in place and major components on site, the tendered work will allow for the integration and installation of the refinery’s mechanical systems ahead of its targeted commissioning in 2027.

Electra has restarted construction of its cobalt sulphate refinery after securing about $82-million in financing, including $48-million in government support from the US and Canada.

The restart follows previously announced equity financing and government funding commitments, including support from the US Department of War, the government of Canada and Invest Ontario.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Ausenco Engineering Canada (independent feasibility study); Knight Piésold (geotechnical drilling); Story Environmental (permit to take water); Metso Outotec (design and manufacturing of solvent extraction cells, as well as technical support for the layout of a new solvent extraction plant and its process control); and EXP (construction management support).

Contact Details for Project Information
Electra Battery Materials Corporation, tel+1416900 3891 or email info@ElectraBMC.com.