Electra Battery Materials begins build to restart North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery 

Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) announced Thursday the launch of an early works program at its cobalt refinery north of Toronto, Ontario. The news signals a restart of North America’s first and only cobalt sulfate refinery, located in the town of Temiskaming Shores.  

The early works program encompasses targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction. The initiative is supported by strategic funding from both the US and Canadian governments. The early works initiative is partially supported by a $20 million award from the US Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act, announced in August 2024. 

The project has also received support from Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund. The work, budgeted at approximately C$750,000, ($547,000) is focused on advancing the solvent extraction facility. 

“The early works program represents a critical step in transitioning the refinery site back to construction mode,” said VP, projects Mark Trevisiol said in a news release. “By focusing on key infrastructure, particularly in the SX area, we are ensuring the site is ready for a seamless ramp-up as soon as full funding is in place.” 

Work scheduled over the summer will focus on advancing high-priority activities in the solvent extraction area, which is a key component of Electra’s hydrometallurgical refining circuit. 

In parallel, tender preparation and engineering support activities will proceed to facilitate the transition to full construction. These works follow a C$200,000 investment earlier this year into the septic, power and lighting systems, as well as the recent delivery and placement of the site’s prefabricated electrical house, all further enhancing construction readiness.