After securing $82 million in financing, Electra Battery Materials has rescheduled work again on its cobalt processing plant in Ontario, a strategic project to consolidate a strategic supply chain in North America.
National infrastructure and production with the cobalt refinery
The facility is an expansion of an existing plant, which has approved permits, installed equipment and full financial backing. Once completed, it will produce up to 6,500 tons per year of high-purity cobalt. high-purity cobaltneeded for lithium-ion batteries used in the defense, energy and transportation industries.
Electra has contracted EXP as construction management manager. Currently, work stages are focused on critical activities such as reactivation of electrical and instrumentation systems, adequacy of internal transport systems and modernization of the electrical infrastructure to align it with the updated design.
This project aligns with Canadian and U.S. industrial objectives to minimize dependence on foreign sources. The refinery represents an essential node in the local battery production ecosystem, connecting mining supply with cell manufacturing.
The support of three levels of government, including the U.S. Department of Defense, demonstrates the strategic interest of the project. In addition, Electra has supply agreements with Glencore and ERG, and collaborates with LG Energy Solution, one of the leading global manufacturers in the industry.
It also expects construction work to ramp up in early 2026, following the award of mechanical, electrical and instrumentation contracts. Electra will update its schedule and budget in January, taking into account inflation and technical progress made.
The refinery will operate with a modular design that allows for future expansions and is evaluating the use of feedstock from the Idaho Cobalt Belt to further strengthen regional supply integration.
Source and photo: Electra Battery Materials
