Electra Completes Early Works Program, Accelerating Refinery Construction Restart
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) has completed its early works program at its cobalt refinery north of Toronto, marking a significant step toward full construction restart. The program focused on advancing the solvent extraction (SX) facility, a crucial component for producing battery-grade cobalt.
Key accomplishments include concrete foundation work for SX tanks, processing equipment installation, structural roofing, and infrastructure upgrades. The project, supported by government funding, positions Electra's facility as North America's only refinery designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate at scale.
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) ha completato i lavori preliminari presso la sua raffineria di cobalto a nord di Toronto, segnando un passo importante verso la ripresa completa della costruzione. Il programma si è concentrato sull'avanzamento dell'impianto di estrazione con solvente (SX), componente fondamentale per la produzione di cobalto di qualità batterie.
I risultati chiave includono la realizzazione delle fondazioni in calcestruzzo per i serbatoi SX, l'installazione delle apparecchiature di processo, la copertura strutturale e gli aggiornamenti infrastrutturali. Il progetto, sostenuto da finanziamenti pubblici, pone l'impianto di Electra come l'unica raffineria del Nord America progettata per produrre solfato di cobalto di qualità batterie su scala.
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) ha concluido los trabajos iniciales en su refinería de cobalto al norte de Toronto, marcando un avance significativo hacia la reanudación completa de la construcción. El programa se centró en el avance de la planta de extracción por solventes (SX), un elemento clave para producir cobalto de grado batería.
Los logros principales incluyen trabajos de cimentación de hormigón para los tanques SX, instalación de equipos de proceso, cubiertas estructurales y mejoras en la infraestructura. El proyecto, respaldado por financiación gubernamental, posiciona la planta de Electra como la única refinería en Norteamérica diseñada para producir sulfato de cobalto de grado batería a escala.
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM)가 토론토 북부에 위치한 코발트 정제소에서 초기 공사 프로그램을 완료하여 건설 전면 재개를 향한 중요한 진전을 이뤘습니다. 이 프로그램은 배터리 등급 코발트를 생산하는 데 핵심인 용매추출(SX) 설비의 진전에 중점을 두었습니다.
주요 성과로는 SX 탱크용 콘크리트 기초 작업, 공정 장비 설치, 구조 지붕 공사 및 인프라 업그레이드가 포함됩니다. 정부 자금 지원을 받는 이 프로젝트는 Electra의 시설을 북미에서 대규모로 배터리 등급 코발트 황산염을 생산하도록 설계된 유일한 정제소로 자리매김하게 합니다.
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) a achevé son programme de travaux préparatoires dans sa raffinerie de cobalt au nord de Toronto, marquant une étape importante vers la reprise complète de la construction. Le programme a porté sur l'avancement de l'unité d'extraction par solvant (SX), élément essentiel pour produire du cobalt de qualité batterie.
Parmi les réalisations clés figurent les fondations en béton pour les réservoirs SX, l'installation des équipements de traitement, la couverture structurelle et les améliorations des infrastructures. Le projet, soutenu par des financements publics, place l'installation d'Electra comme la seule raffinerie en Amérique du Nord conçue pour produire à grande échelle du sulfate de cobalt de qualité batterie.
Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) hat das Vorbereitungsprogramm in seiner Kobalt-Raffinerie nördlich von Toronto abgeschlossen und damit einen wichtigen Schritt zur vollständigen Wiederaufnahme der Bauarbeiten gemacht. Der Fokus lag auf der Weiterentwicklung der Solvent-Extraction-(SX)-Anlage, einer entscheidenden Komponente zur Herstellung von batterietauglichem Kobalt.
Zu den wichtigsten Erfolgen zählen Betonfundamente für SX-Tanks, die Installation von Prozessanlagen, die Eindeckung der Tragstruktur und Infrastruktur-Upgrades. Das durch staatliche Mittel geförderte Projekt positioniert Electras Anlage als die einzige Raffinerie in Nordamerika, die für die großtechnische Produktion von batterietauglichem Kobaltsulfat konzipiert ist.
- Completion of early works program reduces future construction ramp-up time
- Strategic government funding support demonstrates project viability
- Position as North America's only battery-grade cobalt sulfate producer at scale
- Advanced procurement and engineering activities enhance construction readiness
- Full construction has not yet resumed, indicating potential funding or timeline uncertainties
Insights
Electra's completion of early works program accelerates cobalt refinery construction timeline, strengthening North America's critical mineral supply chain position.
Electra's announcement marks meaningful progress in the development of North America's only battery-grade cobalt sulfate production facility. The completed early works program specifically advances the crucial solvent extraction facility—a critical component for producing high-purity cobalt needed in EV batteries.
The company has strategically focused on shortening the ramp-up timeline by completing concrete foundation work, installing processing equipment, and upgrading key infrastructure systems. This preparatory work essentially compresses the schedule for when full construction resumes, potentially accelerating time-to-market.
What's particularly significant is how this positions Electra within the broader continental strategy to develop domestic battery supply chains. As major automakers increasingly commit to electric vehicle production, securing reliable cobalt supply remains a critical challenge. Traditional cobalt supply chains are dominated by overseas producers, creating both geopolitical and ethical vulnerabilities.
The reference to government funding support indicates alignment with broader policy objectives to onshore critical mineral processing. This suggests potential for continued governmental backing as the project advances toward completion.
Electra's approach to integrate hydrometallurgical processing while pursuing low-carbon production pathways addresses growing market demand for responsibly-sourced battery materials. This differentiation could provide competitive advantages as downstream customers face increasing pressure to demonstrate ethical and environmental integrity throughout their supply chains.
TORONTO, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”) today announced the completion of its early works program at its cobalt refinery north of Toronto. This milestone strengthens Electra’s readiness to restart full construction and shortens the ramp-up time required for mobilizing a full construction crew, reaffirming the Company’s commitment to onshoring North America’s critical minerals processing and building a resilient, domestic battery materials supply chain.
The early works program focused on several targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction. The initiative, supported by strategic government funding, focused primarily on advancing the solvent extraction (SX) facility, a key step in producing high-purity, battery-grade cobalt.
“This milestone brings us closer to resuming full construction of the refinery,” said Mark Trevisiol, Vice President, Projects at Electra. “By completing these preparatory works and advancing long-lead procurement, we are positioning the refinery for efficient and timely execution once construction resumes.”
Key activities included concrete foundation work for SX tanks, installation of processing equipment, structural roofing, and upgrades to power, lighting, and septic systems. Engineering and procurement activities were also advanced to support readiness for full construction.
“We are positioning Electra to be a foundational part of North America’s energy future,” said Trent Mell, Electra CEO. “This milestone reflects disciplined execution and steady progress toward delivering a reliable supply of cobalt for the North American market and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”
Electra’s refinery is the only project in North America designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate at scale. By integrating advanced hydrometallurgical processing and pursuing low-carbon production pathways, Electra is redefining how critical minerals are refined, offering a cleaner, traceable alternative to overseas supply chains.
About Electra Battery Materials
Electra is a leader in advancing North America’s critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Currently focused on developing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra is executing a phased strategy to onshore critical minerals refining and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. In addition to establishing the cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra’s strategy includes nickel refining and battery recycling. Growth projects include integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex, evaluating opportunities for cobalt production in Bécancour, Quebec, and exploring nickel sulfate production potential in North America. For more information, please visit www.ElectraBMC.com.
Contact
Heather Smiles
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
Electra Battery Materials
info@ElectraBMC.com
1.416.900.3891
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “plans”, “expects”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “believes” or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “occur” or “be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Among the bases for assumptions with respect to the potential for additional government funding are discussions and indications of support from government actors based on certain milestones being achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for Electra Battery Materials Corporation, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Other factors that could lead actual results to differ materially include changes with respect to government or investor expectations or actions as compared to communicated intentions, and general macroeconomic and other trends that can affect levels of government or private investment. Although the Company believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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FAQ
What milestone did Electra Battery Materials (ELBM) announce in September 2025?
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