Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ: ELBM) details cobalt refinery build and 2027 goal

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Electra Battery Materials Corporation filed a Form 6-K to share an update on construction of its cobalt sulfate refinery in North America. The company reports continued progress, including completion of exterior pipe racks connecting the leach plant, solvent extraction building, and crystallizer, and ongoing civil, structural, concrete, and tank installation work. Support infrastructure such as parking areas, power services, construction trailers, laydown space, and office areas is nearly complete.

Electra states that construction financing and permits are in place, most long-lead equipment has been secured, and core infrastructure is established. Current efforts focus on sequencing remaining work and preparing to integrate mechanical systems as the project advances toward a targeted commissioning in 2027. The refinery is described as a cornerstone of Electra’s strategy to build a North American critical minerals supply chain, with expected output of battery-grade cobalt once operational.

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of January 2026

Commission File Number: 001-41356

Electra Battery Materials Corporation
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

133 Richmond St W, Suite 602
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5H 2L3
(416) 900-3891
(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F [ X ]      Form 40-F [   ]

DOCUMENTS INCLUDED AS PART OF THIS REPORT

Exhibit Number		Description
99.1		Press Release dated January 8, 2026

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

		Electra Battery Materials Corporation
		(Registrant)
Date: January 8, 2026		/s/ Trent Mell
		Trent Mell
		Chief Executive Officer and Director

EXHIBIT 99.1

Electra Provides Update on Refinery Project Progress

TORONTO, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”), a leader in advancing North America’s critical minerals processing, is pleased to provide an update on construction progress at North America’s first cobalt sulfate refinery.

“Momentum continues to build across the project,” said Paolo Toscano, VP Projects and Engineering. “Strong planning and close collaboration with our partners are translating into tangible progress on the ground. We are excited by how the project is coming together and remain fully focused on delivering this important facility efficiently and safely.”

Construction crews recently completed the installation of exterior pipe racks which will connect the leach plant, solvent extraction (SX) building, and crystallizer. Current site work is centered on civil, structural, concrete and tankage installation, with a continued focus on maintaining a strong safety culture. Many of these activities will allow for an expedited mobilization of larger construction crews once the project reaches full scale. New parking areas, additional power services, construction trailers, laydowns and owners team office areas are all nearly complete. At the same time, procurement and contracting activities are progressing, with key suppliers and contractors engaged to support detailed execution planning and refinement of the project budget and schedule.

With both construction financing and permits in place, as well as the majority of long-lead equipment secured and core infrastructure already established, current efforts are centered on sequencing work and preparing for the integration and installation of the refinery’s mechanical systems as the project advances toward its targeted 2027 commissioning.

Electra’s cobalt sulfate refinery is a cornerstone of the Company’s strategy to build resilient North American critical minerals supply chain. The project aligns with increasing government and industry focus on securing domestic processing capacity for strategic minerals amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce battery-grade cobalt, supporting supply reliability for North American markets.

About Electra Battery Materials

Electra is a leader in advancing North America’s critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. The Company’s primary focus is constructing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery, as part of a phased strategy to onshore critical minerals refining and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. In addition to the Refinery, Electra holds a significant land package in Idaho’s Cobalt Belt, including its Iron Creek project and surrounding properties, positioning the Company as a potential cornerstone for North American cobalt and copper production.

Electra is also advancing black mass recycling opportunities to recover critical materials from end-of-life batteries, while continuing to evaluate growth opportunities in nickel refining and other downstream battery materials.

Contact
Heather Smiles
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
Electra Battery Materials
info@ElectraBMC.com
1.416.900.3891

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements, including statements in this release relating to potential future sales of Common Shares under the ATM, the offering price therefor, and the use of proceeds thereof. 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. 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 with on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c6c88eb8-6b6d-4176-97ee-ca212938230a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9946a5a-e1aa-4816-bade-da3acb4c1359

FAQ

What did Electra Battery Materials (ELBM) report in this Form 6-K?

Electra Battery Materials reported an update on construction progress at its cobalt sulfate refinery in North America, highlighting recent work, infrastructure readiness, and project planning as it advances toward targeted commissioning in 2027.

What construction milestones has Electra (ELBM) reached on its cobalt sulfate refinery?

Construction crews have completed installation of exterior pipe racks connecting the leach plant, solvent extraction building, and crystallizer, while civil, structural, concrete, and tankage installation are underway and key site infrastructure such as parking, power services, trailers, and office areas is nearly complete.

How is Electra Battery Materials funding and permitting its refinery project?

Electra states that both construction financing and permits for the cobalt sulfate refinery are in place, and that most long-lead equipment has been secured, supporting continued advancement of the project.

When does Electra (ELBM) expect to commission its cobalt sulfate refinery?

The company indicates that the refinery project is advancing toward a targeted commissioning in 2027, with current efforts focused on sequencing work and preparing for installation of mechanical systems.

How does the cobalt sulfate refinery fit into Electra Battery Materials’ strategy?

Electra describes the cobalt sulfate refinery as a cornerstone of its strategy to build a resilient North American critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries by providing domestically processed, battery-grade cobalt.

What other assets and initiatives does Electra Battery Materials (ELBM) have?

Electra holds a significant land package in Idaho’s Cobalt Belt, including the Iron Creek project and surrounding properties, and is also advancing black mass recycling opportunities and evaluating growth in nickel refining and other downstream battery materials.