EXP to helm Electra’s $8.3M cobalt refinery push

Electra Battery Materials (NASDAQ; TSX-V. ELBM) has awarded EXP, a global engineering and consulting firm, an $8.3 million CAD contract to advance its cobalt sulfate refinery project in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario. EXP will provide engineering, project management, and construction management services for the critical construction phase of the project.

The firm's selection stems from its extensive experience in complex industrial facilities. EXP plans to apply advanced process engineering and integrated construction management techniques to support Electra through the refinery's crucial development stage.

"EXP is well-positioned to support Electra's vision moving forward, assisting in the successful completion and commissioning of the refinery targeted for Q3 2027. Our robust engineering capabilities allow us to deliver innovative, reliable solutions for complex projects like Electra's cobalt refinery," Kevin McKay, EXP vice president, stated.

"Partnering with EXP provides Electra with the additional project and construction management support needed as we move into the final phase of refinery development. The team is committed to safety and timely execution as we work to build capacity for a domestic supply of battery-grade materials," Electra's vice president of project and engineering, Paolo Toscano, said, emphasizing the partnership's importance.

The facility aims to produce 5,100 tonnes of battery-grade cobalt sulfate annually, with plans to expand to 6,500 tonnes per year. This production will contribute significantly to the supply of high-quality cobalt sulfate, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

EXP's involvement in this project highlights the growing demand for specialized engineering services in the expanding electric vehicle battery supply chain. The successful completion of this refinery could mark a significant step in establishing a domestic supply of battery materials in North America.

The project aligns with broader industry trends towards localizing critical mineral processing and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, facilities like Electra's cobalt sulfate refinery are likely to play an increasingly important role in the automotive industry's supply chain.

More information is posted at www.ElectraBmc.com and www.Exp.com