Electra Battery Materials has approved a $73 million construction budget to achieve mechanical completion of its cobalt sulfate refinery north of Toronto, Ontario. The facility is designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate for lithium-ion battery cathode materials used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
Mechanical completion is targeted for the second quarter of 2027, with commissioning expected to begin in late 2026 and production ramp-up planned for the third quarter of 2027. Commercial production is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.
The refinery is designed to initially produce 5,120 tonnes per annum of contained cobalt in the form of battery-grade cobalt sulfate. The crystallizer circuit has nameplate capacity of 6,500 tonnes per annum, providing potential for future expansion following commissioning and operational optimization.
Electra has arranged approximately $82 million in financial support, including government grants, loans, and equity financing. The project is supported by funding commitments from US and Canadian government agencies, reflecting its role in strengthening North American critical minerals supply chains.
Battery-grade cobalt sulfate is used in nickel-containing lithium-ion battery chemistries common in EV applications. Global cobalt refining capacity remains concentrated in Asia, and the company states the facility would represent North America’s only battery-grade cobalt sulfate production site upon commissioning.
Construction restart activities began in the fourth quarter of 2025. Major mechanical and electrical equipment has been procured, and site preparation and infrastructure work are underway.
The company expects additional capital requirements related to commissioning and ramp-up to total approximately $15 million as the facility transitions to commercial operations.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News