Electra Battery Materials secures Glencore feedstock for new Canadian cobalt refinery
Electra Battery Materials' cobalt sulphate refinery taking shape in Ontario, the company confirms it has secured cobalt hydroxide feed from diversified miner Glencore through December 31, 2031.
The latest cobalt hydroxide feed purchase agreement signed between the companies on August 20 builds on a commercial relationship that started in 2021 and secures 100% of the feedstock required for the commissioning and ramp-up of the refinery, as well as its operations through to 2031.
Electra says the agreement brings together Glencore’s global cobalt supply capabilities with Electra’s North American refining capacity, which strengthens the link between upstream cobalt production and the production of battery-grade cobalt sulphate in North America.
Glencore will supply about 10 000 t of contained cobalt over five years, representing $500-million worth of contained cobalt at current market prices.
Electra aims for mechanical completion of the refinery in 2027.
As production increases beyond the initial ramp-up period, Electra says it has the flexibility to supplement Glencore’s volumes with additional sources of cobalt hydroxide, which supports higher production and a diversified feedstock base. Electra is advancing these additional supply opportunities for 2028 and beyond.
In terms of offtake, Electra signed an updated binding term sheet with LG Energy Solution for the long-term supply of cobalt sulphate from the refinery, with LG having committed to take 60% of the refinery’s planned production through 2029 – with an option to extend the arrangement through 2032.
The refinery is designed to initially produce 5 120 t/y of contained cobalt, with crystallizer nameplate capacity of up to 6 500 t/y. Commercial production is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027.