“`markdown
Electra Commences Early Works to Support Restart of North America’s Only Cobalt Refinery
TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) announced the initiation of an early works program at its cobalt refinery located north of Toronto. This move underscores the Company’s dedication to onshoring critical minerals processing in North America and constructing a resilient domestic battery materials supply chain.
The early works program involves specific site-level activities aimed at preparing for the resumption of full-scale construction. This initiative has gained momentum thanks to strategic funding from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, with a budget of approximately C$750,000 primarily directed towards advancing the solvent extraction facility.
“The early works program represents a critical step in transitioning the refinery site back to construction mode,” said Mark Trevisiol, Vice President of Projects at Electra. “By focusing on key infrastructure, particularly in the solvent extraction area, we are ensuring the site is ready for a seamless ramp-up as soon as full funding is secured.”
Scheduled work over the summer will prioritize high-priority activities in the solvent extraction area, a vital component of Electra’s hydrometallurgical refining circuit. Crews will relocate and install solvent extraction processing equipment previously delivered to the site, pour reinforced concrete bases for the solvent extraction tanks, and complete structural roofing work on the solvent extraction building. Concurrently, tender preparation and engineering support activities will facilitate the transition to full construction.
These efforts follow a C$200,000 investment made earlier this year to upgrade the septic, power, and lighting systems, along with the recent installation of the site’s prefabricated electrical house, all of which enhance construction readiness.
“This project reflects our disciplined approach to advancing the refinery initiative,” stated Electra CFO, Marty Rendall. “The early works program allows us to build essential infrastructure and sustain project momentum while we finalize the remaining elements of our funding package.”
The early works initiative is partially funded by a US$20 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act, announced in August 2024. This funding emphasizes the strategic significance of Electra’s refinery in bolstering domestic industrial capacity and securing North America’s critical minerals supply chain. Support for the project has also come from Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund.
“Our early works program sends a clear message: Electra is actively moving forward,” said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra. “This program lays the physical and operational groundwork necessary to expedite full construction. We are confident in our project’s strategic importance and our commitment to delivering North America’s only battery-grade cobalt refinery.”
Electra’s refinery is the only facility 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 transforming the way critical minerals are refined, offering a cleaner, traceable alternative to overseas supply chains.
Following a temporary construction pause in 2023, Electra has continued to make strategic progress toward completing the remaining financing required to bring the cobalt sulfate refinery into full commercial operation. With foundational funding already secured, including significant contributions from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the Company is actively pursuing additional funding initiatives to support project completion.
Backed by strong government endorsements and significant advances made at the refinery, Electra expects to finalize the remaining financing necessary to move the refinery into production.
### About Electra Battery Materials
Electra is at the forefront of advancing North America’s critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Focused on developing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra is implementing 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 encompasses nickel refining and battery recycling. Growth initiatives include integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex, evaluating cobalt production opportunities in Bécancour, Quebec, and exploring nickel sulfate production potential in North America.
For more information, please visit [www.ElectraBMC.com](http://www.electrabmc.com).
**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 accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
“`
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/electra-initiates-early-works-for-the-restart-of-north-americas-sole-cobalt-refinery/
