TORONTO — Toronto-based Electra Battery Materials Corporation has announced it has begun preliminary discussions with the Government of Quebec to build a new cobalt refinery in an emerging battery materials park in Becancour, Que.
Electra will undertake a study to determine annual production requirements for the industrial park, capital costs for the refinery, flow sheet modifications for alternate sources of feed material, permitting requirements, benefits from integration with other battery materials companies in Becancour, and potential funding opportunities from the federal and provincial levels of government, stated a release.
The firm announced the appointment of David Marshall as vice-president of engineering to support the study. Marshall is a 31-year industry veteran with experience in engineering studies, project management and project delivery for mineral processing and mining operations. He spent 29 years with Vale in a number of senior project management roles. Most recently, he was a project manager with BBA Consultants.
“Given a forecasted deficit in domestic cobalt sulfate production by 2025, we have received significant interest from industry and government stakeholders to build a second refinery in North America,” said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra, in a statement. “The industrial park in Becancour is quickly becoming an important future hub for EV battery materials in North America given its numerous advantages, including a deep-water port, extensive infrastructure, hydro-electric power, strong support from the Quebec government and a qualified work force.
“In light of the considerable progress Electra has made towards commissioning its first cobalt sulfate refinery north of Toronto, we are a logical partner for the Becancour industrial park.”
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