New facility onshores critical mineral processing and contributes to a made-in-Ontario supply chain
TEMISKAMING SHORES, Ontario, September 12, 2025 – Electra Battery Materials is planning to invest nearly $100 million to establish a battery-grade cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario. The refinery will be the first of its kind in North America, filling an important gap in the province’s critical mineral and battery supply chains.
Cobalt sulfate is a key input for lithium-ion batteries used across clean technology applications from electric vehicles to large-scale energy storage. This project will expand Ontario’s critical mineral processing capacity and reduce the reliance on imported materials in battery manufacturing.
We are focused on completing North America’s first cobalt sulfate refinery and unlocking the jobs and economic activity that come with it. We are grateful for the support from Invest Ontario, which will help accelerate construction and reinforces confidence in the strategic importance of our project. Establishing a domestic supply of battery-grade cobalt is essential to reducing reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains, safeguarding economic and energy security, and ensuring that Canada plays a leading role in the global energy transition.
Trent Mell
CEO of Electra
Northern Ontario is home to abundant deposits of nickel, lithium, platinum, cobalt and other strategically important raw materials. This vast mineral wealth feeds into a world-class advanced manufacturing sector in the south, making Ontario a natural destination for projects like Electra’s.
Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is building a strong, self-reliant economy that integrates Northern Ontario’s vast mineral wealth with Southern Ontario’s manufacturing might. Electra’s investment in Temiskaming Shores will establish an integral link in the province’s critical mineral processing supply chains and fuel the next stages of Ontario’s leadership in electric vehicle battery manufacturing.
Hon. Vic Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the investment will be supported with a loan of up to $17.5 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.
Critical minerals are key to securing Ontario’s leadership in clean energy technologies, and advancing their development and processing is a priority for us. Once operational, Electra’s refinery will mark a significant step towards the province’s goal of building a complete, made-in-Ontario critical mineral supply chain.
Invest Ontario is the dedicated agency for investment attraction in the province. We serve as global businesses’ partner and one-window access to Ontario, providing expertise and tailored services throughout their investment journey. With a focus on the advanced manufacturing, life sciences and technology sectors, we are committed to securing strategic investments that create jobs, generate returns to the province and drive Ontario’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
About Electra Battery Materials
Electra is a leader in advancing North America’s critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries. Currently focused on developing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery, Electra is executing 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 includes nickel refining and battery recycling. Growth projects include integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex, evaluating opportunities for cobalt production in Bécancour, Quebec, and exploring nickel sulfate production potential in North America. For more information, please visit www.ElectraBMC.com.
