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Electra Battery Materials Corporation has been awarded $5 million from the Government of Canada to advance its proprietary battery materials recycling technology. This funding, provided by Natural Resources Canada’s Critical Minerals Research, Development, and Demonstration program, will support the next phase of Electra’s project, aiming to demonstrate the scalability and profitability of their hydrometallurgical black mass process. This initiative aligns with Canada’s commitment to a sustainable EV supply chain and reducing reliance on foreign minerals.
Key Highlights
- $5 Million Funding: Natural Resources Canada supports Electra’s battery materials recycling technology.
- Successful Demonstration: In 2023, Electra processed over 40 tonnes of end-of-life battery scrap, producing high-quality nickel, cobalt, and lithium.
- Scalability and Profitability: The next phase aims to demonstrate continuous, scalable, and profitable recycling processes.
- Environmental Impact: Recycling critical metals reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign minerals.
- Strategic Location: The project is based in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, on Electra’s fully permitted property.
Trent Mell, Electra’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this funding: “Today’s funding announcement is a clear signal from the Government of Canada of its ongoing commitment to creating a strong, sustainable EV supply chain.” He also highlighted Electra’s broader strategy, including the construction of a cobalt sulfate refinery and developing a battery material shredding facility in Ontario with the Three Fires Group.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, noted, “Today’s total investment of $10 million to Electra and MIRARCO will help to advance the development of dynamic and competitive critical minerals value chains in Canada and Northern Ontario.” This investment aims to enhance mineral and energy security, create jobs, and support economic opportunities.
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, added, “Our government is making transformative investments that will have an impact on every future generation. We recognize the time is now to invest in critical minerals.”
Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, praised the initiative, stating, “Organizations like MIRARCO and Electra are at the forefront of the green transition and their work strengthens Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of essential resources and clean technology.”
Electra’s recycling project, part of a broader effort to onshore refining capabilities for cathode materials, includes constructing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery. The company’s long-term vision involves providing recycled battery materials and battery-grade nickel to the North American and global electric vehicle battery market.
The 2023 demonstration program marked a significant achievement as the first plant-scale recycling of black mass material in North America, successfully recovering commercial products like MHP, lithium carbonate, and graphite. The year-long trial saw improved recovery rates, particularly for manganese, and increased metal content in MHP.
With federal funding, Electra will continue optimizing its black mass refining process, aiming to maximize recovery rates and product quality. This program will also explore isolating cobalt from nickel in the MHP product, enhancing the value of both metals. Ultimately, this initiative supports commercial discussions with battery cell manufacturers seeking North American-based solutions for a circular supply chain.
About Electra Battery Materials: Electra is a processor of low-carbon, ethically-sourced battery materials, focused on developing North America’s only cobalt sulfate refinery. Their strategy includes integrating black mass recycling, expanding cobalt sulfate processing, and exploring nickel sulfate production potential within North America. For more information, visit ElectraBMC.com.
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