Electra has officially resumed construction of its cobalt sulphate refinery in Ontario, Canada, marking a major advancement in North America’s push to build a resilient and sustainable electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. Once completed, the facility will become the first of its kind in the country and one of the few cobalt sulphate refineries outside China, a significant milestone for the region’s critical minerals strategy.
Work on the refinery was previously halted due to funding constraints and supply chain disruptions. However, Electra confirmed that renewed financial support from government agencies and strategic industry partners has enabled construction activities to restart. The company emphasized that the project now has a strengthened development plan and a clear timeline for completion.
The refinery will produce battery-grade cobalt sulphate, a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Electra aims to supply automakers and battery manufacturers across North America as they shift toward domestic sourcing to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.
According to Electra, the facility is expected to process cobalt feedstock from ethically sourced mines, ensuring traceability and environmental compliance—an increasingly important requirement for EV manufacturers.
Government officials welcomed the news, highlighting that the project aligns with Canada’s broader goal of becoming a global hub for critical minerals processing. Industry analysts say the refinery could play a pivotal role in supporting the EV boom, especially as demand for cobalt continues to grow despite efforts to diversify battery chemistries.
Electra stated that construction will accelerate over the coming months, with commissioning targeted for next year. Once operational, the refinery is projected to produce enough cobalt sulphate annually to support the manufacturing of hundreds of thousands of electric vehicle batteries.