Electra Battery Materials has announced the completion of its early works program at its cobalt refinery in the town of Temiskaming Shores, north of Toronto.

The milestone all but prepares the company to restart full construction on the project, which was paused in 2023 due to financial constraints.

The company has since received financing to restart the project, including $34 million in support from the federal government and a $20-million award from the US Department of Defense.

Electra re-launched its early-works construction program in June. The $750,000-program focused on several targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction. The initiative focused primarily on advancing the solvent extraction (SX) facility, a key step in producing high-purity, battery-grade cobalt.

Completion of the work, the company says, will shorten the ramp-up time required for mobilizing a full construction crew, and reaffirms its commitment to getting the project built.

“This milestone brings us closer to resuming full construction of the refinery,” said Mark Trevisiol, Electra’s Vice-president of projects. “By completing these preparatory works and advancing long-lead procurement, we are positioning the refinery for efficient and timely execution once construction resumes.”

Key activities included concrete foundation work for SX tanks, installation of processing equipment, structural roofing, and upgrades to power, lighting, and septic systems. Engineering and procurement activities were also advanced to support readiness for full construction.

“We are positioning Electra to be a foundational part of North America’s energy future,” said Trent Mell, Electra CEO. “This milestone reflects disciplined execution and steady progress toward delivering a reliable supply of cobalt for the North American market and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.”

Electra says its refinery is the only project in North America designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate at scale. It uses advanced hydrometallurgical processing and pursues low-carbon production pathways.