Latest news with #refinery
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Electra Battery Materials gears up to restart construction on stalled Ontario cobalt plant
Electra Battery Materials Corp. is positioning itself to restart construction on its stalled cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ont. The company said June 19 that it will invest $750,000 on an early works program this summer that includes equipment installations and concrete work critical to advancing the project after a two-year delay. Electra CEO Trent Mell said the preliminary set of projects lay the 'physical and operational groundwork to accelerate into full construction. 'We are confident in our project and its strategic importance. Preparing for the final leg of construction is a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering North America's only battery-grade cobalt refinery,' Mell said in a release. Sign up for Automotive News Canada Breaking Alerts and be the first to know when big news breaks in the Canadian auto industry. The summer work schedule follows a $200,000 investment in septic, power and lighting systems at the plant earlier this year, the company said. Electra's fully permitted site about 500 kilometres north of Toronto has sat largely idle since May 2023, when the company halted work because of cost overruns, equipment delays and tightening finances. It is far from the only Canadian electric-vehicle battery supply chain project facing an uphill climb as EV demand falls short of expectations. Electra estimates it will need about US $60 million to complete the refinery that will produce cobalt sulfate, a key ingredient in most of the EV batteries in use in North America today. After securing funding commitments from an unnamed strategic investor and both the Canadian and U.S. governments totaling $54 million, Electra is just $6 million short of that target. It continues to work on solutions to fill the 'remaining gap,' said Heather Smiles, company vice-president of investor relations and corporate development, in an email. The company provided no details on other possible funding sources, but said it expects to raise the additional funds needed to finish construction and begin production at the plant. If completed, the plant will be the only one of its kind in North America and one of a select few outside China. From the outset of work on the refinery in 2021, Electra has maintained that demand for cobalt sulfate produced in North America remains high. The company signed an offtake agreement in 2022 with battery-cell maker LG Energy Solution that accounts for 80 per cent of the site's production capacity of 6,500 tonnes annually. Smiles said the early works package undertaken this summer will allow full-scale construction to resume on the refinery within a few months of the company securing the necessary financing. She would not say how long the plant would take to complete once work resumes.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Electra Commences Early Works to Support Restart of North America's Only Cobalt Refinery
TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) ('Electra' or the 'Company') announces the launch of an early works program at its cobalt refinery north of Toronto, reaffirming the Company's commitment to onshoring North America's critical minerals processing and building a resilient, domestic battery materials supply chain. The early works program encompasses targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction. The initiative reflects growing momentum around the project, supported by strategic funding from both the U.S. and Canadian governments. The work, budgeted at approximately C$750,000, is particularly focused on advancing the solvent extraction facility. 'The early works program represents a critical step in transitioning the refinery site back to construction mode,' said Mark Trevisiol, Vice President, Projects at Electra. 'By focusing on key infrastructure, particularly in the SX area, we are ensuring the site is ready for a seamless ramp-up as soon as full funding is in place.' Work scheduled over the summer will focus on advancing high-priority activities in the solvent extraction (SX) area, which is a key component of Electra's hydrometallurgical refining circuit. Crews will relocate and install SX processing equipment previously delivered to site, pour reinforced concrete bases for the SX tanks, and complete structural roofing work on the SX building. In parallel, tender preparation and engineering support activities will proceed to facilitate the transition to full construction. These works follow a C$200,000 investment earlier this year into the septic, power and lighting systems, as well as the recent delivery and placement of the site's prefabricated electrical house, all further enhancing construction readiness. 'This project reflects our disciplined approach to advancing the refinery project,' said Electra CFO, Marty Rendall. 'The early works program enables us to build critical infrastructure and maintain project momentum while we work to finalize the remaining elements of our funding package.' The early works initiative is partially supported by a US$20 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act, announced in August 2024. This funding underscores the strategic role of Electra's refinery in strengthening domestic industrial capacity and securing North America's critical minerals supply chain. The project has also received support from Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund. 'Our early works program is a clear signal: Electra is not standing still,' said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra. 'The early works program lays the physical and operational groundwork to accelerate into full construction. We are confident in our project and its strategic importance. Preparing for the final leg of construction is a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering North America's only battery-grade cobalt refinery.' Electra's refinery is the only project in North America designed to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate at scale. By integrating advanced hydrometallurgical processing and pursuing low-carbon production pathways, Electra is redefining how critical minerals are refined, offering a cleaner, traceable alternative to overseas supply chains. Following a temporary pause in construction in 2023, Electra has continued to make strategic progress toward completing the remaining financing needed to bring the cobalt sulfate refinery into full commercial operation. With foundational funding already secured, including significant contributions from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, the Company is actively advancing complementary funding initiatives to support project completion. Backed by strong government endorsements and the refinery already significantly advanced, Electra expects it will be able to finalize the balance of the financing required to move the refinery into production. 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 ContactHeather SmilesVice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development Electra Battery Materialsinfo@ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, 'forward-looking statements') within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'estimates', 'intends', 'anticipates', 'believes' or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might', 'occur' or 'be achieved'. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. Among the bases for assumptions with respect to the potential for additional government funding are discussions and indications of support from government actors based on certain milestones being achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for Electra Battery Materials Corporation, filed on SEDAR+ at and on EDGAR at Other factors that could lead actual results to differ materially include changes with respect to government or investor expectations or actions as compared to communicated intentions, and general macroeconomic and other trends that can affect levels of government or private investment. Although the Company believes that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Refiners & Distributors Association (ARDA) Executive Secretary Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 in Support of Africa's Growing Downstream Sector
Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners&Distributors Association (ARDA) – a pan-African organization that serves as the voice of the continent's downstream sector – will speak at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference. Taking place on September 29-October 3 in Cape Town, the event is the largest gathering of energy stakeholders on the continent. Kragha's participation will contribute to discussions on the downstream sector, covering challenges, opportunities, trends and projects. This comes as many of Africa's major oil and gas producers – including Nigeria, Angola, Algeria and the Republic of Congo – pursue bold strategies to strengthen domestic petroleum value chains. These efforts aim to reduce refined petroleum imports and improve fuel security. ARDA plays a key role by promoting strategic collaboration, policy advocacy and industry innovation. Recently, the association called for the creation of an African downstream register to better support projects. At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies Kragha is expected to outline the benefits of such a register and highlight ARDA's strategies to drive downstream expansion. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Refinery development is a critical priority for many African countries, with several major projects underway to boost regional fuel distribution and lower costs. Angola is advancing three new facilities aiming for a combined capacity of 445,000 barrels per day (bpd), including the 60,000 bpd Cabinda refinery (expected online in 2025), the 200,000 bpd Lobito facility and the 150,000 bpd Soyo project. Nigeria's Dangote Refinery, Africa's largest at 650,000 bpd, is progressing toward full operational capacity. In the Republic of Congo, the Fouta Refinery, designed to produce 2.5 million tons of petroleum products annually, is slated to begin operations by the end of 2025. South Africa plans to rehabilitate the SAPREF refinery, which has been closed since 2022. The refurbishment aims to raise capacity from 180,000 bpd to 600,000 bpd, opening new opportunities for affordable fuel supply. Beyond refineries, several African countries are prioritizing cross-border pipelines to boost exports and regional fuel distribution. Notable projects include the 1,443-km East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline linking Uganda's oilfields to Tanzania's Port of Tanga and expected to start operations in 2026. Nigeria's $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline will traverse 13 West African countries over 5,660 km to connect Nigerian gas fields with European markets via Morocco, with production targeted for 2029. Meanwhile, a planned $13 billion pipeline running from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, spanning 4,128 km and delivering 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually, aims to facilitate regional exports and deeper African collaboration. While these developments mark significant progress toward expanding fuel distribution in Africa, achieving downstream ambitions requires substantial investment. Kragha's participation at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies is expected to provide valuable insights on sector challenges and opportunities, fostering new deals and partnerships. 'In order to end energy poverty by 2030, Africa must significantly scale up investments across the downstream sector,' says Ore Onagbesan, Program Director of AEW 2025. 'By shifting from an export-driven to a domestic-focused mindset, the continent can unlock greater value from its oil and gas resources. Organizations like ARDA recognize the critical role refining, pipelines, petrochemicals and terminals play in enhancing energy security across Africa.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Exclusive-Indian refiners cancel palm oil orders for July-Sept as prices surge
MUMBAI :Indian refiners cancelled orders for 65,000 metric tons of crude palm oil (CPO) scheduled for delivery from July to September following a sudden surge in benchmark Malaysian prices, four trade sources told Reuters. Refiners in the world's largest palm oil importer cancelled the orders in the past three days after Malaysian palm oil futures rose more than 6 per cent, hedging their risk against the prospect of falling prices by locking in a profit. "There is a lot of volatility in the market. There was more margin in cancelling bought CPO than in importing, refining, and selling refined palm oil in the local market," said an Indian buyer who operates a refinery on the west coast and cancelled shipments for July delivery. Indian buyers made CPO purchases nearly a month ago around $1,000 to $1,030 per ton, including cost, insurance, and freight, after a rebound in palm oil production brought down prices to their lowest in more than eight months. This week, palm oil futures jumped, tracking a rally in Chicago soyoil futures after the U.S. proposed higher biofuel blending volumes. The sudden rise prompted Indian refiners to cancel contracts at between $1,050 and $1,065 per ton, making a profit of more than $30 per ton, said the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. Buyers agreed to contract cancellations by accepting a price slightly lower than the current market rate, a decision mutually reached with sellers, said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trading house. The CPO is being offered at about $1,070 a ton in India for July delivery, compared to $1,020 to $1,030 a month ago. Despite the cancellations, Indian imports are poised to rise in coming months after falling far below average in recent months, bringing down inventories, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage. India's palm oil imports hit a six-month high in May, driven by low inventories and the oil's price discount to rival soyoil and sunflower oil. Indian buying had gained momentum after India last month halved the import duty on CPO, but the cancellations have disrupted that momentum, said a Kuala Lumpur-based trader with a palm oil producing company.
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Exclusive: Indian refiners cancel palm oil orders for July-Sept as prices surge
MUMBAI, June 18 (Reuters) - Indian refiners cancelled orders for 65,000 metric tons of crude palm oil (CPO) scheduled for delivery from July to September following a sudden surge in benchmark Malaysian prices, four trade sources told Reuters. Refiners in the world's largest palm oil importer cancelled the orders in the past three days after Malaysian palm oil futures rose more than 6%, hedging their risk against the prospect of falling prices by locking in a profit. "There is a lot of volatility in the market. There was more margin in cancelling bought CPO than in importing, refining, and selling refined palm oil in the local market," said an Indian buyer who operates a refinery on the west coast and cancelled shipments for July delivery. Indian buyers made CPO purchases nearly a month ago around $1,000 to $1,030 per ton, including cost, insurance, and freight, after a rebound in palm oil production brought down prices to their lowest in more than eight months. This week, palm oil futures jumped, tracking a rally in Chicago soyoil futures after the U.S. proposed higher biofuel blending volumes. The sudden rise prompted Indian refiners to cancel contracts at between $1,050 and $1,065 per ton, making a profit of more than $30 per ton, said the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to media. Buyers agreed to contract cancellations by accepting a price slightly lower than the current market rate, a decision mutually reached with sellers, said a New Delhi-based dealer with a global trading house. The CPO is being offered at about $1,070 a ton in India for July delivery, compared to $1,020 to $1,030 a month ago. Despite the cancellations, Indian imports are poised to rise in coming months after falling far below average in recent months, bringing down inventories, said Sandeep Bajoria, chief executive of Sunvin Group, a vegetable oil brokerage. India's palm oil imports hit a six-month high in May, driven by low inventories and the oil's price discount to rival soyoil and sunflower oil. Indian buying had gained momentum after India last month halved the import duty on CPO, but the cancellations have disrupted that momentum, said a Kuala Lumpur-based trader with a palm oil producing company.
