Electra Battery Materials is set to establish North America’s first battery-grade cobalt refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, with a total investment of nearly $100 million. The Ontario government is supporting the project as part of its strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains, protect jobs, and support key sectors, including the automotive industry, amid U.S. tariffs and ongoing economic uncertainty.
The refinery will play a critical role in Ontario’s growing battery and clean technology sector by increasing domestic processing capacity for critical minerals. It will become the only cobalt sulphate processor in North America, supplying a vital component for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The facility is expected to create local jobs and position Temiskaming Shores as a major hub for critical mineral processing.
Electra CEO Trent Mell highlighted that government support underscores the strategic importance of the refinery for Ontario, Canada, and North America. The project aims to reduce reliance on overseas supply chains, support a cleaner energy future, and strengthen the province’s role in battery materials innovation. Once fully operational, the refinery will produce nearly 6,500 tonnes of cobalt annually. Ontario is contributing $17.5 million through the Invest Ontario Fund to support the initiative.
The project aligns with Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which seeks to leverage the province’s abundant mineral resources, including nickel, lithium, platinum, and cobalt, to meet growing global demand and expand domestic processing capabilities. By building local processing infrastructure, Ontario aims to refine minerals within the province rather than exporting raw materials, supporting high-value jobs and economic stability.
Government officials emphasized the broader economic and strategic benefits of the project. George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, noted that the facility will create good jobs in Northern Ontario and strengthen the province’s economy. Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, stressed that advancing critical mineral processing is essential for securing Ontario’s leadership in clean energy technologies and establishing a fully made-in-Ontario supply chain.
The investment positions Ontario as an ideal destination for electric vehicle battery manufacturers, leveraging a skilled workforce, cost-competitive environment, and a robust automotive supply base. The agreement with Electra is subject to reaching a definitive agreement, further supporting Ontario’s ambitions in clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
Related Posts
