Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has initiated a new program to enhance mineral deposit modeling and feedstock integration at its Iron Creek cobalt-copper project in Idaho, aligning with U.S. efforts to increase domestic critical mineral production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [1][2][3] Company Developments - The financing for Electra's North American cobalt refinery is complete, with construction set to resume, allowing the company to leverage its improved balance sheet for growth and to onshore both mineral processing and mining capabilities to meet rising U.S. demand for critical minerals [2][3] - Electra's CEO, Trent Mell, emphasized the strategic importance of Idaho for domestic cobalt production, highlighting the company's plans to diversify its feedstock base by sourcing domestically [3][6] - A new geological research program at Iron Creek, in collaboration with the Centre to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (CASERM), aims to refine the geological model and guide future drilling campaigns [4][5][6] Exploration and Resource Development - The new geological program will utilize advanced scanning techniques to better define mineralized zones, which are critical for guiding future drilling efforts [6][9] - Electra holds 10-year exploration permits covering 91 designated drill pad locations across Iron Creek and Ruby, with plans for a drilling restart in spring 2026 based on new findings [9][10] - The company is also collecting bulk samples from Adit 1 for metallurgical testing to refine process design parameters and assess future feedstock integration into its refining operations [10][11] Strategic Vision - Electra's long-term strategy focuses on building a vertically integrated supply chain for critical minerals in North America, with the Idaho mineral assets potentially serving as a domestic feedstock source [11][12] - The company aims to create a continental supply chain that starts with American mining and culminates in refined cobalt sulfate for battery production in North America [12][14]

Africa, one of the world’s richest mining regions, continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for mineral production. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Africa accounted for 79.3% of total PGM [platinum group metals] reserves in 2025, 61.7% of chromium reserves, and substantial shares of reserves of cobalt (54.5%), manganese (36.5%), diamonds (32.4%), bauxite (25.5%), copper (8.2%), gold (7.8%) and lithium (1.6%), among others. Despite its resource wealth, the industry faces persistent ...

Core Viewpoint - The US has canceled a $500 million tender for cobalt procurement, which was intended to build resilience against critical minerals shortages, following multiple extensions and less than two months after its launch [1]. Group 1: Tender Cancellation - The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) initially invited bids for up to 7,500 tons of alloy-grade cobalt over five years, marking the first stockpile acquisition since 1990 [1]. - The cancellation was due to unresolved issues with the Statement of Work, with plans to re-issue the solicitation once these issues are addressed [2]. Group 2: Supplier Limitations - Eligible suppliers for the cobalt tender were limited to three producers: Vale SA in Canada, Sumitomo Metal Mining in Japan, and Glencore's Nikkelverk refinery in Norway, indicating a preference for sourcing from allied nations [3]. Group 3: Challenges in Stockpiling - Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy highlighted significant challenges in the US stockpiling initiative, emphasizing the need for clarity, strategic alignment, and substantial investment [4][5]. - Concerns were raised about poor storage conditions potentially degrading cobalt's usability over time, which could undermine the value of the stockpile [5]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - Earlier this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces approximately 75% of the world's cobalt, banned exports to curb oversupply and increase prices, resulting in a more than doubling of prices [6]. - The DRC has since replaced its export ban with a quota-based system, requiring companies to export their full allocated volumes or risk losing their quotas [7]. Group 5: Future Strategies - The Trump administration is shifting towards equity stakes in strategic industries as a response to market uncertainties, with plans to enhance efforts in controlling critical supply chains rather than solely relying on stockpiles [8][9].

Core Points - The Congolese government has announced the implementation details of cobalt export quotas to regulate export order and promote local value addition of strategic minerals [1] Group 1: Export Quota and Distribution Mechanism - The Strategic Mineral Market Regulatory Bureau has established a basic export quota distribution plan for cobalt in the fourth quarter of 2025, approving 3,625 tons for October, 7,250 tons for November, and 7,250 tons for December [2] - Quotas will be allocated based on each company's export volume from 2022 to 2024 [2] Group 2: Strict Access and Enforcement Standards - Companies with less than 100 tons of cobalt export volume in 2024, without their own refining facilities, or with depleted cobalt reserves are excluded from the quotas [3] - Quotas cannot be transferred or deferred, and any unused portions will be reclaimed starting January 2026 [3] - The Bureau has the authority to revoke quotas from companies that violate regulations, particularly those handling unauthorized artisanal mineral sources or privately transferring quotas [3] Group 3: Establishment of National Strategic Quota - Starting in 2026, a national strategic quota will be established to support industrial and strategic projects of national significance, aimed at extending the cobalt industry chain in Congo [4] - This initiative is intended to support domestic cobalt refining, conversion, and downstream manufacturing, contributing to the development of a local value chain [4] Group 4: Implementation and Supervision - All export operations must occur at designated approved border ports [5] - Companies applying for export quotas must provide environmental and tax compliance certificates, export data from the past three years, and relevant information certified by mining management authorities [5] Group 5: Approved Companies and Implications - A list of 21 companies approved for cobalt export by the end of 2025 has been released, indicating a significant step by the Congolese government in strengthening cobalt resource governance, optimizing export order, and promoting industrial upgrades [6]

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is planning to replace its cobalt export ban with an annual quota system, effective from 16 October 2025. The DRC’s mining regulator will permit miners to export up to 18,125 tonnes (t) of cobalt for the remainder of 2025, followed by annual quotas of 96,600t for both 2026 and 2027. The DRC, which accounted for around 70% of global cobalt production last year, imposed the export ban in February 2023 after cobalt prices fell to a nine-year low, reported Reuters. T ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Cobalt and Nickel Production in the Asia Pacific region, specifically focusing on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its impact on Chinese producers [2][8] Core Insights - **Cobalt Export Ban**: The DRC has extended its cobalt export ban until October 15, 2025, which will be followed by export quotas [2][8] - **Global Production Impact**: The DRC accounted for over 70% of global cobalt production in 2024. The new quotas are expected to lead to a significant supply decline in 2026-27 [2][8] - **CMOC Sales Projections**: CMOC sold 109,000 tons (kt) of cobalt in 2024 and 46kt in the first half of 2025. Assuming a quota similar to the national level, CMOC could sell approximately 8.6kt in Q4 2025 and around 43.6kt in 2026-27 [2][8] - **Nickel Smelters' Advantage**: Nickel smelters in Indonesia using laterite nickel ore and the High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) method can obtain about 10% cobalt as a byproduct. This is expected to benefit them from potential cobalt price increases [3][8] - **Production Estimates**: Huayou's cobalt production from its Indonesian smelting operations is estimated to be around 20kt in 2025 (11kt attributable), while GEM's production is estimated at 12kt (6kt attributable) [3][8] Additional Important Information - **Export Quota Details**: The maximum export amount is set at 18,125 tons for 2025, with a breakdown of 3,625 tons for October and 7,250 tons for both November and December. For 2026-27, the maximum export amount is projected to be 96.6kt, which is about 40% of normal production levels [8] - **Quota Distribution**: Quotas will be allocated to companies based on historical export volumes, excluding those that exported less than 100 tons in 2024 or whose cobalt resources have been depleted [8] Industry Rating - **Overall Industry View**: The Greater China Materials sector is rated as Attractive, indicating a positive outlook for the industry over the next 12-18 months [5]

The cobalt export suspension from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will expire on October 15. The restriction, imposed in February, extended in June and again on Sunday, had a profound impact on the market price of battery metal, which recovered over 60% since February.Per Bloomberg's report, the officials in Kinshasa will replace the blanket ban with a quota-based system aimed at curbing oversupply without halting shipments entirely. The new system will launch on October 16, with miners shipping a ma ...

BERWYN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / September 15, 2025 / Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB:COBA) ("Chilean Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has finalized a definitive agreement with Cobalt Chile SpA ("Cobalt Chile"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fuerte Metals Corp. (TSX-Venture:FMT) ("Fuerte Metals") to acquire a 100% interest in 3,742 hectares of exploitation claims in the historic San Juan district. The acquisition includes the El Cofre copper-cobalt-gold project, as well as additional properties ...

BERWYN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / September 10, 2025 / Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB:COBA) ("Chilean Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that an independent panel of globally recognized sustainability experts from Digbee has awarded it an inaugural overall rating of BB for both its corporate and project performance, signifying its strong commitment to sustainable Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. A BB rating signals that Chilean Cobalt has taken meaningful steps to embed ESG into ...

Core Viewpoint - US Critical Metals Corp. (USCM) has retained 100% ownership of the Haynes Cobalt Project in Idaho, which is crucial for addressing the U.S. cobalt supply needs amid significant reliance on imports [1][3]. Industry Context - The U.S. is heavily dependent on external cobalt sources, with over 75% of its supply needs met through imports and recycling, highlighting the importance of domestic production [2][3]. - The U.S. military has initiated a five-year program to acquire approximately 7,480 tonnes of cobalt for strategic defense stockpiles, marking a significant investment of $500 million [2]. Company Strategy - USCM views the Haynes Cobalt Project as a strategic asset that can help meet future supply needs for defense, aerospace, and energy transition industries [3]. - The CEO of USCM emphasized the long-term importance of cobalt to U.S. supply chains and noted increased government support for critical metals, as evidenced by a recent $400 million investment in MP Materials Corp. by the U.S. Department of Defense [4]. Project Details - The Haynes Cobalt Property spans approximately 470 acres and is adjacent to the only primary cobalt mine in the U.S., operated by Jervois Global [5]. - Historical exploration by Noranda Exploration Inc. indicated promising cobalt mineralization, with significant results from past drilling [8][9]. - Recent rock sampling by USCM in 2021 yielded positive results, with cobalt concentrations exceeding 1.0% in some samples [13][14].