TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Stetson to its Board of Directors. Mr. Stetson is a seasoned executive with decades of leadership experience in the natural resources sector, including 14 years as a CEO. During his tenure as CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, the company’s market capitalization increased from $50 million to more than US$4 billion. He led ...

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation is undertaking a significant financial restructuring involving a debt-to-equity conversion to reduce its convertible debt by 60% and is launching a US$30 million equity financing to strengthen its capital structure and fund the commissioning of North America's first cobalt sulfate refinery [1][4][7]. Financial Restructuring - The company will convert approximately US$40 million of its outstanding convertible notes into equity at a price of US$0.60 per share, reducing total debt under the notes to approximately US$27 million [6][8]. - The remaining 40% of the notes will be exchanged for a new term loan, maturing three years after the transaction's completion, with an interest rate of 8.99% if paid in cash or 11.125% if paid in kind [9]. - Lenders are providing US$2 million in short-term bridge debt to support operations during the restructuring process, with a 12% annual interest rate [10]. Equity Financing - The equity financing will consist of US$30 million at a price of US$0.75 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and one warrant exercisable for one common share at US$1.25 for three years [12][13]. - Current shareholders will have the right to purchase units on the same terms as new investors, proportionate to their existing ownership [6]. Strategic Importance - The cobalt sulfate refinery is crucial for North America's efforts to establish critical mineral supply chains, reduce reliance on China, and enhance national security [7][19]. - The project has garnered support from various government levels and lenders, highlighting its strategic significance [7]. Governance Changes - Following the completion of the transaction, the company plans to increase its board size from five to seven members, allowing lenders to appoint up to three board members based on their ownership stake [6][11].

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has completed a feasibility level Class 3 Engineering Study for a modular battery recycling facility, which will enhance North America's battery materials supply chain and energy security [1][4]. Facility and Process - The new facility will recover lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite from lithium-ion battery manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries using a proprietary hydrometallurgical process validated through a year-long pilot program [2][5]. - The next phase will involve operating the recycling process under continuous conditions to simulate commercial-scale throughput, funded in part by Natural Resources Canada [3]. Strategic Integration - The cobalt recovered will directly feed into Electra's adjacent cobalt sulfate refinery, which is under advanced construction, thereby creating a closed-loop supply chain for battery materials [4][5]. - Electra's partnership with Aki Battery Recycling ensures a reliable supply of black mass feedstock, supporting both near-term and long-term commercial ambitions [6][13]. Collaboration and Market Engagement - Electra plans to present the engineering study results to downstream partners, including battery manufacturers and OEMs, to determine the optimal scale and timing of the facility [7]. - The study was completed in partnership with Green Li-ion, leading to proprietary improvements that enhance Electra's competitive position in the recycling value chain [8]. National Security and Strategic Minerals - Electra supports North American energy independence amid global competition, particularly against China's dominance in critical mineral processing [9][10]. - The integrated black mass refining program aligns with strategic priorities in Canada and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of cobalt in various applications, including electric vehicles and military-grade batteries [10][11]. Economic and Community Impact - The collaboration with Aki Battery Recycling not only secures a sustainable supply of raw materials but also provides economic benefits to Indigenous communities [6][13][14]. - Electra is committed to building a resilient and inclusive battery materials supply chain in North America, aligning innovation with sustainability and Indigenous economic development [7][14].

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation commends the Ontario government's C$500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund, which aims to build a domestic supply chain for clean energy technologies [1] - The fund is expected to enhance local industry capabilities and support the growth of electric vehicle and battery manufacturing in Ontario [2] - Electra's CEO highlighted the importance of a North America-first approach to secure critical mineral supply chains amid global competition, particularly against China's dominance [6] Group 1: Government Initiatives - The C$500 million fund represents a significant investment in critical mineral processing, aligning with Electra's mission to create a sustainable battery materials supply chain [1][2] - The fund is anticipated to generate economic opportunities in Northern Ontario communities, supporting clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing [2] Group 2: Company Strategy and Positioning - Electra is focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and aims to onshore critical minerals refining to reduce foreign reliance [7] - The company is also exploring nickel refining and battery recycling, with projects including black mass recycling and potential cobalt production in Quebec [7] Group 3: Industry Engagement - At the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, Electra's CEO engaged with key stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of reducing foreign dependence on critical minerals [4] - The company looks forward to collaborating with newly appointed federal cabinet ministers to advance clean energy and critical minerals priorities [5]

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation commends the Ontario government's C$500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund, which aims to build a domestic supply chain for clean energy technologies [1][2] - The fund is expected to enhance local industry capabilities and create economic opportunities in Northern Ontario, aligning with Electra's mission to develop a sustainable North American battery materials supply chain [2] Industry Developments - The prioritization of critical mineral processing in Ontario will accelerate strategic mineral processing projects that support the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing ecosystem [2] - At the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, Electra's CEO engaged with key stakeholders, highlighting the urgency to reduce foreign dependence on critical minerals [4] Company Strategy - Electra is focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and aims to onshore critical minerals refining to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [7] - The company is also exploring opportunities for nickel refining and battery recycling, including integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex [7] Leadership and Collaboration - Electra expresses support for newly appointed federal cabinet ministers, emphasizing the importance of their leadership in advancing clean energy and critical minerals priorities [5] - The company is committed to collaborating with all levels of government to support industrial innovation and energy security [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation is making significant progress in establishing a North American supply chain for critical minerals, particularly focusing on cobalt sulfate refining and battery materials recycling to support the clean energy transition [3][4]. Financial Highlights - The company reported a cash position of C$3.2 million at the end of the first quarter of 2025 [12]. - Electra has secured up to US$54 million in non-dilutive funding, including US$34 million in government support and a US$20 million strategic investment proposal [4]. Operational Developments - The current priority is the recommissioning and expansion of the cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, requiring approximately US$60 million to complete [3]. - Electra has established partnerships with Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) for cobalt feed sourcing and has a long-term offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution [5]. Recycling Initiatives - The company operated a year-long plant-scale recycling program in 2023, successfully recovering critical metals needed for lithium-ion batteries [6]. - An engineering study for a new battery recycling refinery adjacent to the cobalt refinery commenced in January 2025, building on previous technology and expertise [8]. Strategic Partnerships and Exploration - Electra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nord Precious Metals to process cobalt-bearing silver concentrates [7]. - The company is exploring its CAS Property in the Idaho Cobalt Belt, highlighting high-grade gold values that reinforce its critical minerals strategy [10][11]. Leadership Changes - In early 2025, Electra strengthened its leadership team by appointing Marty Rendall as CFO and Alden Greenhouse to the Board of Directors [7].

Core Points - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has successfully closed the final tranche of an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement, raising approximately US$3.5 million [1][2] - The offering consisted of 3,125,000 units issued at a price of US$1.12 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant [2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized to advance the company's Refinery project in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, and for general corporate purposes [2] Offering Details - The offering was conducted in two tranches, with the first tranche closing on April 3, 2025, and the second on April 14, 2025 [2] - Each warrant allows the holder to purchase one common share at a price of US$1.40 for a period of eighteen months following the issue date [2] - The company paid US$219,447 in cash finders fees and issued 183,333 non-transferrable finders warrants to eligible finders [5] Related Party Transactions - Key executives and directors of the company participated in the offering, constituting a "related party transaction" under applicable securities laws [3][4] - The company did not file a material change report prior to closing due to the timing of insider participation [4] - As the transaction does not exceed 25% of the company's market capitalization, no formal valuation or minority shareholder approval is required [4] Securities Regulations - The common shares and warrants issued under the offering are not subject to a hold period under Canadian securities laws [6] - Securities issued to insiders will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance [6] - The offering remains subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange [6] Company Overview - Electra Battery Materials is focused on advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries [8] - The company is developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and has plans for nickel refining and battery recycling [8] - Growth projects include integrating black mass recycling and exploring opportunities for cobalt and nickel production in North America [8]

Core Viewpoint - The recent fluctuations in cobalt prices are closely linked to policy adjustments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which significantly impact domestic cobalt-related industries and listed companies [3][12]. Group 1: Cobalt Price Trends - As of March 10, the average price of domestic cobalt reached 223,000 yuan per ton, marking a cumulative increase of 40.25% since the low point on February 24 [2]. - The cobalt industry has experienced a continuous decline over the past three years, with prices dropping approximately 80% [9]. - The DRC announced a four-month suspension of cobalt exports on February 24, 2025, to address the oversupply in the global cobalt market, which could lead to a 25% reduction in global cobalt supply [8][13]. Group 2: Impact on Industries - The increase in cobalt prices is expected to raise the cost of ternary power batteries for electric vehicles by approximately 1,000 yuan for every 60% rise in cobalt prices [4]. - The supply-demand gap in the cobalt industry could reach 25%, which is significant enough to drive up commodity prices [7]. - The price of cobalt sulfate, used in ternary materials, surged from 26.55 yuan per kilogram to 42.05 yuan in just ten days, reflecting a 58.4% increase [15]. Group 3: Market Reactions - From February 25 to March 10, the average stock price increase for four listed companies in the cobalt sector reached 21.41%, leading all sub-sectors [21]. - Companies like Luoyang Molybdenum Co., which is the largest cobalt producer globally, reported an 8.6% increase in stock price and are actively communicating with the DRC government regarding policy changes [22]. - The rising cobalt prices have also affected the recycling market for used batteries, with significant price increases reported for scrap batteries [18]. Group 4: Company Performance and Profitability - Companies such as Hanrui Cobalt and Tengyuan Cobalt are expected to benefit from the rising prices, as their profitability is closely tied to the prices of cobalt products [24]. - However, the revenue contribution from cobalt-related businesses is relatively low for many A-share companies, with cobalt products accounting for only 36.08% of Tengyuan Cobalt's revenue [25]. - The varying levels of benefit from the price increases will depend on each company's position in the supply chain and revenue structure [26].