Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has increased its At the Market Offering Program to allow for the sale of common shares totaling up to US$25,000,000, which will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including the commissioning of its cobalt sulfate refinery in Ontario, Canada [1][4]. Group 1: Offering Details - The At the Market Offering Program allows Electra to sell common shares at its discretion through H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC [1]. - The total offering amount includes US$5,500,000 previously sold under the same agreement [1]. - The offering is registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and was declared effective by the SEC on December 11, 2025 [2]. Group 2: Sales Mechanism - Sales of common shares will occur as "at-the-market offerings" on the Nasdaq Capital Market, with prices varying based on market conditions at the time of sale [3]. - No shares will be sold on the TSX Venture Exchange or any other Canadian trading market [3]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the ATM will primarily be allocated for working capital and general corporate purposes, particularly for the commissioning of the cobalt sulfate refinery [4]. - The company believes its existing cash and liquidity sources will be sufficient to fund the refinery's planned mechanical completion, although these plans may change [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Electra is focused on advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, particularly through the development of its cobalt sulfate refinery [6]. - The company's strategy includes nickel refining and battery recycling, with growth projects in black mass recycling and cobalt production opportunities in Quebec [6].

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content Group 2: Core Viewpoints of the Report - The nickel price is currently in a consolidation phase. Last week, Indonesia's review of the compliance of port logistics in the nickel industrial park increased the risk of supply disruptions, and the rainy season in the main production areas poses a challenge to the stability of raw material supply. In December, the net import volume of nickel products increased significantly, while weak downstream demand led to a further accumulation of inventory contradictions. However, as nickel ore supply tightens and the supply - demand pattern is expected to improve, the nickel price still has upward momentum [3][4] Group 3: Summary by Relevant Catalogs Nickel Market - **Nickel Price and Market Sentiment**: The nickel price is in a volatile state. The Shanghai Nickel 2602 contract opened at 141,500 yuan/ton and closed at 148,010 yuan/ton last week, with a weekly increase of 4.71%. The overall market sentiment shows that although there are short - term supply disruptions, the long - term supply - demand situation may drive the price up [3][4][9] - **Nickel Ore**: As of January 26, the CIF prices of Philippine laterite nickel ore with grades of 0.9%, 1.5%, and 1.8% were 30, 59, and 78.5 dollars/wet ton respectively, with week - on - week increases of 1, 4, and 0 dollars/wet ton. The domestic trade prices of Indonesian Ni1.2% and Ni1.6% nickel ore also increased. The supply is affected by the rainy season, with mining and shipping in the main production areas severely disrupted. The port inventory of nickel ore decreased to 7.36 million wet tons as of January 23, a week - on - week decrease of 5.03% [33][36] - **Refined Nickel**: In December 2025, China's electrolytic nickel monthly output was 31,400 tons, a month - on - month increase of 21.7%. The inventory continued to accumulate, with the pure nickel social inventory (including the SHFE) increasing to 66,300 tons last week, a week - on - week increase of 4.38%. The cost of electrolytic nickel production also increased slightly [45][49][56] - **Nickel Intermediate Products**: As of January 26, the FOB prices of MHP and high - grade nickel matte increased. In December 2025, Indonesia's MHP and high - grade nickel matte production increased, while the MHP import volume decreased and the high - grade nickel matte import volume increased [41] - **Nickel Sulfate**: In December 2025, China's nickel sulfate monthly output decreased to 35,000 nickel tons, a month - on - month decrease of 4.47%. The market is in a state of supply - demand game, with some downstream manufacturers adopting a wait - and - see attitude. The cost of nickel salt production provides strong support, and the price is in a volatile and consolidating state [59][65] - **Ferronickel**: In December 2025, the national ferronickel production (metal content) decreased to 21,200 tons, a month - on - month decrease of 22.07%. The supply side remains at a high level, and the price is approaching the upper limit that steel mills can bear, with a key contradiction between cost and profit [70][72] Stainless Steel Market - **Stainless Steel Price and Market Performance**: The stainless steel futures market was strong last week. The main contract opened at 14,290 yuan/ton and closed at 14,725 yuan/ton, with a weekly increase of 3.15%. The spot price of the 304 variety also increased [76] - **Stainless Steel Production**: In December 2025, China's stainless steel crude steel production decreased to 3.2605 million tons, a month - on - month decrease of 6.66%. It is expected that the production in January 2026 will increase to 3.4065 million tons, a month - on - month increase of 4.48% [78] - **Stainless Steel Inventory**: As of January 23, the stainless steel social inventory decreased to 921,600 tons, a week - on - week decrease of 0.61%. The inventory is still on a downward trend, but the speed has slowed down [81] - **Stainless Steel Cost**: The cost of 304 cold - rolled stainless steel increased to 14,009 yuan/ton as of January 27, a week - on - week increase of 1.53%, mainly due to the increase in raw material prices [85] Industry News - PT Gag Nikel in Indonesia was fined for environmental audit defects, and the regulatory mechanism is becoming stricter [7] - The Indonesian Commercial Competition Supervisory Commission pointed out monopoly behavior in the port storage and logistics of the Morowali Industrial Park in Central Sulawesi and required the opening of port services and management [7] - Jilin Jien Nickel Industry Co., Ltd.'s 60,000 - ton nickel sulfate project was officially put into operation on December 31, 2025 [7] - The nickel mine of Vale Indonesia suspended mining activities due to the unapproved RKAB quota in 2026, but the smelting project is still in production [7] - Shengtun Mining Group Co., Ltd. terminated the investment in the 40,000 - nickel - metal - ton high - grade nickel matte project in Indonesia [7]

Summary of Lifezone Metals Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Lifezone Metals (NYSE:LZM) - **Core Project**: Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania, the largest development-ready nickel sulfide project globally, also includes copper and cobalt [3][5] Key Points Industry Context - **Nickel Supply Chain**: Currently dominated by Indonesia, which controls approximately 70% of the nickel supply chain through Chinese companies, posing a strategic risk for the West [5][42] - **Market Dynamics**: Nickel prices are currently low, around $14,000-$15,000 per ton, with many Indonesian companies operating at a loss due to oversupply [15][42] Project Economics - **Kabanga Nickel Project**: - Net asset value of $1.6 billion with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 23% [5] - High-grade nickel deposit at 2% nickel, significantly above many North American projects (0.2%-0.3%) [14][41] - All-in sustaining cost of $7,800 per ton, making it economically viable even at current nickel prices [15] Financing and Partnerships - **Funding Strategy**: - Currently raising $500 million in equity and $800 million in debt financing, with Standard Chartered and SOC Gen involved [8][9] - Engaging with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation for project financing and political risk insurance [6][7] - **Government Partnership**: The Tanzanian government holds a 16% free carry in the project, fostering a partnership model for better collaboration [18][19] Future Milestones - **Key Announcements**: - Anticipated announcement regarding equity partners in Q2 2026, which is expected to positively impact stock valuation [20][21] - Final investment decision (FID) expected around Q2 2026, with production anticipated to start approximately 2.5 years post-FID, targeting late 2028 [45] Technology and Innovation - **Hydrometallurgy Expertise**: Lifezone Metals holds over 120 global patents in hydrometallurgy, which is more energy-efficient than traditional smelting [4][22] - **Recycling Initiatives**: Partnership with Glencore to recycle catalytic converters, with potential to produce 200,000 ounces of platinum, palladium, and rhodium annually from a $30 million facility [25][26] Strategic Importance - **Non-Indonesian Nickel Source**: Kabanga is positioned as a critical source of nickel and cobalt for Western supply chains, addressing U.S. demand for cobalt [41][43] - **Infrastructure Development**: Tanzania is investing in infrastructure, including rail and power, to support the Kabanga project, enhancing its economic viability [35][36] Labor and Local Impact - **Labor Supply**: The project will draw from Tanzania's established mining industry, with plans to train local workers while bringing in specialists as needed [37][38] Additional Insights - **Market Positioning**: Kabanga is expected to be one of the top 10 nickel mines globally upon production, with a focus on producing nickel sulfate or nickel powder for market demand [40][39] - **Long-term Vision**: Lifezone Metals aims to leverage its hydromet technology across multiple projects, indicating a shift towards becoming a technology-driven company [11][32]

Asia Pacific Equity Research 07 November 2025 J P M O R G A N Nickel Dashboard Awaiting Indonesia's supply-side reforms LME nickel remained flat in October, averaging USD15,287/t (+0.01% m/m). At present, LME prices are trading closer to the crucial USD15k/t level, ~2.2% below the October peak of USD15,418/t, as persistent oversupply and uncertainty on future demand weighs on sentiment. Global visible inventory increased to ~279kmt (an addition of 27kmt q/q), with 20kmt flowing alone into LME warehouses in ...

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, aiming to support U.S. efforts to increase domestic critical mineral production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - The financing for Electra's North American cobalt refinery has been completed, with construction set to resume, allowing the company to leverage its improved balance sheet for growth [2] - Electra is diversifying its feedstock base by sourcing domestic materials, with Idaho identified as a strategic location for cobalt and copper production, aligning with U.S. priorities for critical mineral independence [3] - A bench-scale lab program has been launched to evaluate cobalt feedstocks from various North American deposits, focusing on modifications to the existing refinery flowsheet to accommodate polymetallic sulfide concentrates [3][4] Group 2: Geological Research and Exploration - A new geological research program at Iron Creek is being conducted in collaboration with the Centre to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (CASERM), utilizing Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging to identify mineralization zones [4][5] - The program aims to refine the geological model and guide future drilling campaigns by mapping the margins of mineralized zones [5][6] - 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 findings from the new scanning program [9] Group 3: Strategic Vision - Electra's long-term strategy focuses on building a vertically integrated solution for domestic supply-chain resilience, including cobalt sulfate refining and potential nickel refining and battery recycling [11][15] - The company aims to create a continental supply chain that starts with American mining and ends with refined cobalt sulfate for battery production in North America [12]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Nickel - **Key Trends**: Strong gains in nickel intermediary prices observed in September, with LME nickel averaging USD 15,310/ton (+1% month-over-month) supported by increased nickel sulfate prices and tighter MHP feedstock [1][3] Core Insights - **Nickel Prices**: Nickel sulfate prices rose approximately 5% due to tighter feedstock and increased demand for precursors, leading to a premium over LME prices of about 2%, the highest since October 2022 [1] - **Nickel Pig Iron (NPI)**: Average price for NPI was USD 11,940/ton, up 4% month-over-month, attributed to Indonesia's crackdown on illegal mining [1] - **Market Dynamics**: Anticipation of pre-buying by smelters ahead of the 2026 permit approval cycles and the Philippines' monsoon season could further influence prices [1] - **Ore Premiums**: High premiums for higher-grade saprolite nickel ore, with prices reaching USD 57-60/ton, compared to a 2Q average of USD 54/ton [1] Company-Specific Insights - **Preferred Picks**: ANTM is favored despite expected soft 3Q earnings due to gold supply issues, as its nickel business is expected to offset declines in gold performance [1] - **Neutral Ratings**: INCO and MDKA are rated Neutral; INCO's stock has outperformed the JCI by 14% in September, but future earnings growth is seen as overvalued [1][3] Supply and Demand Dynamics - **Supply Constraints**: Indonesia's government has suspended 190 mining permits and imposed stricter environmental standards, which may slow refined supply growth to 5.2% year-over-year in 2026 and 3.5% in 2027 [3] - **Global Oversupply**: The Global Commodities team projects nickel to remain in oversupply by 200-300kt over the next two years due to shifts in battery chemistry and a slowdown in stainless steel demand [3] Financial Metrics - **Company Valuations**: - ANTM: Market Cap USD 5.0 billion, P/E 10.1x for FY25E, EPS growth 155.5% [4] - INCO: Market Cap USD 2.8 billion, P/E 61.6x for FY25E, EPS growth -23.1% [4] - MDKA: Market Cap USD 3.5 billion, P/E NM for FY25E, EPS growth NM [4] Additional Considerations - **Investor Sentiment**: Feedback indicates skepticism regarding INCO's future earnings, suggesting that current stock prices may reflect overly optimistic projections [3] - **Long-term Outlook**: The nickel market is expected to face challenges from evolving battery technologies and fluctuating demand from the stainless steel sector, which could impact pricing and profitability [3] Conclusion - The nickel industry is experiencing price increases driven by supply constraints and demand dynamics, with specific companies like ANTM positioned favorably. However, broader market conditions suggest potential oversupply and challenges ahead, particularly for companies like INCO and MDKA.

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has appointed David Stetson to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive leadership experience in the natural resources sector [1][5] - Stetson previously served as CEO of Alpha Metallurgical Resources, where he increased the company's market capitalization from $50 million to over $4 billion and eliminated $800 million in debt [2] - The appointment is part of Electra's strategy to strengthen its financial foundation and enhance its role in North America's critical minerals supply chain [5][6] Company Update - Electra has closed a bridge financing of $2 million through the issuance of unsecured 90-day promissory notes to support operations during its restructuring [6] - The addition of Stetson to the Board is seen as a reinforcement of Electra's commitment to disciplined execution as it advances its transformation and growth strategy [6] - Electra is focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and aims to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains through onshoring critical minerals refining [7][8]