Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation and Positive Materials Inc. have signed a Supply Chain Cooperation Agreement to enhance North America's lithium-ion battery and energy storage industries [1][2] - The partnership aims to establish a North American commercial and technical relationship for cobalt sulfate production, emphasizing ethical sourcing and strengthening the critical minerals supply chain [2][3] Company Overview - Electra is constructing North America's first battery-grade cobalt sulfate refinery, which is part of a strategy to localize critical minerals refining and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [7] - The company is also involved in black mass recycling to recover critical materials from end-of-life batteries and is exploring growth opportunities in nickel refining and other battery materials [8] Project Details - Project Positive aims to build a sustainable pCAM manufacturing facility in Belledune, New Brunswick, utilizing proven technology [10] - The collaboration will focus on integrating Electra's cobalt sulfate with Positive's pCAM operations, aligning product specifications to meet customer needs [5][6] Strategic Goals - The agreement reflects a commitment to process ethically sourced battery raw materials domestically, enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of North America's critical minerals supply chain [2][4] - Electra's engagement with downstream clients and innovators ensures alignment across the value chain from mine to market, contributing to North America's broader battery materials strategy [6]

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has resumed construction of North America's first cobalt sulfate refinery after securing approximately US$82 million in project financing [1][7][10] - The refinery is positioned to produce 6,500 tonnes of battery-grade cobalt annually, which is essential for lithium-ion battery manufacturing and strengthens the domestic supply chain [9][12] Company Developments - The construction reactivation is a significant milestone in Electra's strategy to onshore critical minerals processing in North America, supported by government and private investments [4][7] - The project is fully funded through a combination of equity financing and government support, including US$48 million from U.S., Canadian, and Ontario governments [10][12] - Electra has engaged EXP for construction management support and is focused on disciplined execution, including detailed engineering and site preparations [4][6] Operational Plans - Major mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation contracts are expected to be awarded soon, leading to a substantial increase in the workforce and full-scale construction by early 2026 [6][8] - The company plans to provide a market update in January to clarify final costs, an accelerated schedule, and execution milestones [6][10] - Key activities include finalizing engineering, restarting critical systems, and upgrading existing infrastructure to align with updated designs [8][12] Strategic Importance - The refinery will be the only cobalt sulfate production facility in North America and one of only two major facilities outside China, enhancing the region's critical minerals supply chain [7][12] - Electra's operations align with U.S. and Canadian industrial policies aimed at reshoring critical minerals processing and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains [12][13] - The company has an offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution, indicating its strategic role in the North American battery materials supply chain [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation is undertaking a US$30 million financing as part of its financial restructuring to support the commissioning of North America's first battery-grade cobalt sulfate refinery in Ontario [1][3]. Financing Details - The company has engaged Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation and ECM Capital Advisors Ltd. as co-lead agents for a private placement offering, aiming to sell a minimum of 40,000,000 units at US$0.75 per unit, totaling at least US$30 million [2]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one warrant, allowing the purchase of an additional common share at US$1.25 for a period of 36 months post-offering [4]. - The offering is backed by a US$10 million conditional commitment from lenders, with existing shareholders given the opportunity to participate on the same terms as new investors [5]. Use of Proceeds - Net proceeds from the offering will be allocated to the completion and ramp-up of the cobalt refinery, the black mass recycling program, repayment of US$2 million in promissory notes, restructuring expenses, and general working capital [6]. - If gross proceeds exceed US$34.5 million, excess funds will be used to repurchase senior secured convertible notes from lenders [6]. Timeline and Conditions - The offering is expected to close around October 15, 2025, subject to shareholder approval and other regulatory conditions [7]. - A special meeting for shareholder approval is anticipated on or around October 9, 2025 [7]. Agent Compensation - The company will pay agents a cash commission of 6% of gross proceeds and issue non-transferable broker warrants equal to 6% of units sold, with reduced commissions for certain units sold under the lender commitment [8]. Regulatory Compliance - The units are offered on a private placement basis in Canada and outside Canada, adhering to specific securities regulations [9][10]. - Common shares from the sale of units under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period, while other securities will have a statutory hold period of four months and one day [11]. Company Overview - Electra Battery Materials is focused on advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, with plans for cobalt sulfate refining, nickel refining, and battery recycling [13].

Core Insights - American Battery Technology Company (ABTC) has been awarded "Recycling Technology Solution of the Year" by CleanTech Breakthrough, recognizing its advancements in battery recycling technology and contributions to a circular supply chain for critical battery materials [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - ABTC's innovative "de-manufacturing" recycling process utilizes selective hydrometallurgical processing, allowing for high recovery rates of critical materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, and aluminum [3][4] - The two-phase recycling process produces recycled materials in the first phase and refines them into battery-grade products like nickel sulfate and lithium hydroxide in the second phase [3][4] Group 2: Strategic Milestones - ABTC has established a feedstock-agnostic system capable of processing various lithium-ion battery sizes and chemistries, demonstrating sustainable practices with reduced waste and lower environmental impact compared to conventional methods [4] - The company was recognized as the sole winner of the Battery Recycling Circularity Challenge in 2019, highlighting its innovative recycling technologies [5] - In 2021, ABTC received a grant to demonstrate its integrated lithium-ion battery recycling system, focusing on producing battery-grade metals from recycled materials at lower costs and environmental impacts [5] Group 3: Commercialization and Operations - ABTC commenced commercial operations of its recycling technologies in 2023, with its first facility processing lithium-ion batteries and producing intermediate materials like black mass [6][8] - The company has transitioned to 24/7 operations, achieving key milestones such as sourcing large-scale batteries from automotive OEMs and producing low-impurity intermediate black mass material [6][7] - ABTC plans to enhance production quality and scale operations, targeting greater efficiencies and sustainable practices [6][8] Group 4: Future Developments - In 2024, ABTC announced a $144 million grant from the U.S. DOE to construct a second commercial-scale lithium-ion battery recycling facility, which will increase processing capacity by 100,000 tonnes per year [12] - The new facility aims to scale operations fivefold and implement strategic de-manufacturing and chemical extraction processes for battery-grade products [12]