ELECTRA BATTERY MATERIALS LOOKING AT A SITE IN QUEBEC

According to Automotive News Canada, Toronto-based Electra Battery Materials Corp. is exploring the possibility of building a new cobalt refinery on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River. The chosen location could be Bécancour, Quebec, a small city located opposite Trois-Rivières. Bécancour has already locked in two high-profile battery supply chain facilities this year. In March, German chemical firm BASF, as well as a joint venture between General Motors and South Korea’s Posco Chemical, shared plans to build cathode active materials (CAM) plants in the city. On the other hand, mining giant Vale also recently completed a feasibility study into construction of a nickel sulfate plant in Bécancour, a project that awaits final approval.

As for Electra, it announced on June 22 that it had begun preliminary talks with the government of Quebec for building a cobalt refinery in Bécancour. Among some of the benefits to locating in Bécancour, Electra’s president Mell has pointed out its deep-water port, extensive infrastructure, hydroelectric power, strong support from the Quebec government, and a qualified workforce. The company expects its study into the possible Bécancour site to be completed by the end of 2022.