Ontario Construction News staff writer
Electra Battery Materials has announced the completion of an early works program at its cobalt refinery in Temiskaming Shores, northeastern Ontario.
“This milestone strengthens Electra’s readiness to restart full construction and shortens the ramp-up time required for mobilizing a full construction crew,” the company said in a statement.
The battery materials project was put on hold in 2023 due to financial limitations, but later secured funding, including $34 million from Ottawa and $20 million from the U.S. Department of Defense. Relaunched in June, the $750,000 early works program focused on site-level activities to prepare for full-scale construction, advancing the solvent extraction facility—a key step in producing high-purity, battery-grade cobalt.
“This brings us closer to resuming full construction of the refinery,” said Mark Trevisiol, vice president, projects at Electra. “By completing these preparatory works and advancing long-lead procurement, we are positioning the refinery for efficient and timely execution once construction resumes.”
Electra appointed Michael Green as construction director last year. With over 30 years of experience in construction management, Green will oversee the final phase of construction for North America’s first cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores.
Green has held leadership roles in large-scale infrastructure, mining, and power generation projects with firms including Trans Mountain Corporation, Enbridge Pipelines, K+S Potash, and Suncor. Most recently, he served as construction manager for Calibre Mining’s Valentine Gold Mine.
“Mike’s extensive experience and proven track record as a construction lead make him a valuable addition to our team as we move toward the final phase of construction at the Ontario Refinery,” Trent Mell, Electra CEO said in a 2024 statement. “His commitment to safety and people-first approaches, coupled with his background in resource projects, will be instrumental in advancing the refinery’s completion and commissioning, ensuring we meet our construction schedule and budget objectives.
“Electra’s refinery is a strategically important asset as the only one of its kind in North America, and we are eager to resume construction work.”
Toronto-headquartered Electra is developing the refinery to provide raw materials for North America’s electric vehicle industry. The refinery will use advanced hydrometallurgical processing to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate with lower carbon emissions.
