Electra signs agreement with Métis Nation of Ontario

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Electra Battery Materials Corporation says it has signed a Benefits Agreement with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) related to construction and expansion of a battery materials refinery north of Toronto near Temiskaming Shores.

“Signing our first Benefits Agreement marks an important milestone for Electra as we advance with the commissioning of our refinery,” said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra Battery Materials.  “It demonstrates our commitment to operations that are environmentally, culturally, and socially responsible, and also reflects our commitment to working with Indigenous communities in respectful and mutually beneficial ways.”

Electra has agreed to issue 20,000 common shares to the MNO. Once issued, the common shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four-months-and-one-day in accordance with applicable securities laws.

“We welcome the signing of the Benefits Agreement and Electra’s commitment to support economic, cultural, and educational activities in the region,” said Lorette McKnight, president of the Métis Nation of Ontario Temiskaming Métis Council.

“The construction of a battery materials plant in Ontario on the James Bay and Abitibi/Temiscamingue Métis Traditional Territories represents an exciting development that will create many opportunities while also supporting environmental sustainability through reducing carbon emissions as a result of the adoption of electric vehicles.”

Electra plans to commission a battery materials refinery in Temiskaming Shores, with a plant capacity of 5,100 tonnes of cobalt in sulfate. The plan also includes launching a battery materials recycling demonstration plant in fall 2022.

The commitment to supporting local communities near its refinery includes awarding the 2022 Electra Excellence Bursaries  to a student from the graduating class of each of Englehart High School, Timiskaming District Secondary School, Kirkland Lake District Composite School, and École Secondaire catholique Sainte-Marie. Each $1,000 bursary was based on their commitment to learning and an intention to pursue a post-secondary education.

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