Ont. government announces support for Electra Battery Materials’ new facility

TEMISKAMING SHORES — The Ontario government announced that it is supporting an investment of nearly $100 million from Electra Battery Materials to establish a cobalt sulphate refinery dedicated to producing battery-grade cobalt in Temiskaming Shores. Ontario’s support for Electra’s new facility is part of the government’s plan to try and protect workers, businesses and jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs and continued economic uncertainty by strengthening domestic supply chains and supporting sectors, including the auto sector, that have been affected by tariffs.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is building a strong, self-reliant economy that integrates Northern Ontario’s vast mineral wealth with Southern Ontario’s manufacturing might,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Electra’s investment in Temiskaming Shores will establish an integral link in the province’s critical mineral processing supply chains and fuel the next stages of Ontario’s leadership in electric vehicle battery manufacturing.”

In a press release, the Ont. government said that the refinery will increase domestic critical mineral processing capacity, establishing an important link in the province’s critical minerals and battery supply chain, and will support battery manufacturing. Electra’s operations will reportedly create local jobs and see Temiskaming Shores become an important hub in Ontario’s critical mineral processing efforts.

“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for its commitment to building a made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain,” said Trent Mell, CEO of Electra. “This support from Invest Ontario is a key endorsement of the strategic importance of our refinery, not just for the province, but for Canada and North America as a whole. Together, we are reducing reliance on offshore supply, enabling a cleaner energy future, and strengthening Ontario’s position as a hub for battery materials innovation.”

Once fully operational, Electra’s refinery will reportedly support the production of nearly 6,500 tonnes of cobalt annually, strengthening a critical part of Ontario’s electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain. In support of this facility, Ontario is investing $17.5 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.

“Critical minerals are key to securing Ontario’s leadership in clean energy technologies, and advancing their development and processing is a priority for us. Once operational, Electra’s refinery will mark a significant step towards the province’s goal of building a complete, made-in-Ontario critical mineral supply chain,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.