Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM) provided an update on construction of its cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, according to a press release dated Aug. 18, 2026.

The company has finalized construction agreements with WB Melback Corporation for approximately C$26 million and Pro Pipe Construction Ltd., a subsidiary of Dalcon Construction, for approximately C$6.8 million. Work under both agreements is advancing across the refinery's solvent extraction and crystallizer circuits. Electra is also progressing work with Kilmarnock Enterprises under a structural, mechanical and piping construction package while a definitive agreement is being finalized.

Active construction activities include concrete pier and pump base installation, structural pipe-rack steel erection, and process equipment leveling in the solvent extraction area. In the crystallizer section, reinforcing steel installation and concrete work on floors and equipment bases are underway. Kilmarnock has completed site mobilization and begun removing legacy piping and compressed air equipment from existing brownfield areas.

Engineering is described as substantially complete, with major design deliverables issued and piping isometrics released to the mechanical contractor. Equipment deliveries, including automated and manual valve packages, are progressing, with fabrication started on ion-exchange strip filters and bentonite bins.

"Engineering is substantially complete; several critical construction agreements are now being executed, and our focus is on delivering the project schedule," said Paolo Toscano, Vice President, Projects & Engineering.

The refinery is a fully permitted brownfield facility intended to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate. Electra targets the start of select commissioning activities in the fourth quarter of 2026, mechanical completion in the second quarter of 2027, full commissioning and production ramp-up in the third quarter of 2027, and commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2027.