Ontario Welcomes $100 Million Investment in Province’s Critical Mineral Processing Supply Chain
September 12, 2025
New Electra facility in Temiskaming Shores will be North America’s first battery-grade Cobalt refinery
The Ontario government is supporting an investment of nearly $100 million from Electra Battery Materials to establish a landmark 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 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.”
The first facility of its kind in North America, the refinery will increase domestic critical mineral processing capacity, establishing an important link in the province’s critical mineral and battery supply chain and further solidifying Ontario’s position as a leader in clean technology and battery manufacturing. Electra’s operations will create local jobs and see Temiskaming Shores become a key hub in Ontario’s critical mineral processing efforts and the only processor in North America for cobalt sulphate – a necessary component in the creation of lithium-ion batteries.
“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 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.
In the face of U.S. tariffs, Ontario is advancing projects that will strengthen the province’s critical mineral supply chain and secure high-value jobs for workers, now and for generations to come. Electra’s project aligns with the stated goals of the province’s Critical Minerals Strategy, which seeks to meet the soaring global demand for critical minerals by leveraging Ontario’s wealth of natural resources through increased domestic processing capacity.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is uniquely positioned as one of the most mineral rich areas in the entire world. This includes abundant deposits of nickel, lithium, platinum, cobalt and other strategically important raw materials, which are key inputs in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, renewable energy solutions and other advanced technologies.
- The government recently invested $500 million to create a new Critical Minerals Processing Fund to provide financial support for projects that accelerate the province’s critical mineral processing capacity and made-in-Ontario critical minerals supply chain.
- By building and upgrading critical mineral processing infrastructure, minerals mined in Ontario will be refined in Ontario, instead of being shipped to other jurisdictions.
- By investing in Ontario, companies have access to a highly skilled workforce, a diversified supply chain, cost competitive business environment, and economic and political stability.
- Ontario is the ideal destination for electric vehicle battery manufacturers, thanks to our world-class automotive supply base with a growing EV assembly and battery supply chain footprint.
- Ontario’s agreement with Electra is subject to reaching a definitive agreement.
Quotes
“Building manufacturing capabilities for domestically sourced resources secures supply chains and strengthens the province at a critical time of economic uncertainty. A prosperous North is integral for a prosperous Ontario, and this new facility brings good jobs and opportunities that underscore the economic potential of investing in Northern Ontario.”
– George Pirie
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
“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.”
– Khawar Nasim
CEO of Invest Ontario
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