North America cobalt sulfate partnership expands pCAM toll processing

Electra Battery

A North America cobalt sulfate partnership now links Electra Battery Materials with Positive Materials to scale battery-grade supply. The companies will use a pCAM-as-a-service toll processing model to produce battery-grade cobalt sulfate. However, they did not disclose pricing or volumes for the tolling arrangement.

Electra Battery Materials has already secured demand signals in the region’s cell supply chain. It signed a deal to supply battery-grade cobalt sulfate to LG Energy Solution. Therefore, the partnership supports an offtake-backed pathway toward higher utilization once new refining capacity starts.

Electra is building a battery-grade cobalt sulfate refinery in Ontario with output targeted at enough material for one million electric vehicles per year. Meanwhile, Electra will evaluate integration options with Positive’s planned pCAM operations in Belledune. As a result, the companies can align sulfate production with downstream precursor demand and shorten North American supply chains.

Toll processing accelerates pCAM scale without full vertical integration

Toll processing reduces upfront risk for customers that need qualified material fast. It also lets refiners and pCAM players monetize assets while partners build demand. Meanwhile, the pCAM toll model can speed qualification with cathode and cell makers when it standardizes inputs and process controls.

Technology access and upstream assets strengthen the North American cobalt story

Positive strengthened its technical base through a partnership with Kansai Catalyst. That deal supports pCAM manufacturing technology, recipes, and facility design for Belledune. Therefore, the Electra-Positive tie-up can link qualified cobalt sulfate with a proven pCAM process roadmap.

Electra also holds a land package in Idaho cobalt belt, including the Iron Creek project. This upstream position can support longer-term North American cobalt and copper optionality. Meanwhile, integrated options can matter more as supply security and traceability requirements tighten.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This North America cobalt sulfate move signals a shift from announcements to interoperable capacity. However, tolling only wins if partners deliver consistent specs and predictable logistics. Therefore, qualification speed and transparent operating discipline will decide who captures OEM-linked demand.