According to Mining News Pro - The refinery has the potential to produce up to 2,000 tonnes of cobalt product per year or more if the autoclave and solvent extraction circuits are used.

Test work was carried out in single batches so that product specifications could be optimized to meet offtake partner requirements. The product assayed 20.8% cobalt, above the reference grade for sulphate pricing. It is classified as high purity, achieving over 99.9% purity.

First Cobalt has hired Ausenco to work with SGS Canada on detailed engineering to assess further refinement to the flowsheet and circuit optimizations to maximize potential output.

First Cobalt wants to recommission North America’s only permitted primary cobalt refinery, which is on care and maintenance. The company has begun discussions with automotive manufacturers, cobalt miners, and investors ahead of moving the refinery to a more advanced stage.