Electra Announces $20 Million Strategic Investment Proposal

(All amounts in US dollars)

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ:ELBM, TSXV:ELBM) ("Electra" or the "Company") today provided an update on its financing strategy for North America's first battery grade cobalt refinery, announcing that it has received a non-binding term sheet for a $20 million prepayment facility from an arms-length strategic player in the battery materials sector. Several other financing discussions have been advancing alongside this proposal to raise the $60 million for project completion plus amounts for working capital and operations during the construction and commissioning phases.

Electra CEO, Trent Mell, commented, "Interest from sophisticated strategic partners indicates strong confidence in Electra, and with the continued support of investors, governments and downstream customers, we are well-positioned to realize our vision of a North American battery materials supply chain."

The strategic investment announced today is equal to the $20 million award Electra received from the U.S. Department of Defense pursuant to Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA) last month. More than 90% of battery grade cobalt is produced by Chinese companies today, and none in North America.

Electra owns a low carbon, permitted hydrometallurgical refining complex north of Toronto that historically produced nickel and cobalt. The facility is being expanded and modified to provide North America battery makers with a domestic source of cobalt sulfate for lithium-ion batteries. The refining complex was also the location of a year-long battery recycling demonstration plant in 2023. The Company estimates that an additional $60 million in capital costs are required to complete the $250 million cobalt facility.

If consummated, the investment would be comprised of an immediate investment of $10 million and a follow-on investment of $10 million during the refinery's commissioning phase. As partial compensation, Electra would provide marketing rights for a portion of future production until the facility is repaid. This investment is intended to provide working ...