07:49 AM EDT, 06/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Electra Battery Materials ( ELBM ) said Thursday that it launched an early works program to support the restart of its cobalt refinery north of Toronto.

Early works have a budget of $750,000 and include targeted site-level activities designed to prepare for the restart of full-scale construction, the company said.

The focus will be on advancing high-priority activities in the solvent extraction area, which is a key component of Electra's hydrometallurgical refining circuit.

"The early works program represents a critical step in transitioning the refinery site back to construction mode," said Mark Trevisiol, vice president of projects at Electra. "By focusing on key infrastructure, particularly in the SX area, we are ensuring the site is ready for a seamless ramp-up as soon as full funding is in place."

Electra said the works follow a $200,000 investment earlier this year into the septic, power and lighting systems, as well as the recent delivery and placement of the site's prefabricated electrical house, all further enhancing construction readiness.

"The early works program enables us to build critical infrastructure and maintain project momentum while we work to finalize the remaining elements of our funding package," Chief Financial Officer Marty Rendall said.

The company said the early works initiative is partially supported by a US$20 million award from the U.S. Department of Defense under the Defense Production Act.