Cobalt Blue Holdings (ASX:COB) has received 25kg of Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) nodules at its Broken Hill Technology Centre as it progresses Project Infinity with partner Glomar Minerals.
Project Infinity is the consortium’s initiative to build and operate the first commercial polymetallic nodule refinery in the US.
Four locations across Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana have been shortlisted to host the refinery site, following engagement with state economic development offices and senior government representatives.
The project aims to process 200,000 tonnes of polymetallic nodules and 7,500 tonnes of cobalt hydroxide per annum. The refinery will target the production of ‘high-purity’ manganese sulphate and cobalt sulphate for battery markets, along with nickel and copper metal.
Cobalt Blue Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tong says the receipt of the nodule samples marks a “key milestone” in demonstrating the company’s technology at scale.
“The nodule samples now at our Broken Hill Technology Centre mark a key milestone in demonstrating our technology at scale and underscore Cobalt Blue’s role as a leader in critical minerals processing,” Tong says.
The company will now commence bench-scale testing and characterisation of the CCZ nodules to help define the scope of work of the upcoming Prefeasibility Study.
Cobalt Blue Holdings is a minerals processing and mining company focused on diversifying critical mineral supply chains in partnership with like-minded countries.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Cobalt Blue
