Cobalt Blue (ASX:COB) reports that it has successfully produced its first cobalt sulphate samples at the Broken Hill Cobalt Project Pilot Plant.
The result, which comes following positive feedback on the plant’s mixed hydroxide product (MHP), will see COB partners receive samples by early November, and will bring pilot plant operations to a close.
The refinery, which converts MHP to cobalt sulphate, is tasked with producing high-purity cobalt sulphate heptahydrate crystals suitable as a raw material for cathode-precursor manufacturers.
Cobalt sulphate heptahydrate crystals produced at the pilot plantAround 25% of global cobalt output is sold as cobalt sulphate, which is primarily used in the production of high-performance EV batteries and commands a 10% to 20% premium over MHP. This portion is expected to grow to at least 50% by the end of 2025.
cobalt sulphate is primarily used in the production of high-performance EV batteries and commands a 10% to 20% premium over MHP
COB reports that planning and procurement activities are underway for the project’s Demonstration Plant, which will be supported by bulk sample extraction and field work during the upcoming summer season.
A number of potential offtake partners are scheduled to receive large sample batches up to 100kg from the Demonstration Plant during 2022. These larger samples will be used for testing and production of laboratory-scale batteries.
Images: Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited
