COB is shifting the focus of the Broken Hill Technology Centre (BHTC) to assess the viability of processing battery black mass as a domestic feedstock source for the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery (KCR).
November 18, 2025 -- The initiative aims to de-risk KCR’s long-term supply strategy while creating the potential for modest near-term revenue from BHTC operations.
Following the signing of a non-binding MOU with Ecobatt in December 2024, BHTC completed bench-scale testwork on black mass samples, demonstrating successful extraction of cobalt, nickel and manganese.
At a glance
- Company
- Cobalt Blue Holdings
- Ticker
- COB
- Location
- Broken Hill, Australia
Products and programs
COB has also received a non-binding Letter of Intent from Hartree Partners – one of the world’s leading merchant commodity firms – for the potential purchase of cobalt metal from BHTC processed from black mass, indicating commercial interest in products produced from recycled feedstock.
This strategy positions COB at the forefront of Australia’s emerging circular battery materials industry. It directly supports the objectives of Australia’s Circular Economy Framework, strengthens domestic battery recycling capability, and reinforces Australia’s role as a reliable partner in the global critical minerals supply chain.
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Questions around this news
What is Cobalt Blue Holdings assessing at the Broken Hill Technology Centre?
The company is assessing whether the centre can process battery black mass as a domestic feedstock for its planned Kwinana Cobalt Refinery. The release says the work is intended to reduce supply risk for the refinery and may also create a modest near-term revenue opportunity from operations at the centre.
What metals were recovered in the black mass testwork?
The release reports that bench-scale testing of black mass samples at the Broken Hill Technology Centre successfully extracted cobalt, nickel and manganese. The work followed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Ecobatt. The release does not provide extraction quantities or detailed test conditions.
What does a non-binding letter of intent mean?
A non-binding letter of intent records an indication that parties may pursue a proposed transaction, but it generally does not require them to complete it. Its precise effect depends on the wording and applicable law; some clauses, such as confidentiality provisions, may still be binding.
What commercial interest has been indicated in cobalt from recycled feedstock?
The release says Cobalt Blue Holdings received a non-binding letter of intent from Hartree Partners regarding a potential purchase of cobalt metal processed from black mass at the Broken Hill Technology Centre. It presents the letter as evidence of commercial interest, not as a completed sale or binding purchase commitment.
