Broken Hill global cobalt province., page-1624

AI Overview+6Iwatani Corporation is partnering with Cobalt Blue to develop Australia's first cobalt refinery in Kwinana, Western Australia. This involves a binding pre-Final Investment Decision (FID) agreement to advance the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery (KCR) project. Iwatani's investment of approximately AUD 105 million demonstrates strong confidence in the project's viability. The refinery is planned to produce 3,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade cobalt sulfate or metal initially. Key developments and details: Binding Pre-FID Agreement:Cobalt Blue and Iwatani Australia have signed a binding pre-FID consortium deed to progress the Kwinana refinery project. Kwinana Cobalt Refinery (KCR):The project aims to establish Australia's first cobalt refinery in Kwinana, Western Australia. Strategic Partnership:Iwatani's investment and involvement signify a strategic move to strengthen Australia's position in the global battery metals supply chain. Timeline:The project is targeting a final investment decision by December 31, 2025, with construction potentially starting by the end of 2024 and first production anticipated in late 2025. Investment:Iwatani is committing AUD 105 million in equity to the project, pending Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. Refinery Capacity:The initial phase of the refinery is planned to produce 3,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade cobalt sulfate or metal. Strategic Significance:The refinery aligns with the Australian government's Critical Minerals Strategy, and will be a cornerstone of Australia's critical minerals infrastructure. Iwatani's Role:Iwatani's involvement includes leveraging their Japanese market connections and partnerships with major industrial players like Toyota and Panasonic. Broken Hill Project:Iwatani is also involved in the Broken Hill Cobalt Project, with plans to integrate feedstock from there into the Kwinana Refinery Project. QUOTE

We are so close to developing Australia’s first cobalt refinery at Kwinana as the global supply/processing demand is becoming critical IMO