How does COB fit in?Cobalt Blue is targeting an integrated...

How does COB fit in?Cobalt Blue is targeting an integrated approach focused on mining (extraction, Broken Hill) and refining (processing, Kwinana) and strongly believes that large-scale extraction and processing in Australia will support secure compliant global supply chains.The company’s strategy now incorporates the Kwinana processing component with Kaderavek outlining the strategic reasons for this decision:1. Access to export markets - Kwinana has a deepwater port and export facilities. Cobalt sulphate is a fragile product that absorbs water (particularly in hot/humid regional conditions) if left exposed and needs to be stored/shipped carefully. Direct port access provides a meaningful advantage.2. Cost advantage - Kwinana is a major chemicals district. Approximately 60–70% of the costs associated with conversion from MHP to cobalt sulphate come from reagent/chemical costs. This location provides ready access to low-cost chemicals.3. Integrated business - Refining is fundamentally an economy-of-scale business. A single, larger refinery allows COB to process future material sourced from BHCP and (in future) other COB-owned cobalt projects, rather than build out individual refineries at mine sites dispersed through Australia:BHCP will produce ~12,000 tonnes of MHP per annum which equals ~230 tonnes or ~four rail wagons per week. The transcontinental railway line linking frBroken Hill with Kwinana passes through the COB tenements;New Australian mining projects (typically nickel/cobalt producers) that wish to enter the battery production chain (providing the COB Refinery with a first-mover advantage). The projects are typically based in Western Australia; and globally sourced materials (for example Philippines, Indonesia) will likely qualify for significant US and EU financial incentives if processed via an approved country; andCobalt in Waste Streams Project/s (CWSP).4. Australia’s advantage - Australia is the only country that mines all four of the cathode elements. These metals are processed through Kwinana and, so, represent an ideal location to cooperate with battery industry peers to make cathode precursor or active cathode materials for global markets QUQTE from proactive investors article in June 2023
A compelling case for COB to eventually be recognized IMO.