A COB commercial team comprising CEO (Joe Kaderavek), Executive Manager (Andrew Tong) and Project Finance Manager (Jan Fuchter) visited Japan (28 Aug. – 1 Sept. 2023).
Discussions were held regarding funding assistance to both projects, representing a potential investment in cobalt extraction and processing, with resulting material targeting the US (Inflation Reduction Act) and EU (Critical Raw Materials Act) markets.
The landscape is changing, with Western markets demanding sustainable minerals from dependable countries such as Australia.
CEO, Joe Kaderavek says: “This presents an exciting opportunity for incoming producers such as Cobalt Blue, with financial support available not only for individual projects but entire supply chains. Its all about sustainable production from trusted partners. The Japanese battery industry is changing rapidly and pivoting towards these markets, with cobalt contracts today already being classed as IRA compliant or IRA non-compliant. In our view the IRA compliant market will begin to demand pricing premiums over time, reflecting the higher costs of sustainable extraction and processing. Looking forward, EV customers can make purchasing decisions based on knowledge of the origin and sustainability of these materials. Customers are demanding strict environmental, social and corporate governance as well as carbon emission standards of metals within their vehicles. COB is proud to be part of that future.”