KCR will represent Australia’s first cobalt sulphate refinery that will produce high-quality, battery-grade cobalt sulphate for use as a raw material to supply the global lithium-Ion battery Industry.
COB's Kwinana Cobalt Refinery Strategy
3D modelling of KCR next to Iwatani's existing DFM Plant
Advantages to the Kwinana location
Access to import and export markets
Kwinana has deep water ports and export facilities. Cobalt sulphate is a fragile product that absorbs water (particularly in hot/humid regional conditions) if left exposed and requires specialised storage and shipping.
Direct port access provides a meaningful advantage compared to a more remote location - for importing third-party feedstock for refining and exporting product.
Cost advantage
Kwinana is a major chemicals district. Typically, up to 60-70% of the costs associated with conversion from Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) to cobalt sulphate come from reagent and chemical costs. This location provides more ready access to chemicals with lower associated logistical costs.
There are just 5 cobalt sulphate refineries operating outside of China/Indonesia
