Cobalt is a critical component in modern battery technology, essential for electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and various defense applications. Despite its importance, the United States currently lacks domestic cobalt refining capabilities, relying heavily on imports from countries like China, which refines approximately 72% of the world’s cobalt. This dependency poses significant geopolitical and supply chain risks.
Xerion Advanced Battery Corp., a technology startup based in Dayton, Ohio, is poised to address this challenge by introducing an innovative cobalt refining process. The company’s proprietary method utilizes electricity and minimal heat to extract and purify cobalt in a single step, offering a more efficient and potentially cost-effective alternative to traditional refining techniques.
The process involves plating metals onto electrodes by drawing them out of a bath of molten salt using electrical currents. This technique not only produces high-purity cobalt metal but also aligns with sustainable practices by reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional refining methods.
John Busbee, co-founder and CEO of Xerion, highlighted the strategic importance of establishing domestic refining capabilities. He noted that recent global trade tensions have underscored the vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain, particularly concerning critical minerals like cobalt. By developing this technology, Xerion aims to mitigate these risks and contribute to national security and economic stability.
The company is set to launch a pilot-scale production facility in Dayton, Ohio, capable of producing five metric tons of cobalt. While this initial output is modest compared to global demand, it represents a significant step toward scaling up domestic production. Busbee emphasized that even at this pilot stage, the process is cost-competitive with existing methods, suggesting strong potential for future expansion.
Looking ahead, Xerion plans to develop a larger facility with an annual production capacity of 2,000 metric tons of cobalt. This expansion would substantially contribute to meeting the domestic needs of the aerospace and defense industries, which require between 5,000 to 10,000 metric tons of cobalt annually for applications such as jet engine alloys and missile guidance systems.
The establishment of domestic cobalt refining capabilities is crucial for reducing reliance on foreign sources and enhancing the resilience of the U.S. supply chain. Xerion’s innovative approach not only addresses these strategic concerns but also aligns with broader efforts to promote sustainable and efficient industrial practices.
As the demand for cobalt continues to rise, driven by the growth of the EV market and advancements in battery technology, initiatives like Xerion’s are vital for ensuring a stable and secure supply of this essential mineral. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and focusing on domestic production, Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. is positioning itself as a key player in the future of cobalt refining in the United States.
