Electric car charging

Increasing the cobalt refinery capacity to meet battery sector demand

AFRY will provide basic engineering, lead environmental permitting and conduct a bankable feasibility study to expand Jervois’ cobalt refinery capacity in Kokkola, Finland.

To meet the increased demand, especially in the battery sector and particularly in electric vehicles (“EV”), Jervois is planning to expand its cobalt production in Finland.

Jervois Finland Oy, a subsidiary of Australian Jervois Global Limited, is a leading supplier of high-quality cobalt-based products, serving the EV battery market and other industries. With more than 50 years of experience in cobalt chemicals production, Jervois Finland Oy has a demonstrated track record in environmental stewardship, sustainability and responsible sourcing.

The planned expansion would increase the annual refinery capacity access from 6,250 metric tonnes to at least 12,250 metric tonnes of refined cobalt. The expansion will be aligned with Jervois Finland Oy’s recently announced 2035 net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions and will also enhance Jervois Finland’s important role in circular cobalt closed loop recycling, where used cobalt material is returned to Jervois for regeneration.

Battery minerals, such as cobalt, underpin the required European energy transition to achieve climate goals. Jervois has strong ambitions to continue its support of Europe’s sustainability targets. Together with AFRY, we will be able to take advantage of the best-in-class local know-how and advanced sustainable operating footprint we have here in the Nordics,

  Sami Kallioinen, Managing Director of Jervois Finland.

AFRY’s assignment covers complete basic engineering, environmental permitting, including a public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) coordination and the compiling of the overall Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). Basic engineering and the associated BFS provide the required information and investment value estimate for the final investment decision making. The assignment will provide the necessary information and investment value estimation in order for Jervois to make a final investment decision. The assignment is expected to be completed in Q3 2023.

We are honoured to partner with Jervois in this project to expand the production of cobalt-based products in Finland. Together with Jervois, we are designing a modern refinery to secure the critical mineral supply chains, which underpins energy transition and climate goals. AFRY’s commitment to sustainable mining and metals industry principles and to using the best available technologies enables Jervois to reach their high environmental and sustainability standards,

  Kalle Rasinmäki, AFRY’s Head of Process Industries in Finland

Sustainability, charging a car, road, windmills

Project: Expansion of cobalt refinery

Client name: Jervois Finland Oy

Project location: Kokkola, Finland

Project duration: Q4/2022-Q3/2023

AFRY Scope of Services delivered: basic engineering, environmental permitting (EIA, BFS)

Did you know? According to estimates, the number of electric vehicles sold will grow by about 20–30% annually until 2030. When demand for electric vehicles (EVs) increases, the electric vehicles battery market represents an opportunity for many players from Asia to Europe. Read more about our competencies in battery sector value chain.