"Cobalt Blue Hits 95-97% Metal Recovery Milestone for Cobalt Nickel Refinery Project, Gains Backing from WA Premier"

Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB, OTC:CBBHF) is really pushing forward with its Cobalt Nickel Refinery Project in Western Australia. They've got some initial test results and even the government is giving them a thumbs-up, making the project look promising.

So, they did some early checks on third-party materials at the Broken Hill Demonstration Plant, and it turned out pretty great. They managed to extract cobalt at rates between 95% to 97%. That's a big win for them. Now, this green energy exploration company wants to fine-tune their tests to get even more metal out.

They're on a timeline here, aiming to finish up all the tests by the end of the first quarter. And the new tests will be with much bigger samples. They're going big!

COB also got its hands on two large samples, each weighing up to 5 tonnes, at Broken Hill. These will be crucial for future business plans. They're not just looking at the Australian market; they're also eyeing a spot in the US with hopes of fitting into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and qualifying for Clean Vehicle Credits (CVCs).

Once they've got their cobalt and nickel sorted out, COB wants to talk business with potential buyers this quarter. It's like the first step in getting the refinery ready for real commercial action.

Now, here's a bit of a flex – the government is totally on board. Western Australia's Premier, Roger Cook, sent a letter dated January 8, giving a big thumbs-up. He thinks this refinery is a game-changer, making Western Australia a big deal in national battery material production. It's also helping the state's mineral processing game.

Joe Kaderavek, the CEO of COB, is pretty pumped about this. He says having the government's backing and great test results makes the Cobalt Nickel Refinery project way less risky.

And where's all this action happening? In the Kwinana Industrial Area in East Rockingham, WA. It's a good spot, near the Fremantle Port. COB's project partner, Iwatani Australia, owns the place. COB thinks teaming up with an existing property owner is a smart move – easy access to power, utilities, and all the infrastructure they need. Plus, the industrial zone rules and regulations are in their favor.

All in all, COB is making moves, and with good results and government nods, things are looking pretty promising for their Cobalt Nickel Refinery Project down under.

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