RE:RE:refinery update The cobalt sulfate crystallizer will be built in the United States and shipped to site in less than 44 weeks. This equipment is the last step in First Cobalt's hydrometallurgical refining process and takes cobalt concentrated in an aqueous solution into a powder called cobalt sulfate.
A crystallizer consists of various mechanical components including heat exchangers, pumps, piping, dryers and evaporators. They are assembled in a manner to allow for optimum processing and maintenance conditions. This unit will span several operating floors within the processing plant and will be the tallest structure on site (Figure 1).
The Company and Ausenco Engineering Canada are now working on detailed engineering and procurement of the last two long lead equipment orders: solvent extraction tanks and filters.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservations and Parks issued a new Permit to Take Water from Lake Timiskaming on May 10 covering potable water supply and industrial use. Two other permit applications for air and noise and industrial sewage are expected in the coming months.
Over the next few weeks, crews will mobilize to site to restore power to the refinery, turn on water pumps, complete geotechnical drilling for new buildings and refurbish existing offices.
Two additional employees have been hired to join the First Cobalt owner's team working alongside EPCM contractor Ausenco Engineering Canada. Hayden Fiset joined as Site Services Superintendent and Cristy Knott as Environmental Superintendent. Both live in the local community and are expected to transition to the operations leadership team once the refinery has been commissioned. Additional team members will be recruited during the coming months.