Electra Battery Materials Corporation has appointed Douglas Geniti as Senior Advisor, Commercial Strategy, to support commercial planning as the company advances construction of its North American cobalt sulfate refinery toward commissioning and production ramp-up in 2027.

Based in New York, Mr. Geniti brings more than 35 years of experience across the critical-minerals value chain, specializing in cobalt, nickel, and minor metals. His background spans global trading, feedstock sourcing, refining, recycling, logistics, customer contracting, and government engagement across North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Most recently, he served as Senior Manager for Cobalt, Nickel & Minor Metals at Sumitomo Corporation of the Americas, and previously held roles with Sogem-Afrimet and African Metals Corporation.

In his new role, Mr. Geniti will work with Electra’s leadership team on feedstock strategy, customer engagement, product marketing, and commercial agreements, with a particular focus on opportunities in the United States. He will also provide market intelligence and strategic guidance related to industrial, battery, and defense markets.

Electra’s Temiskaming Shores cobalt refinery in Ontario is designed to initially produce 5,120 tonnes per annum of battery-grade cobalt sulfate. Construction at the site is underway, with mechanical completion targeted for the second quarter of 2027, and select commissioning activities targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.

To support the transition toward operations, Electra extended its cobalt hydroxide feed purchase agreement with Glencore AG through December 31, 2031, securing 100% of the feedstock required for the commissioning and ramp-up of the refinery.

Beyond its primary cobalt project, Electra is advancing an engineering study for a potential refinery in the southeastern United States targeting approximately 15,000 tonnes per year of nickel sulfate and nickel metal and 1,000 tonnes per year of cobalt metal.

“Douglas brings a rare combination of trading expertise, operating knowledge and established relationships across the global cobalt and nickel markets,” said Michael Insulan, Vice President, Commercial. “As we prepare the refinery for commissioning and operations, his experience will strengthen our commercial execution across feedstock and customer development. His expertise with industrial and defense supply chains is expected to support Electra’s broader role in building a secure North American critical-minerals platform.”

— Michael Insulan, Vice President, Commercial

Read the full announcement: Electra Strengthens Commercial Team with Appointment of Veteran Cobalt and Nickel Trader Douglas Geniti