EVelution Confirms Sufficient Groundwater for $450m US Cobalt Processing Facility
US critical minerals company EVelution Energy has confirmed sufficient groundwater resources to support the planned operations of its $450-million cobalt processing facility in Yuma County, Arizona.
A hydrogeological programme overseen by BasinWells Associates identified substantial aquifer zones beneath the project site following exploratory drilling to a depth of about 457 m.
The findings reduce a key development risk and support the project’s engineering, permitting, financing and construction plans. EVelution said the groundwater supply could also support future expansion of the facility.
The groundwater has elevated salinity and will require treatment. EVelution plans to use advanced water treatment and recycling systems, with about 70% of process water expected to be recycled or reused.
The facility is expected to have net freshwater consumption of about 42,000 m³ a month, or approximately 503,000 m³ a year, while operating without on-site process water discharge or tailings storage.
Construction of the cobalt processing facility is expected to begin in early 2027, with commercial operations targeted for 2029.
The project is designed to strengthen US domestic cobalt supply chains and is expected to create more than 6,200 direct, indirect and induced jobs.
EVelution CEO Navaid Alam said confirmation of the groundwater resources was another important milestone that brings the company closer to construction of what it describes as the first solar-powered commercial-scale cobalt processing facility in the US.
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