Electra Battery Materials
Electra Battery Minerals faced a challenge in integrating a crystallization system to extract and purify battery-grade cobalt from an existing hydrometallurgical refinery.
The refinery lacked space for the new system, necessitating a creative engineering solution to expand the infrastructure. BESTECH designed a new multi-level facility and implemented retrofits to the existing structure.
SCOPE
The team analyzed the building’s capacity to support additional loads from the new process equipment. This led to the design of structural reinforcements for deficient elements. A new multi-level structure was engineered to house the crystallization process equipment and ensure maintenance access. Due to complex soil conditions and load requirements, the design incorporated a deep foundation system with micropiles and concrete pile caps.
OUTCOME
The project extended the refinery’s capabilities by integrating the new crystallization system within the multi-level facility, enhancing overall functionality and safety. The structural analysis and retrofitting, along with the design of the new additions, ensured the refinery could support advanced processing activities for high-purity cobalt. Considerations of soil conditions and structural demands resulted in a robust foundation for the refinery’s future operations.