The assignment for Jervois Finlanda subsidiary of Australian Jervois , is expected to be completed in Q3 2023.

AFRY's assignment covers complete basic engineering, environmental permitting, including a public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) coordination and the compiling of the overall Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS). Basic engineering and the associated BFS provide the required information and investment value estimate for the final investment decision-making. The assignment will provide the necessary information and investment value estimation in order for Jervois to make a final investment decision. 

Jervois is planning to expand its cobalt refinery production capacity at Kokkola Industrial Park, Finland.  

The planned expansion would increase the annual refinery capacity access from 6,250 metric tonnes to at least 12,250 metric tonnes of refined cobalt. The expansion will be aligned with Jervois Finland Oy's recently announced 2035 net-zero target for greenhouse gas emissions and will also enhance Jervois Finland's important role in circular cobalt closed-loop recycling, where used cobalt material is returned to Jervois for regeneration.

"Battery minerals, such as cobalt, underpin the required European energy transition to achieve climate goals. Jervois has strong ambitions to continue its support of Europe's sustainability targets. Together with AFRY, we will be able to take advantage of the best-in-class local know-how and advanced sustainable operating footprint we have here in the Nordics," says Sami Kallioinen, Managing Director of Jervois Finland.

"We are honoured to partner with Jervois in this project to expand the production of cobalt-based products in Finland. Together with Jervois, we are designing a modern refinery to secure the critical mineral supply chains, which underpins energy transition and climate goals. AFRY's commitment to sustainable mining and metals industry principles and to using the best available technologies enables Jervois to reach their high environmental and sustainability standards," says Kalle Rasinmäki, AFRY's head of Process Industries in Finland.