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Highlights
Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd secures an extended three-year Major Project Status
The Broken Hill Cobalt Project gains national significance under Australia’s critical minerals strategy
Kwinana Refinery and technology centre initiatives receive added federal backing
Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB) has reinforced its role in Australia’s critical minerals sector with the extension of its Major Project Status for the Broken Hill Cobalt Project. The company, listed on the ASX 300, confirmed that the status will now remain active for a further three years, recognising the project’s strategic alignment with national objectives including Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy and National Battery Strategy.
The project, located in New South Wales, aims to supply ethically sourced cobalt to emerging downstream industries, including energy storage and electric mobility, aligning with federal economic and industrial development goals.
Federal Endorsement Enhances Project Visibility
The Australian Government’s continued recognition of the Broken Hill Cobalt Project through Major Project Status offers streamlined regulatory support at the Commonwealth level. This designation provides Cobalt Blue with increased coordination between state and federal agencies, designed to fast-track project milestones and infrastructure delivery.
Cobalt Blue’s development strategy includes scaling domestic supply chains to meet growing global demand for energy-critical inputs, such as cobalt, through sustainable and responsible extraction processes.
Kwinana and Technology Centre Projects Aligned with National Vision
Beyond its Broken Hill footprint, Cobalt Blue is advancing plans for a dedicated refinery in Kwinana, Western Australia. The proposed Kwinana Cobalt Refinery is expected to process feedstock from Broken Hill and other future sources. The company is also progressing with its Broken Hill Technology Centre, a facility aimed at supporting research, testing, and pilot production.
Both projects are considered part of a broader blueprint to establish Australia as a leading producer of refined cobalt and expand domestic capabilities within the battery materials sector.
Executive Remarks Highlight Strategic Importance
Chief executive officer Andrew Tong described the extension of Major Project Status as a meaningful validation of the project’s role in supporting federal industrial strategies. The company views the Broken Hill development as a cornerstone of its broader ambition to contribute to a secure, traceable cobalt supply chain, while fostering industrial growth in regional Australia.
The project partner, Iwatani Corporation, also acknowledged the announcement, pointing to strengthened confidence in progressing the Kwinana facility toward final investment considerations. Their support reflects international collaboration in strengthening Australia's role in global energy transition supply chains.
Path Ahead Includes Corporate Evolution
Cobalt Blue’s strategic path includes further engagement with shareholders, with plans underway to seek approval for a rebrand to Core Blue Minerals Limited. This rebranding reflects the company’s evolving portfolio and broader focus on building critical mineral assets beyond its current flagship operations. The company continues to develop its Halls Creek Project in Western Australia, contributing to a national network of cobalt-related infrastructure and assets.
