EMME

CONVERSION
Nickel/Cobalt Refining

The EMME project is a strategic initiative to establish a nickel refinery in France that will produce high-quality battery materials for the growing electric vehicle market. EMME aims to produce 30kt Nickel and 3 kt Cobalt in the form of sulfates suitable for batteries, using different sources such as MHP, MSP, Mattes, Black Mass and Scrap. In its first phase of operating in 2027, EMME will use a low CO2 MHP as its primary to feedstock produce 20kt Nickel and 2kt Cobalt. EMME will source its MHP from low ESG footprint countries and sources and has its first feedstock offtake agreements in place. EMME will increase its production gradually between 2027 and 2030.

EMME’s refinery uses an innovative design and modular flow scheme that meets the highest industrial and environmental standards in Europe. The refinery will adopt a low-cost and competitive strategy that reduces the energy and water consumption, waste generation and operational expenses of the refinery. Done through efficient and innovative technologies, such as hydrometallurgical processing, cobalt solvent extraction, and the ability to recycle black mass. These methods allow to create a minimal carbon footprint promoting circularity and water footprint as well as lower their production costs of the refinery, while increasing the quality and value of the products.

Moreover, EMME will follow strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria that ensure the refinery respects and protects the biosphere elements such as the soil, air water and biodiversity of its surroundings. This is done through implementing best practices, such as environmental impact assessments, environmental management systems, social impact assessments, social license to operate, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability reporting. These practices will enhance the reputation, performance, and resilience of the refinery, while reducing the risks and liabilities.

The project aims to become one of the largest conversion plants in Europe focused on high-quality battery materials and has been given the status of “National Strategic Interest” by the French government. After completing the various administrative steps, including a public inquiry, the project will be approved by the French government. Construction will begin in the first quarter of 2025 and finish by the end of 2026. The equipment will be tested and commissioned in the second half of 2027; more than 1,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, and a large-scale recruitment and training program will be launched in 2026 to fill the roles needed by the laboratory, operations, and site support. In the first phase, 200 direct employees will be hired (engineers, technicians, laboratory staff, maintenance employees) extending to 300 employees in phase 2 in 2030 for the black mass recycling project.

Global Turnover

Number of employees