Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB, OTC:CBBHF, FRA:COH) has struck a consortium agreement with US-based Glomar Minerals to advance a proposed polymetallic nodule processing facility in the United States, positioning the company at the centre of a fast-emerging critical minerals supply chain opportunity.
The collaboration — dubbed Project Infinity — will combine Glomar’s offshore mineral extraction capabilities with Cobalt Blue’s proprietary processing technology, with the partners targeting feasibility studies for a facility capable of processing around 200,000 tonnes per annum of nodules.
The move expands Cobalt Blue’s role beyond its Australian asset base and into US-aligned supply chains, where governments and industry are increasingly focused on securing reliable sources of battery and defence-critical materials. The company will outline details of the consortium and its broader strategy in an investor webinar on Wednesday.
Consortium targets ‘world-first’ US facility
Under the agreement, Cobalt Blue will lead metallurgical test work and engineering studies, leveraging its Broken Hill Technology Centre and patented hydrometallurgical flowsheet.
The consortium ultimately aims to develop what it describes as a “world-first” polymetallic nodule processing plant in the US, supplying materials to advanced manufacturing and defence sectors.
Polymetallic nodules — which sit on the ocean floor — are attracting growing attention as a potential large-scale, multi-metal feedstock. They contain cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper, along with rare earth elements and other metals, allowing multiple products to be derived from a single source stream.
Samples of polymetallic nodules at the Broken Hill Technology Centre.
Cobalt Blue CEO Dr Andrew Tong said the partnership creates a pathway to apply the company’s processing technology to a new and significant feedstock, while aligning with US priorities around supply chain security.
“Our technical work to date indicates that high metal recoveries are achievable,” Tong said, adding the company is “well positioned to support the development of a scalable US-based processing solution”.
Strategic fit with broader growth plans
The consortium builds on Cobalt Blue’s broader strategy to establish itself as a mid-stream processing specialist across multiple feedstocks, extending beyond its flagship cobalt projects.
Key strategic benefits outlined by the company include:
- Positioning as a preferred processing partner within US-aligned supply chains
- Demonstrating scalability of its flowsheet across multi-metal inputs
- Generating near-term commercial opportunities via test work and engineering services
- Expanding use of the Broken Hill Technology Centre
- Strengthening exposure to emerging critical minerals markets
The initiative also aligns with recent US policy developments. Polymetallic nodules have been identified as a national priority, with regulatory efforts under way to streamline permitting and accelerate domestic supply chain development.
Work program and structure
Initial work will focus on piloting and feasibility-stage studies over an expected 18–24-month period, subject to funding.
Cobalt Blue will:
- Develop and test processing flowsheets for key metals including cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and titanium
- Undertake pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for the proposed US facility
Glomar Minerals will separately manage nodule harvesting, logistics and permitting.
The agreement includes a six-month exclusivity period and remains subject to final binding contracts and funding commitments.
Builds on refinery and technology momentum
The announcement follows a series of milestones for Cobalt Blue’s Kwinana Cobalt Refinery (KCR), where recent work has confirmed battery-grade cobalt sulphate specifications and strengthened the project’s pathway towards a final investment decision.
The company has also been progressing its Broken Hill Cobalt Project and expanding test work capabilities at its technology centre, including evaluating battery recycling feedstocks.
By applying its processing technology to polymetallic nodules, Cobalt Blue is effectively testing the flexibility of its platform across both terrestrial and seabed-derived resources — a theme increasingly relevant as supply chains diversify.
Cobalt Blue's Australian projects.
Webinar details for investors
Cobalt Blue will host an investor webinar this week, with CEO Dr Andrew Tong and business development manager Joel Crane discussing the consortium and broader strategy:
- Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Time: 2:00 pm AEST
- Format: Presentation followed by Q&A
- Duration: About 45 minutes
- Access: Registration available via this link.
Participants can submit questions during registration or live during the session.