Cobalt Blue Holdings and Glomar Minerals have teamed up to develop a pioneering polymetallic nodule processing facility in the US, aiming to secure critical minerals for advanced manufacturing and defence sectors.
- Consortium formed to build ~200,000 tpa polymetallic nodule processing plant in the US
- Leverages Cobalt Blue’s patented hydrometallurgical technology and Glomar’s seabed licenses
- Targets multi-metal recovery including cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements
- Aligns with US government’s critical minerals supply chain security priorities
- Feasibility studies and pilot testwork underway at Broken Hill Technology Centre
A Strategic Alliance for Critical Minerals
Cobalt Blue Holdings Limited has announced a significant partnership with US-based Glomar Minerals LLC to advance the development of a polymetallic nodule processing facility on American soil. This consortium, dubbed Project Infinity, aims to harness the abundant resources found in deep-sea polymetallic nodules; rich in cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, and rare earth elements; to supply critical minerals essential for the US advanced manufacturing and defence industries.
Combining Glomar Minerals’ exclusive exploration licenses in the Clarion Clipperton Zone with Cobalt Blue’s proven hydrometallurgical expertise, the venture plans to progress feasibility studies and pilot-scale testwork at Cobalt Blue’s Broken Hill Technology Centre in Australia. The proposed facility is designed to process approximately 200,000 tonnes of nodules annually, marking a world-first in US-based polymetallic nodule processing.
Technology and Sustainability at the Forefront
Cobalt Blue brings to the table patented processing flowsheets originally developed for its Kwinana Cobalt Refinery and Broken Hill Cobalt Project. These technologies have demonstrated high metal recoveries; over 90% for manganese, cobalt, and nickel; from polymetallic nodules, with minimal waste generation. This aligns with the consortium’s emphasis on sustainable and next-generation refining solutions, a critical consideration given the environmental sensitivities surrounding seabed mining.
The Broken Hill Technology Centre, which has seen over A$15 million in investment since 2021, will serve as the hub for piloting and refining the processing technology. This facility not only supports Project Infinity but also reinforces Cobalt Blue’s position as a midstream processing technology leader capable of scaling across diverse multi-metal feedstocks.
Geopolitical and Market Implications
This partnership is timely, dovetailing with the US Government’s strategic push to secure critical mineral supply chains, as outlined in Executive Order 14285 signed in April 2025. Polymetallic nodules have been identified as a national priority resource, and the consortium’s efforts directly support the US–Australia Framework for Mining and Processing Critical Minerals and Rare Earths.
Glomar Minerals’ Chairman Robbie Diamond highlighted the project’s potential to redefine critical mineral dependence and position the US as a leader in polymetallic nodule resources. Meanwhile, Cobalt Blue CEO Dr Andrew Tong emphasised the opportunity to apply their patented technology to a novel, multi-commodity feedstock, underscoring the project’s strategic importance for defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Next Steps and Challenges Ahead
The consortium is currently undertaking pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, with site selection for the processing facility well advanced. However, the project’s progression hinges on securing appropriate funding and finalising binding agreements. The consortium agreement includes a six-month exclusivity period, after which either party may withdraw under certain conditions.
Should feasibility studies prove successful and funding secured, the consortium aims to proceed with construction and operation of the processing plant in the US. This would mark a significant milestone in diversifying and securing critical mineral supply chains, while positioning Cobalt Blue as a preferred US-aligned processing technology partner.
Bottom Line?
As Project Infinity advances, investors will watch closely to see if this ambitious US-Australia partnership can transform seabed minerals into a reliable critical metals supply chain.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the anticipated timelines and capital requirements for Project Infinity’s construction phase?
- How will environmental and regulatory approvals for seabed mining and processing be navigated in the US?
- Can Cobalt Blue’s patented technology maintain high metal recoveries at commercial scale with polymetallic nodules?