Send us a textThe mining landscape is evolving rapidly as Australia positions itself as a critical minerals powerhouse, and Cobalt Blue Holdings stands at the forefront of this transformation. In this revealing conversation, newly appointed CEO Andrew Tong charts a bold new direction for the company that extends well beyond its namesake mineral.After nine years with the company, Andrew has stepped into the leadership role with a clear mission: transitioning Cobalt Blue from a development company into a cash-generating business. At the heart of this strategy are two complementary projects poised to capitalize on the growing demand for energy transition minerals.The Kwinana Cobalt Refinery represents the company's nearest-term opportunity, with a Final Investment Decision targeted for late 2025. Having secured a binding framework agreement with Japanese trading house Iwatani and a crucial feedstock supply deal with mining giant Glencore, the refinery project has gained significant momentum. The facility will process cobalt hydroxide from the Congo into high-value cobalt sulphate and cobalt metal products for the battery and aerospace industries, potentially generating approximately $20 million in annual free cash flow.Complementing this is the recently acquired Halls Creek copper-zinc project in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The clever two-stage development approach begins with a low-capital oxide heap leach operation to produce copper metal, followed by an underground sulphide mine producing copper and zinc concentrates. This sequential approach minimizes upfront capital while establishing early revenue streams that can fund future development.Want to stay ahead of Australia's evolving critical minerals sector? Subscribe to ASX Briefs for exclusive insights from the executives leading the energy transition.

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