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Umicore Cobalt and Nickel Refinery


Umicore Cobalt and Nickel Refinery


[Last updated: Apr 2026]

This production plant produces cathode active materials (CAM) for EV and grid battery applications.

OEM/owner: Umicore
Facility: Cobalt and Nickel Refinery
Location: Olen Antwerp
Country: Belgium
Product: pCAM
Capacity: 15.0 kt/y
Chemistry: NMC / NCA precursor
Precursor: DRC cobalt + Indonesian Ni Cells
Inputs: Battery Co / Ni
Status: Operational
Opened: 1890s (renovated)
Investment: $0.5B USD
Customers: Umicore captive (to Cheonan + Nysa)
Geo risk: LOW


Supply chain notes:
Umicore legacy cobalt refinery; one of few Western-controlled cobalt refining operations; DRC Katanga cobalt input; feeds Korean and Polish CAM plants; strategic EU asset..

Location map - Driving directions