Hello, tech enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into a fascinating story about a startup that’s shaking up the cobalt industry, and I promise it’s more exciting than your latest gadget.

Imagine a world where the U.S. no longer depends on foreign nations for refining crucial battery materials. Well, Xerion is making that happen with a new, innovative method to produce super-pure cobalt all in a single step using electricity and some heat. This breakthrough could change the game for batteries in electric vehicles, aerospace, and military tech alike.

The company’s process uses electricity to draw metals out of molten salt, creating incredibly refined cobalt and battery materials simultaneously. The best part? They’re opening a pilot plant in Ohio capable of producing five tons of cobalt, with plans to ramp up to 2,000 tons per year, enough to meet specific U.S. military demands.

While the initial output might seem small, it’s a significant step towards self-sufficiency. Busbee, Xerion’s CEO, assures us they’re competitive with Chinese refiners even at this early stage, marking a huge milestone for U.S. tech independence in critical minerals.

So, next time you charge your EV or use a drone, remember the brilliant minds working to bring this vital resource home — all powered by clever science and a lot of passion for tech innovation.