Worley has secured an engineering services contract from Missouri Cobalt, LLC, which operates under the name United States Strategic Metals (USSM), to support the development of a new multi-metallic processing hub in Missouri. The project marks another step toward strengthening North America's domestic supply of critical minerals that are essential for advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies.
The planned facility will feature a cobalt refinery along with a black mass processing line. Once operational, it will process a variety of feedstocks, including cobalt hydroxide, which will be refined into alloy-grade cobalt metal products. The plant will also recycle black mass—a material recovered from spent lithium-ion batteries—to produce valuable metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium. These refined materials are widely used in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, electronics, aerospace applications, and other high-growth industries.
The project is designed to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals while improving the resilience of supply chains across the United States and North America. As demand for battery materials continues to rise, investments in domestic refining and recycling infrastructure have become increasingly important for ensuring long-term supply security.
Under the agreement, Worley will provide comprehensive engineering services, procurement assistance, and construction support throughout the project's development. The company will execute the work through an integrated project management team. Operations will be led from Worley’s Louisiana office, with additional support from specialists based in Phoenix, the United Kingdom, and the company’s Global Integrated Delivery Center in India.
Chris Ashton, Chief Executive Officer of Worley, said the USSM Multi-Metallic Refinery project will contribute to the expansion of critical mineral supply chains in the United States. He added that the company is pleased to leverage its experience in minerals and metals processing to help deliver the project and support USSM's strategic objectives.
Worley has extensive expertise in designing and delivering facilities related to critical minerals, battery materials, and metals processing. The company continues to work with clients developing projects that improve supply security and address the increasing global demand for strategic resources.
The Missouri processing hub is expected to play a significant role in expanding domestic refining capacity for battery metals while supporting the growing circular economy through black mass recycling. The investment also reinforces broader efforts to establish a more self-reliant North American supply chain for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing industries.
Impact on the Product
The project is expected to increase the domestic availability of refined cobalt, nickel, copper, and lithium products by expanding processing and recycling capacity within the United States. The addition of a cobalt refinery and black mass processing line will improve the supply of battery-grade and alloy-grade metals, reducing dependence on imported materials. Greater local refining capacity may also encourage investment in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage, and advanced manufacturing, supporting long-term growth in the North American critical minerals market.
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