Electra Welcomes U.S. Black Mass Export Rule and Highlights Need for U.S. Refining Capacity

TORONTO, Aug. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electra Battery Materials Corporation (NASDAQ: ELBM; TSX-V: ELBM) (“Electra” or the “Company”) today welcomed the publication by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) of a temporary final rule restricting exports of battery black mass. Black mass is shredded lithium-ion battery material containing recoverable critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite.

The rule requires that black mass produced domestically be sold to buyers located in the United States, with the material remaining in the country unless BIS grants an adjustment or exception. The new restrictions were issued under Section 101 of the Defense Production Act following the July 30, 2026 Presidential Determination on Recoverable Critical Minerals and Materials. The rule is scheduled to remain in effect for one year, unless adjusted or extended.