Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) welcomed a couple of Canada’s top Federal Ministers for a tour of its future lithium processing site in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The goal of the plan catalyze Ontario’s economy, generate long-term job growth and deploy sustainable innovative process technology. Over 500 jobs are expected to be created in Thunder Bay and Kenora through its upstream and midstream commercial activities.
On Thursday, the company announced that Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Indigenous Services and FedNor Patty Hajdu had toured the site.
MP for Thunder Bay–Rainy River Marcus Powlowski also joined the tour.
During the visit, the company unveiled its burgeoning project plan for an Industrial Park concept that includes Ontario’s first lithium processing facility, an Innovation, Technology and R&D Hub as well as lithium battery recycling capabilities.
“We are extremely pleased to host the ministers and other dignitaries to showcase how far we’ve come in actualizing our vision to help decarbonize the economy and shift Canada to cleaner sources of energy—and underscore that we must continue to move quickly in order to secure Canada’s leading position in the global race to net-zero,” Avalon President Zeeshan Syed said.
Avalon is developing the province’s first domestic supply chain that will link the considerable lithium deposits of Ontario’s north to an expanding EV battery manufacturing base in the south, which at present lacks a stable, regional supply of this strategically vital resource, Zeeshan explained.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, speaks to reporters at Avalon’s Strathcona industrial property in Thunder Bay, Ontario on October 12, 2023. Photo via Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
Read more: Avalon acquires Thunder Bay site to develop lithium processing plant
Avalon is advancing sustainable lithium hydroxide production
Avalon and its collaborators have engaged in extensive research and development endeavours to create a proprietary lithium hydroxide production process that is significantly more environmentally friendly compared to traditional acid roasting conversion methods.
This method works in an alkaline environment and employs a unique pressure-leaching process for lithium conversion. This eliminates the need for sulfuric acid, thereby preventing the generation of sodium sulfate as a byproduct. Instead, the process yields Analcime, an inert solid aluminum silicate and calcium carbonate.
Both of these substances find applications in industrial construction and various industries. This approach also reduces overall air emissions in contrast to conventional hydroxide production methods.
Avalon Advanced has an emphasis on establishing a vertically integrated lithium supply chain in Ontario. The company, in collaboration with Sibelco NV, is actively progressing with the Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, Ontario.
It is also advancing the Lilypad and Snowbank lithium projects in the vicinity of Fort Hope.
Additionally, Avalon is dedicated to the development of its Nechalacho rare earths and zirconium project, situated in the Northwest Territories. This deposit contains vital minerals essential for advanced technologies utilized in various sectors, including communications, defense, and other industries.
