Avalon signs MOU with Metso to advance the development of Ontario’s lithium processing facility
by CM staff
The parties anticipate reaching a definitive agreement on or before September 1 this year.
Zeeshan Syed, President of Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (left), and Mikko Rantaharju, Vice-President of Hydrometallurgy at Metso Corp. (right) sign at Canada House, London, UK a memorandum of understanding to pursue the development of Ontario’s first lithium hydroxide processing facility. (CNW Group/Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.)
TORONTO —Avalon Advanced Materials Inc., has signed a memorandum of understanding to partner with Metso Corporation, a company in sustainable critical-mineral processing technology.
The agreement, signed at Canada House in London UK, will immediately see the parties seek to establish terms to develop a lithium hydroxide production facility to process lithium mineral concentrates that are essential for the North American electric vehicle (EV) battery value chain.
Avalon intends to deploy Metso’s technology to construct and operationalize a full-service lithium processing facility at the company’s recently acquired Thunder Bay, ON. industrial site.
Upon completion of the project, Avalon will be the first vertically integrated lithium producer in Ontario, while ensuring Canada’s EV battery manufacturing base has a stable, proximate and long-term supply of the resource.
“Metso’s platform and technological solutions perfectly complement Avalon’s vision to complete an integrated lithium value chain in Ontario, predicated on innovative process solutions,” said Zeeshan Syed, President of Avalon. “We view Metso as an integral part of this rapidly growing sector, and a foundational partner in developing internationally best-in-class processing capabilities that are environmentally sustainable, allowing Avalon to meet the soaring demand for battery-grade lithium.”
The pursuit of a definitive agreement to establish a lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, ON. Avalon to license Metso technology and solutions to produce lithium hydroxide cathode materials to serve the EV market. Metso will conduct testing and engineering work across Avalon’s portfolio of critical-mineral projects, including the company’s flagship deposit at Separation Rapids near Kenora, ON.
Metso’s production and processing technologies are being deployed internationally by governments and clean-energy producers in order to address and deliver supply required by the emerging EV battery industry.
“Metso is looking forward to partnering with Avalon and be part of its long-term vision to be a mid-stream supplier in the lithium hydroxide space. We are aligned with Avalon’s vision of the future and proud to play a key role in technology supply and advancement into clean energy solutions,” said Mikko Rantaharju, Head of Hydrometallurgy at Metso. “We are also extremely excited to be partnering with the first Ontario conversion facility with Metso’s technology. The innovation advantages of the alkaline process allow for elimination of the use of potentially harmful chemicals such as sulfuric acid and comparatively reduces overall solid waste and emissions, making it environmentally friendlier and overall, safer for workers and local surrounding communities.”
