The proponent of a lithium processing facility to be built in Thunder Bay has expanded its partnership with a Finnish firm which will include the recycling of used batteries.
In a release dated on October 19th Avalon Advanced Materials and its its partner Metso have agreed to co-develop a Technology and Innovation Centre for its site in the city, which would accelerate a concept of an industrial park which will house key supply chain partners.
The agreement includes:
- Metso providing testing and engineering equipment procurement and other related services to develop and commercialize the lithium processing plant, owned by Avalon.
- The creation of a testing laboratory for research and development on lithium and clean technology solutions.
- Avalon and Metso cooperating on the recycling of used batteries and the refining of battery chemicals for recycle use
Avalon’s president Zeeshan Syed says this expanded partnership will ensure Canada will lead the NetZero economy of the future.
“This agreement is the next step in leveraging Metso’s market-leading expertise and technology to build a processing facility that will serve as a regional destination not just for Avalon’s joint venture lithium deposit, but for other lithium projects across Northwestern Ontario.”
Adding it will unlock Ontario’s lithium resources as the EV battery manufacturing base in Southern Ontario expands.
The on-site Technology and Innovation Centre is being developed alongside both Lakehead University and Confederation College.
Once established it will allow for research and development in critical minerals and clean technologies, and will include several amenities including:
- A bench-scale testing lab for research and development on lithium and clean technology
- An assaying lab for research analysis and daily assaying of production and performance
- A full demonstration plant for piloting, testing and verification of various lithium pegmatite minerals
- A training facility to support the full-scale commercial process
In addition to the proposed Thunder Bay facility, which is anticipated to begin commercial activity in 2028, Avalon is also working to develop a lithium project located at Separation Rapids north of Kenora.
Combined the two ventures are estimated to create 500 full time jobs.
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