As part of its strategic transformation to become a vertically integrated lithium producer, mineral development company Avalon Advanced Materials has announced the purchase of an industrial site in Thunder Bay, Ontario, for the construction of its planned midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility.
Avalon president Zeeshan Syed says Thunder Bay is strategically located at a provincial midpoint between the resources of the north and downstream electric vehicle (EV) battery and automotive manufacturing hubs in the south.
When complete, the integrated project will enable broader development of north-western Ontario’s lithium assets by producers seeking to use the proximity of Avalon’s processing capacity.
The Thunder Bay site acquisition follows Avalon entering a strategic partnership with materials solutions provider SCR-Sibelco, announced last week.
The agreement with Antwerp-based Sibelco secured Avalon a C$63-million investment to advance its firm’s lithium production and processing goals across its suit of lithium mineral assets, led by Separation Rapids in north-western Ontario.
"Sibelco congratulates Avalon on achieving its next strategic milestone of acquiring the Thunder Bay site, strengthening its EV battery market focus," notes Sibelco CEO Hilmar Rode.
"We are proud to contribute and support Avalon through Sibelco's focus on development of the lithium mine joint venture with the aim to expand the mineral resource and develop the mining operations to meet the needs of the downstream markets in both technical glass and ceramics and the Avalon refinery project."