The Elements of Innovation Discovered
The Elements of Innovation Discovered
Metal Tech News - July 10, 2023
Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, between the mineral rich regions of northern Ontario and the emerging EV sector in southern Canada and the U.S., Thunder Bay offers an ideal location for Avalon's planned lithium hydroxide facility.
Metso's proprietary alkaline leach process battery-grade lithium hydroxide from lepidolite and other lithium ores.
In a major step toward its goal of becoming the first vertically integrated lithium producer in Ontario, Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has signed a preliminary agreement with Finland-based Metso Corp. for the development of a processing plant on the north shores of Lake Superior that would upgrade lithium concentrates from Avalon's Separation Rapids project and other aspiring lithium miners in Ontario to battery-grade lithium hydroxide essential for the North American electric vehicle supply chain.
Metso's global leadership in sustainable technologies, solutions, and services for the minerals processing and refining industries extends across the battery materials supply chain, from mines to recycling plants.
"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 Avalon Advanced Materials President Zeeshan Syed. "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."
Avalon's integrated lithium value chain begins at Separation Rapids, a road-accessible lithium mine project in western Ontario that hosts one of the world's largest complex-type lithium-cesium-tantalum pegmatite deposits.
This project about 45 miles (70 kilometers) north of Kenora, Ontario, contains two types of lithium mineralization – petalite, which is preferred for certain specialty glass-ceramic products and offers a potential high-purity feed for battery-grade lithium hydroxide; and lepidolite, which is being demanded for conversion to the lithium carbonate and hydroxide used in EV batteries.
A 2018 preliminary economic assessment outlined plans for a mine at Separation Rapids that would produce 71,500 metric tons of petalite and 11,800 metric tons of lepidolite per year for nearly two decades.
A definitive feasibility study for a mine at Separation Rapids is slated for later this year and a DFS for the lithium processing plant at Thunder Bay, which lies about 350 miles (560 kilometers) by road to the southeast, expected in 2024.
In June, Avalon bought an industrial site in Thunder Bay that has the infrastructure needed for its planned lithium-hydroxide processing plant, including access to rail and a deep-water port on the north shore of Lake Superior.
This is an ideal locale between the mineral rich regions of northern Ontario and the emerging EV sector in southern Canada and the U.S.
"Thunder Bay has long served as a strategic port for Canadian industry, facilitating trade between Ontario's north and the rest of North America," said Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff.
Avalon's plans to mine and process lithium in Ontario aligns with both provincial and federal critical minerals strategies.
"We're honoured to play a role in securing Canada's clean-energy future, and understand the important work that's still required across both the public and private sectors to deliver on the Province of Ontario and Ottawa's stated goals," Syed said.
Avalon's agreement with Metso lays the groundwork for installing efficient and environmentally responsible lithium processing technologies at the newly purchased Thunder Bay site.
"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," said Mikko Rantaharju, head of hydrometallurgy at Metso. "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."
Metso has developed a proprietary alkaline leach process that uses soda ash to produce lithium carbonate that is upgraded to lithium hydroxide during a second stage.
"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," Rantaharju added.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed in London, Metso and Avalon will negotiate terms for the development of a Thunder Bay processing facility that will offer a supply of Ontario mined and upgraded lithium hydroxide for the EV sectors in North America and Europe.
With more than 16 years of covering mining, Shane is renowned for his insights and and in-depth analysis of mining, mineral exploration and technology metals.
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