Avalon Advanced Materials has signed an memorandum of understanding with Finland based Metso Corporation, in its bid to build a lithium processing plant in Thunder Bay.

According to a release from Avalon, Metso is a global leader in clean, sustainable critical-mineral processing technology.

That technology will be used to build and operationalize a new facility for lithium processing at the site of the former Abitibi mill.

By doing so Avalon says this will create a stable and reliable base for the production of lithium batteries and electric vehicles.

The MOU is non-binding and has several stipulations:
• 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.
• Allow Metso to 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.
• The parties anticipate reaching a definitive agreement on or before Sept. 1, 2023

The document between the two companies was signed at Canada House in the United Kingdom.

Combined the planned facility in Thunder Bay and project near Kenora is estimated to create 500 jobs, as well as expand lithium development in the region.