Metso and Avalon sign MoU towards building battery-grade lithium facility in Ontario

Metso of Finland has entered a strategic partnership with Toronto-based mineral development company, Avalon Advanced Materials, to establish terms to develop a lithium hydroxide production facility.

The facility will process lithium mineral concentrates that are essential for the North American electric vehicle (EV) value chain development.

According to the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Metso and Avalon seek to agree on a definitive agreement to establish a lithium hydroxide processing facility. The contract would allow Avalon to license Metso’s technology and solutions to produce lithium hydroxide cathode materials to serve the EV market, and Metso to conduct testing and engineering work at Avalon’s portfolio of critical-mineral projects.

Zeeshan Syed, president of Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (left), and Mikko Rantaharju, VP 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.)

“Metso’s platform and technology perfectly complement Avalon’s vision to complete an integrated lithium value chain in Ontario, predicated on innovative process solutions,” says Zeeshan Syed, president of Avalon.

“We view Metso as an integral part of this rapidly growing sector, and a foundational partner for developing best-in-class processing capabilities that are environmentally sustainable. This will allow Avalon to scale to meet the soaring demand for battery-grade lithium for the next decade and beyond.”

According to Mikko Rantaharju, VP, Hydrometallurgy at Metso, his company “is looking forward to partnering with Avalon and to be part of its long-term vision to be a mid-stream supplier in the lithium hydroxide space.

“We are also extremely excited to be working together on the first Canadian conversion facility with Metso’s technology. The innovative alkaline process allows for elimination of potentially harmful chemicals such as sulfuric acid, and comparatively reduces overall solid waste and emissions, making it environmentally friendlier and safer overall for workers and local surrounding communities.”

The parties aim to sign a definitive agreement during the third quarter of 2023.

Avalon Advanced Materials is aimed at vertically integrating North America’s lithium supply chain. The company is currently focusing on developing its Separation Rapids Lithium Project near Kenora, ON, while continuing to advance other projects in its portfolio, including its 100%-owned Lilypad Spodumene-Cesium-Tantalum Project located near Fort Hope, ON.