The Environmentally Friendly Metso Lithium Conversion Technology
In a bold move reflecting the winds of change, Avalon has taken the plunge into pursuing a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for its Thunder Bay lithium conversion facility. The facility, slated for operational debut in 2025, will showcase the cutting-edge Metso lithium conversion technology – a revolutionary acid-free approach. This forward-thinking innovation ensures a departure from the use of hazardous reagents, instead birthing a byproduct comprising a harmonious blend of sand and limestone, which can be repurposed to craft construction materials.
The Promising Acquisition of the Industrial Site
Harnessing the essence of strategic foresight, Avalon’s acquisition of a prime brownfield industrial site in Thunder Bay last June is nothing short of a pivotal move. Affectionately dubbed “a crown jewel,” this 100%-owned expanse sprawls over 1.5 square kilometers and boasts direct access to all essential infrastructure requisites, including a robust electrical power supply ranging between 80 to 100 megawatts.
The Vision for High-Quality Lithium Production
Envisioning a tapestry of success woven with quality threads, Avalon envisages the Thunder Bay facility’s production to mirror that of equivalently structured units. Poised to yield approximately 30,000 tons per year of lithium hydroxide, the facility’s operational lifespan is earmarked to transcend the two-decade mark. Imbued with versatility, the facility is meticulously crafted to birth both lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate, presenting a vista of endless possibilities.
Market Dynamics in the Lithium Space
As the sun sets on vastly fluctuating lithium prices, Avalon’s progress beckons as a beacon of hope. Amidst a tumultuous scenario where lithium prices stand nearly three times below the pinnacle of last summer, the broader market perceives a shift. Demarcating this price tumult, recent data reveals a stark contrast: from 311,363 yuan ($43,022) per tonne in June to a mere 111,500 yuan ($15,406) as per Tuesday’s figures, as reported by Trading Economics.
The Futuristic Outlook and Ongoing Endeavors
Deep in the throes of innovation, Avalon, alongside joint venture ally SCR-Sibelco NV, is deeply engrossed in propelling the Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, Ontario, towards fruition. Simultaneously nurturing the Snowbank lithium and Lilypad lithium-cesium projects, Avalon’s indomitable spirit shines through in an industry rife with challenges.
