Avalon Successfully Produces Lithium Hydroxide and Analcime Using Metso's Alkaline Leach Process

Executive Summary

• Avalon Advanced Materials successfully produced lithium hydroxide and the by‑product analcime using Metso’s proprietary Alkaline Leach Process (ALP) at its Thunder Bay Lithium Processing Facility.
• The alkaline leach route demonstrated high recovery and purity of lithium hydroxide while eliminating sulfuric acid, reducing water use up to 60 % and markedly lowering carbon emissions versus conventional acid‑based processes.
• Avalon will move to engineering‑scale scale‑up, optimize the process, and explore commercial applications for analcime (e.g., cement industry), positioning the company as a low‑impact domestic lithium supplier aligned with Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

Key Details

• Process Validation: Conversion of lithium‑bearing mineral concentrate to battery‑grade lithium hydroxide confirmed high recovery rates and product purity; simultaneous generation of inert analcime eliminates typical sodium sulfate waste.
• Environmental Benefits:
• No sulfuric acid or sulfate reagents required → near‑zero corrosive effluent.
• Water consumption reduced by up to 60 % compared with conventional acid leach/roasting flowsheets.
• Energy use lower; overall carbon footprint smaller, achieving “close to zero discharge.”
• By‑product Potential: Analcime identified as a reusable material for aggregate and cement applications, offering CO₂ emission reductions when substituting traditional additives.
• Strategic Alignment: The ALP supports Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, Strategic Innovation Fund, and Clean Growth Hub objectives, addressing projected lithium refining capacity shortages in North America.
• Leadership Statements:
• CEO Scott Monteith highlighted the breakthrough as “transformational” for Avalon and a benchmark for industry environmental responsibility.
• Strategic Consultant Mark N.J. Ashcroft emphasized the process’s step‑change impact on circular mineral processing.
• Next Steps:
• Advance to engineering‑scale scale‑up and further process optimization.
• Commercialize lithium hydroxide product and evaluate market pathways for analcime, including cement industry integration.

Notable Quotes

“This is an exciting breakthrough and transformational for Avalon… achieving near‑zero discharge – a significant advancement over existing practices.” – Scott Monteith, CEO, Avalon Advanced Materials

“The environmental advantages of Metso's Alkaline Leach Process are truly transformative… it represents a step change toward responsible resource conversion.” – Mark N.J. Ashcroft, P.Eng, Strategic Consultant

All forward‑looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties detailed in the company’s filings.