Avalon Advanced appoints Smith to lead LSLi project

Executive Summary

• Avalon Advanced Materials appointed Glen Smith, PEng, as Project Director for the Lake Superior Lithium Refinery Feasibility & Construction, leveraging his 35+ years of engineering experience to advance the project toward construction readiness by 2027.
• The release highlights strong preliminary economic assessment (PEA) results for the LSLi project, including a $4.1 billion after-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate and a 48% after-tax IRR over a 30-year mine life.
• The Thunder Bay-based refinery will utilize Metso's lower-carbon technology to produce ~30,000 tonnes per annum of battery-grade lithium hydroxide/carbonate, with a feasibility study underway alongside strategic capital advisory engagement.

Key Details

• Appointment: Glen Smith, PEng, named Project Director for refinery feasibility and construction, based in Thunder Bay, ON.
• Smith's Background: 35+ years of professional engineering experience across hydrometallurgical, petrochemical, and nuclear industries; expertise in process design, plant operations, project execution, brownfield/greenfield development, and commissioning across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia.
• Feasibility Timeline: Detailed feasibility study targeted for completion by 2027 to advance the project toward construction readiness and development planning.
• PEA Financials: $4.1 billion after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate; 48% after-tax internal rate of return over a 30-year operating mine life.
• Production Target: Approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate.
• Technology & Engineering Partners: Utilizing Metso's advanced, lower-carbon processing technology; feasibility study conducted with Nordmin Engineering and Primero North America, selected for their extensive experience with the Metso Process.
• Product Flexibility: Feasibility study will include trade-off studies to determine the optimal final product (lithium hydroxide vs. lithium carbonate) based on evolving market demand, customer qualification requirements, and downstream engagement.
• Location & Infrastructure: Thunder Bay, ON site benefits from existing road, rail, deepwater port, power, and municipal infrastructure, supporting accelerated development timelines and reduced execution risk.
• Sustainability & Byproducts: Converts normally wasted lithium processing minerals into analcime for cement industry blending; integrates on-site renewable energy; emphasizes environmental responsibility, social accountability, and alignment with Canada's climate objectives and Ontario's clean-growth priorities.
• Capital Strategy: Engaged SCP Resource Finance as strategic capital adviser to develop a long-term capital and partnership strategy for Avalon's lithium and rare earth element projects.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Monteith, President and CEO: "As the project advances, it is essential that we have a fully integrated project team based in Thunder Bay. Mr. Smith positions the technical leadership on the ground for close coordination of engineering activities, effective project management, and direct engagement with regional partners and communities. Building this capability locally strengthens our ability to advance the project in a disciplined and responsible manner and we are thrilled to welcome Glen."