Avalon Advanced Materials has appointed an engineering expert to lead its lithium refinery project in Thunder Bay.
Glen Smith is now the project director of refinery feasibility and construction, overseeing the company’s proposed Lake Superior Lithium initiative.
Avalon describes his appointment as a “significant step” towards assembling the technical team that will finalize a feasibility study for the plant next year.
“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,” said Avalon president-CEO Scott Monteith in a March 16 statement.
“Building this capability locally strengthens our ability to advance the project in a disciplined and responsible manner and we are thrilled to welcome Glen.”
A company news release noted that Smith, who graduated from Lakehead University with an engineering degree, brings over 35 years of experience in design, process control, plant operations, and project execution across hydrometallurgical, petrochemical, and nuclear sectors worldwide.
The refinery is seen as a “strategic focus” for the company. Their lithium strategy aims to operate as a toll-milling facility that processes feedstock from other miners in Ontario and beyond.
While Avalon partially owns a lithium deposit north of Kenora, they want to position themselves as processors of essential minerals within the North American supply chain.
In June 2023, Avalon acquired a 377-acre brownfield waterfront property located in the city’s north end. The former paper mill site includes a 24,000-square-foot building along with a 55,000-square-foot warehouse featuring local utility connections as well as road, rail, and marine access.
The planned lithium-hydroxide (Li OH) processing facility aims to produce 30,000 tonnes annually of battery-grade materials for electric vehicle and energy storage markets. A preliminary economic study conducted two years ago estimated that constructing the facility would cost around $1.2 billion.
Avalon is currently seeking debt financing for the refinery.
The federal and provincial governments have shown interest in Avalon’s processing plant but have yet to provide any direct funding for its construction. No date has been announced for groundbreaking activities.
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