| Work Detail |
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. in partnership with SCR-Sibelco NV, has released an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for their Separation Rapids Lithium Project in Kenora, Ontario, revealing a substantial 28% increase in Measured and Indicated mineral resources. The updated MRE, effective January 30, 2025 and announced on February 27, is the result of extensive drilling and data analysis conducted over the past year, building upon the previous estimate released in August 2023. Prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., the new estimate incorporates data from 29 new drill holes, totaling 8,921 meters, leading to a refined geological model and a more precise understanding of the deposit. Open pit Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are now estimated at 10.73 million tonnes (Mt) grading 1.27% Li2O, containing 136,000 tonnes (kt) of Li2O. This represents a significant upgrade from the 2023 estimate, with a notable portion of resources moving into the higher confidence Measured and Indicated categories. When considering both open pit and underground resources, the total Measured and Indicated resources reach 12.98 Mt grading 1.34% Li2O, containing 173 kt Li2O. While Measured and Indicated resources saw a substantial increase, Inferred Mineral Resources decreased by 13%, now estimated at 2.29 Mt grading 1.46% Li2O, containing 33 kt Li2O. Avalon plans to continue its exploration efforts in 2025, focusing on the Lilypad area for spodumene and cesium, and further delineating the northwest trend of the Separation Rapids pegmatite field. Scott Monteith, President and CEO of Avalon Advanced Materials, emphasized the significance of the updated MRE, stating, “The increase in Measured and Indicated resources strengthens our understanding of the project’s potential and provides greater confidence as we continue to advance its development.” He also highlighted the company’s commitment to a disciplined approach, working closely with Sibelco to align with market conditions and Canada’s critical minerals strategy. Avalon intends to advance the Separation Rapids Lithium Project through metallurgical, geotechnical, and environmental studies in 2025. This work program will focus on optimizing lithium mineral recovery and process development for petalite, spodumene, and lepidolite, including mineralogical analysis, flotation testing, and dense media separation studies. Geotechnical and hydrological assessments will support pit slope design, while ongoing environmental baseline studies will facilitate future permitting. The company is also progressing its Lake Superior Lithium Facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, aiming to create a vertically integrated lithium supply chain in the region. This facility will serve as a crucial link between northern Ontario’s lithium resources and the growing EV battery manufacturing base in southern Ontario and North America. |
