Avalon Advanced Materials (TSX:AVL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lakehead University to explore lithium processing research and workforce development opportunities in northern Ontario, Canada.
The MoU supports collaboration around Avalon’s proposed Lake Superior Lithium refinery in Thunder Bay and the wider regional critical minerals sector.
Lakehead’s analytical, laboratory, and testing capabilities could support research and process development at Avalon’s proposed on-site Technology Innovation Centre.
The parties will also explore funding opportunities through provincial, federal, and industry-supported research programs.
President and CEO Scott Monteith says the partnership reflects the region’s potential to expand its processing industry.
“Both Avalon and Lakehead University recognise the significant opportunity that the growth of the critical minerals and processing industry presents for northwestern Ontario,” Monteith says.
Building processing skills
Workforce initiatives could include a new mineral processing engineering stream within Lakehead’s degree programs, alongside training and professional development aligned with industry needs.
The framework also covers workshops, internships, and graduate research projects connecting Avalon personnel with university researchers, faculty, and students.
These initiatives remain opportunities for collaboration under the MoU, rather than confirmed academic programs or funded research projects.
The agreement follows the inclusion of Avalon’s Nechalacho Rare Earth Elements and Zirconium Project in the Canada Investment Summit prospectus.
The Northwest Territories project was among 63 mining developments featured. Avalon is also advancing a preliminary economic assessment to update Nechalacho’s development and processing approach.
Avalon Advanced Materials is a Canadian critical minerals company advancing lithium processing in Ontario and rare earth development in the Northwest Territories.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Main image: Avalon Advanced Materials
