Avalon Advanced Materials announces 28% resource bump at Separation Rapids

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. in partnership with its Joint-Venture partner SCR-Sibelco NV, is pleased to announce the results of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Separation Rapids Project in Kenora, Ontario. This update builds on a year of extensive drilling and data analysis, further refining the geological model of the previously announced mineral resource estimate (MRE) from Avalon's August 10, 2023, news release.

The updated MRE for the Separation Rapids Project was prepared by SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., is supported by 29 new drill holes and shows an increase of 28% in Measured + Indicated Mineral Resource tonnage and a decrease of 13% in Inferred Mineral Resource tonnage compared to the 2023 MRE. 

Key Highlights, effective January 30, 2025

• As of January 30, 2025, open pit Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 10.73 Mt grading 1.27% Li₂O for 136 kt contained Li₂O and Inferred Mineral Resources include 0.46 Mt grading 0.84% Li₂O for 3.8 kt contained Li₂O.

• Compared to the 2023 MRE, a significant portion of the open pit mineral resources was upgraded to the Measured + Indicated category [+8% contained Li₂O].

• Combined open pit and underground Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated to total 12.98 Mt grading 1.34% Li₂O for 173 kt Li₂O. Additionally, Inferred Mineral Resources are estimated to total 2.29 Mt grading 1.46% Li₂O for 33 kt Li₂O.

• The MRE shows contained Li₂O metal oxide increases of 28% in the Measured + Indicated categories and decrease of 13% in the Inferred category.

Scott Monteith, President and CEO commented, "The updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Separation Rapids Project reflects the steady progress we have made in further defining this lithium deposit. 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. We remain committed to a disciplined and methodical approach, working closely with our JV partner, Sibelco, to evaluate the best path forward in alignment with market conditions and Canada's critical minerals strategy. We will embark on our 2025 exploration program and will strategically target Lilypad for Spodumene and Cesium."

Figure 1: Comparison of the Current and 2023 Pit Shells in Plan View

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/242473_f6ebcf6834f3b8fa_001full.jpg

Figure 2: Comparison of the Current and 2023 Pit Shells in Cross-Section

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/242473_f6ebcf6834f3b8fa_002full.jpg

For 2025, Avalon will advance lithium mineral resource development activities at the Separation Rapids Lithium Project, focusing on metallurgical, geotechnical, and environmental studies. The planned work program includes extensive research on lithium mineral recovery and process development to further delineate the potential of petalite, spodumene, and lepidolite. These efforts will involve mineralogical analysis, flotation testing, and dense media separation studies. Additionally, geotechnical and hydrological assessments will support the design of potential pit slopes, while ongoing environmental baseline studies will aid future permitting efforts.

Field mapping completed in 2024 has successfully delineated the northwest trend of the Separation Rapids pegmatite field, which extends from the Separation Rapids to the Snowbank and Glitter lithium pegmatites. In 2025, targeted drilling will be conducted to define the lithium-bearing volumes along this trend, enhancing the understanding of the project's resource potential.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3386/242473_f6ebcf6834f3b8fa_003full.jpg

Qualified Person (QP) and NI 43-101 Disclosure 

Volker Moeller, Ph.D., P.Geo. (ON), Senior Resource Geologist at SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. The Qualified Person is not aware of any environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, marketing, political, or other relevant factors that could materially affect the MRE.

About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is an emerging Canadian manufacturing company focused on vertically integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain, by developing the Lake Superior Lithium Facility, Ontario’s first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, a strategic link in bridging the lithium resources of northern Ontario with the downstream EV battery manufacturing base in southern Ontario and North America. The Company, through its joint venture with SCR-Sibelco NV, is currently developing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, ON, while also continuing to advance the lithium focused Snowbank and Lilypad Projects. Avalon is also advancing its Nechalacho Rare Earths and Zirconium Project located in the Northwest Territories. This deposit contains critical minerals for use in advanced technologies in the communications and defense industries among other sectors.

 

Tags: Northern Ontario / Exploration / Battery Metals / All Articles