Avalon Advanced Materials Partners with Qualcomm to Drive Digital Transformation in Thunder Bay’s Lithium Processing Facility
Avalon Advanced Materials has announced a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Qualcomm Technologies Inc. to advance digital innovation at its Thunder Bay lithium processing facility, with a vision to establish a fully integrated North American lithium supply chain. “By integrating Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge IoT and AI solutions into our Thunder Bay lithium project, we aim to set a new standard for digitalization in Canada,” said Avalon CEO Scott Monteith. “This partnership cultivates a stronger ecosystem of forward-thinking technology companies poised to accelerate data-driven advancements and strengthen Canada’s critical minerals supply chain.”
Under the agreement, Avalon plans to leverage Qualcomm Technologies’ Industrial & Edge technologies to enhance its mining operations’ digital infrastructure. The collaboration will explore Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions designed to optimize data management and streamline mining processes, aiming for commercialization in the coming years. By implementing these advanced digital tools, Avalon expects to boost operational efficiency and bolster worker safety while moving towards sustainability goals.
The partnership is set to reinforce Ontario’s role as a leader in mining innovation. With Avalon’s Thunder Bay site at the center, the collaboration aspires to foster an ecosystem of Ontario-based technology SMEs dedicated to the critical minerals sector’s digital transformation. By nurturing this network, Avalon and Qualcomm aim to lay the foundation for a future-proof, tech-driven mining industry that aligns with national goals for advanced mineral development.
Dev Singh, Vice President of Business Development at Qualcomm Technologies, underscored the partnership’s significance: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Avalon on this strategic initiative, which underscores our commitment to driving digital transformation in the mining industry. By leveraging our advanced Industrial & Edge technologies, we aim to empower Avalon’s operations with sophisticated IoT solutions. This collaboration will enhance their operational efficiency, improve worker safety, and optimize data management capabilities, all while helping to achieve their sustainability goals.”
Through this MOU, Avalon aligns its ambitions with Ontario’s broader goal of a modernized, competitive mining industry. By embracing Qualcomm’s technological expertise, Avalon seeks to drive advancements that will benefit the entire critical minerals sector in Canada, propelling it towards a future of enhanced environmental performance and operational efficiency.
As part of the next steps, Avalon and Qualcomm will host a Mining Innovation and Technology Roundtable in Toronto on November 13, 2024, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of digital transformation in mining.
About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian manufacturing company dedicated to integrating Ontario’s lithium supply chain. In partnership with SCR-Sibelco NV, the company is advancing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, Ontario, along with the Snowbank and Lilypad lithium-caesium projects. Avalon is also developing the Nechalacho rare earths and zirconium project in the Northwest Territories, which contains critical minerals for use in advanced technologies across various sectors, including communications and defense. A core initiative includes the development of Ontario’s first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, a key bridge between the lithium resources in the north and the electric vehicle manufacturing base in the south.
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