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Avalon continues to advance metallurgical work on the Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 25, 2016) - Avalon Advance Materials Inc. ( TSX : ...
About this update from Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Avalon continues to advance metallurgical work on the Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, OntarioToronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 25, 2016) - Avalon Advance Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQX: AVLNF) (\"Avalon\" or the \"Company\") is pleased to provide an update on the 2016 work program on its 100% owned Separation Rapids Lithium Project, near Kenora, Ontario. Since the last update (provided in the News Release dated April 5, 2016), the Company has initiated its lithium hydrometallurgical process development work at the facilities of Thibault and Associates Inc., Fredericton, New Brunswick (\"Thibault\"), utilizing the bulk concentrate sample produced in the winter. Thibault are experts in applied process chemical engineering, with considerable experience in rare metals including lithium. The work is scheduled for completion in late June, following which the Preliminary Economic Assessment (\"PEA\") will be finalized. Lithium Hydrometallurgical Process DevelopmentThe focus of the hydrometallurgical process development work is to produce a lithium hydroxide product from a petalite (lithium mineral) concentrate suitable for use in lithium ion batteries. Preliminary work demonstrated that this product could be achieved employing a flowsheet using sulphuric acid as the primary solvent. Recent work has successfully produced a very high purity lithium sulphate solution from the petalite concentrate. This is currently being converted to lithium hydroxide solution via an established electrolysis process using another service provider. Preliminary observations indicate a lithium hydroxide conversion efficiency matching, and possibly exceeding, original expectations.Avalon personnel recently visited with a number of key equipment suppliers and technology experts in Europe in order to review alternative processes and technologies in key aspects of the proposed flowsheet. One such area is the use of fluidized bed roasting in place of conventional processing via rotary kilns. This technology offers significant reductions in energy requirements as well as better operating control. Other potential opportunities for optimization were also identified with regard to up-front ore sorting, modularized flotation plant design and acid roasting equipment.Avalon has been active in finalizing the logistics for piloting the complete process ...