Avalon Advanced Materials (TSX: AVL; OTCQB: AVLLNF) and Lakehead University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on critical minerals research, processing innovation, and northern Ontario workforce training, development and education, according to Canadian Mining Journal. The partnership addresses Ontario's expanding critical minerals processing industry, with particular focus on supporting Avalon's proposed Lake Superior lithium refinery in Thunder Bay and regional sector growth in northwest Ontario. The collaboration aims to strengthen regional talent and build a skilled workforce to support the sector's expansion.
Under the MOU, potential areas of collaboration will focus on advancing critical minerals research and innovation, with emphasis on lithium processing and associated technology development. The partners will explore how Lakehead University's analytical, laboratory, testing and technical capabilities could support research, process development and commercialization activities at Avalon's proposed on-site Technology Innovation Centre. Workforce development represents a key focus of the collaboration.
Avalon and Lakehead University intend to continue engagement on current and future talent requirements and explore opportunities to inform academic programs, training initiatives, experiential learning and professional development aligned with the critical minerals sector's needs. This includes exploring the potential development of a new mineral processing engineering stream within Lakehead University's degree programs. The MOU provides a framework for the parties to explore collaborative funding opportunities through provincial, federal and industry-supported research and innovation programs.
The agreement also enables knowledge exchange among Avalon personnel, Lakehead researchers, faculty, staff and students through workshops, internships, graduate research projects and other mutually beneficial activities. Source: Canadian Mining Journal
Source: canadianminingjournal.com