NEWS RELEASE: Ontario Supporting Mining Innovation in Kenora (Ministry of Northern Development and Mines – June 26, 2017)

Province Boosting Economic Growth and Creating New Jobs in the North

Ontario is diversifying the Northern economy and helping create good new jobs for people in the North by supporting innovation at a mining company near Kenora.

The province is supporting Avalon Advanced Materials as it develops an innovative new process to make lithium-ion batteries from petalite mineral deposits in the Kenora area. This support, through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will allow the local mining company to test and demonstrate converting lithium mineral petalite into lithium hydroxide, a key component in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, which provide a rechargeable, sustainable and low-pollution source of energy storage.

This new production process will enable Avalon Advanced Materials to further diversify the economy of the region, continue to grow its business and create and maintain 14 new local jobs.  Supporting mining innovation and good jobs in the North is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy, and help people in their everyday lives.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario is investing $500,000 in this project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
  • Since 2013, the NOHFC has invested more than $488 million in 3,165 projects helping to create or sustain more than 10,895 jobs across Northern Ontario.
  • The NOHFC’s Northern Innovation Program supports the development and commercialization of new technologies.
  • Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy is a comprehensive 10-year plan to make Ontario the global leader in sustainable mineral development and production by building on the industry’s well-earned global reputation and significant competitive advantages.

Quotes

“Our government recognizes that supporting mining innovation is vital to the growth of our Northern economy. Today’s investment in Avalon’s project demonstrates our government’s continued commitment to creating good jobs and supporting business growth, economic development and diversification in the North.”

Bill Mauro
Minister of Northern Development and Mines

“The funding provided by the NOHFC will provide critical financial support to assist Avalon in piloting the innovative process developed to produce lithium battery materials from its Separation Rapids Lithium Project near Kenora. NOHFC and the Ontario government are to be commended for recognizing that Northern Ontario’s mineral wealth can be leveraged to create the full energy storage supply chain in the province and help Ontario become a leader in the technology needed for the transition to a low carbon economy.”

Donald S. Bubar, M.Sc., P.Geo
President and CEO, Avalon Advanced Materials

Media Contacts
Jeff Dean
Minister’s Office
416-327-1421

Cameron Ferguson
Communications Branch
cameron.ferguson@ontario.ca
416-314-6275