Avalon Appoints Mark N.J. Ashcroft as Strategic Consultant for Its Proposed Lake Superior Lithium Facility in Thunder Bay, ON

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) has bolstered its governance framework and propelled its corporate strategy forward with the appointment of Mark N.J. Ashcroft, P.Eng., as a Strategic Consultant to its wholly owned subsidiary, Lake Superior Lithium Inc. (LSLi). LSLi is developing a proposed 30,000-tonne lithium processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which aims to be Ontario's first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility.

Mr. Ashcroft's extensive experience in both operations and corporate finance will be invaluable in strengthening Avalon's strategic initiatives and driving value for stakeholders. His blend of hands-on mining experience, professional qualifications, and proven financial acumen will be a tremendous asset as the company progresses the development of the LSLi Facility.

The Lake Superior Lithium Facility is a critical component of the lithium supply chain, as it will convert Ontario mined lithium concentrates into battery-grade lithium hydroxide. This processed lithium will be a vital link to the critical minerals required for downstream electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing projects in southern Ontario and the United States. The Facility's strategic location on the shores of Lake Superior, between the lithium deposits of northern Ontario and EV battery manufacturing plants in southern Ontario and the United States, optimizes logistics and access to human resources and key markets.



The proposed facility is being developed on an established industrial park, approximately 150 hectares, wholly owned by the Company. The site has, in place, the key infrastructure elements of power, rail, and a harbour, enabling efficient processing of lithium concentrates into battery-grade lithium hydroxide. This processed lithium will be a critical material for EV batteries and renewable energy storage systems, supporting the growing demand for clean energy solutions in the region.

By establishing this midstream processing facility, Avalon Advanced Materials is creating a strategic link in the lithium supply chain, bridging the lithium resources of northern Ontario with the downstream EV battery manufacturing base in southern Ontario and North America. This vertical integration of the Ontario lithium supply chain will help ensure a steady and sustainable supply of processed lithium, supporting clean energy transition efforts in Canada and North America.

In conclusion, the appointment of Mark N.J. Ashcroft as a Strategic Consultant to the Lake Superior Lithium Facility strengthens Avalon's governance framework and accelerates the development of the facility. The proposed facility plays a crucial role in the broader lithium supply chain by processing locally mined lithium concentrates into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, supporting clean energy transition efforts in Canada and North America.