Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSE:AVL) Engages SNC-Lavalin to Complete Scoping Study for a Rare Earth Separation Plant
Toronto, Aug 19, 2010 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (
TSE:AVL) (OTCQX:AVARF) is pleased to announce that it has engaged SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (TSE:SNC) to complete a scoping study for the construction of a rare earth separation plant in North America. This study will provide Avalon with an estimate of capital and operating costs, as well as identify specific criteria for site selection. The study is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2010.
"Our prospective customers have indicated that they want Avalon to supply separated rare earth oxides, including the heavy rare earths, from a location outside China" said Pierre Neatby, Avalon's Vice President, Sales and Marketing. "The Company recognized that need some time ago but now, supported by the results of a positive Prefeasibility Study, we are in a position to more seriously consider the possibility of establishing a North American heavy rare earth separation facility", added Neatby.
At the present time, there is no active separation facility in operation outside of China capable of producing all the heavy rare earths as separated oxides. Avalon, with a heavy rare earth rich product from its Nechalacho deposit at Thor Lake, NWT, is uniquely positioned to fill this important niche in the marketplace. "Avalon's goal is to deliver to our customers separated rare earth products at competitive prices in the form they need, and to specifications their applications demand." commented Don Bubar, Avalon's President and CEO.
The scoping study is relying on SNC-Lavalin's expertise, and the experience of John Goode, P.Eng., Avalon's consulting metallurgist, who is familiar with REE separation technology and has managed Due Diligence reviews of rare earth separation plants in China. Additional input is being provided by third parties closely associated with current Chinese separation plants.
Consumers are looking for a complete supply chain solution to emerge outside of China. Accordingly, Avalon is looking at various alternatives to help serve that need including partnerships with interested parties. The contemplated facility could not only process material produced by Avalon, but could also be used to process chemical concentrates from other rare earth producers.
Rare earth elements are used in the production of many clean technology products such as hybrid and electric vehicles, wind turbines, and energy-efficient lighting and are also used extensively in the electronics industry. Primary supplies originate mainly from China and are increasingly constrained as Chinese internal demand starts to outstrip domestic supply.
About SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.
SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 35 other countries around the world, and is currently working in some 100 countries.
About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc
Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSE:AVL) (OTCMKTS:AVLNF) (formerly Avalon Rare Metals) is a Canadian mineral development company specializing in niche market metals and minerals with growing demand in new technology. The Company has three advanced stage projects, all 100%-owned, providing investors with exposure to lithium, tin and indium, as well as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium, and zirconium. Avalon is currently focusing on its Separation Rapids Lithium Project, Kenora, ON and its East Kemptville Tin-Indium Project, Yarmouth, NS. Social responsibility and environmental stewardship are corporate cornerstones.
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