The Conversation (0)
Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSX:AVL) have released a report by the RB Milestone Group which highlights the focuses on advancing two of its six projects, namely Separation Rapids (lithium) and East Kemptville (tin-indium).
Avalon Rare Metals Inc. (TSX:AVL) have released a report by the RB Milestone Group which highlights the focuses on advancing two of its six projects, namely Separation Rapids (lithium) and East Kemptville (tin-indium).
As quoted in the report:
East Kemptville was the only primary tin producer in North America. Previous owners operated the asset from 1985 to 1992, but it closed due to low tin prices. With significant tin resources left unmined, the project has access to paved highways, grid power, ample water supply and skilled labor. Further, exploration programs undertaken by Avalon have shown evidence of presence of high grade tin and significant indium. Preliminary estimates of operating costs at CAD$15 per metric ton (including waste) make East Kemptville potentially economically feasible to mine at current price levels. Although London Metal Exchange (“LME”) tin prices have recently slumped to US$15,000 from over US$20,000 per metric ton in 2014, increasing demand for tin from electronic, automobile, solar energy and battery manufacturers along with declining production should help tin prices recover in the long run.
Separation Rapids, an advanced lithium project, is located 70 kilometers north of Kenora, Ontario in Canada. The project covers approximately 1,455 hectares, including a 400-hectare mining lease. The mining lease covers a lithium deposit and neighboring areas that may be required for mine development. The geology of the deposit is a complex type rare metals pegmatite, which is enriched in lithium, tantalum, niobium and rubidium minerals. The Separation Rapids pegmatite is one of only four in the world to be of sufficient size to be of significant economic importance. The project is also unique as it is only the second to contain the rare lithium mineral petalite. The presence of petalite should enable Avalon to position itself as a supplier of high quality raw materials for the ceramics and glass industry, as well as supplier of lithium for rechargeable battery applications. Avalon is targeting both of these end use applications and is well positioned to gain from growing demand in both markets. Exhibit 2 presents the location of Separation Rapids in Ontario.