Mr. Scott Monteith reports

AVALON ENTERS INTO STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH QUALCOMM FOR MINING INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IN CANADA

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qualcomm Technologies Inc. on a strategic collaboration focused on Avalon's Thunder Bay lithium processing facility, advancing cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and optimize data management.

Under the MOU, Avalon intends to leverage Qualcomm Technologies' Industrial & Edge technologies to create a robust digital infrastructure to support mining activities across Avalon's operations. The collaboration will involve developing a strategic road map for Internet of Things (IoT) enabled solutions, with an emphasis on commercialization over the next few years.

Additionally, this collaboration will solidify the province's position as a hub for technological advancement in mining by fostering an ecosystem of Ontario-based technology small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to support the digital transition in Canada's critical minerals sector.

Scott Monteith, chief executive officer of Avalon, commented: "Globally, the mining sector is undergoing a process of evolution in its practices and operations. By integrating Qualcomm Technologies' cutting-edge IoT and AI [artificial intelligence] solutions into our Thunder Bay lithium project, we aim to set a new standard for digitalization in Canada. This partnership cultivates a stronger ecosystem of forward-thinking technology companies poised to accelerate data-driven advancements and strengthen Canada's critical minerals supply chain."

This MOU supports the broader adoption of innovation across the critical mineral sector, serving as a stepping stone toward Ontario and Canada's shared goal of creating a modernized, technology-driven mining industry. Through this strategic collaboration, Avalon aligns with national aspirations to integrate advanced science and technology into every phase of the mineral development cycle, enhancing competitiveness, environmental performance and operational efficiency.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Avalon on this strategic initiative, which underscores our commitment to driving digital transformation in the mining industry," said Dev Singh, vice-president, business development, Qualcomm Technologies. "By leveraging our advanced Industrial & Edge technologies, we aim to empower Avalon's operations with sophisticated IoT solutions. This collaboration will enhance their operational efficiency, improve worker safety and optimize data management capabilities, all while helping to achieve their sustainability goals."

By laying the groundwork for transformative technologies, this collaboration fosters a more effective mining innovation ecosystem. Focused on driving technological advancements, it builds on Canadian leadership in mining innovation while leveraging the country's highly skilled work force. This approach establishes a robust foundation for the industry's future, ensuring a resilient and sustainable mining sector for years to come.

As a next step, Qualcomm Technologies and Avalon will be hosting a mining innovation and technology roundtable in Toronto on Nov. 13, 2024, with invited guests.

About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc.

Avalon Advanced Materials is a Canadian advanced manufacturing company focused on vertically integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain. The company, through its joint venture with SCR-Sibelco NV, is currently developing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, Ont., while also continuing to advance the Snowbank lithium and Lilypad lithium-cesium projects. Avalon is also working to develop its Nechalacho rare earth and zirconium project located in the Northwest Territories. This deposit contains critical minerals for use in advanced technologies in the communications and defence industries among other sectors. In addition to these upstream activities, Avalon is executing on a key initiative to develop Ontario's first mid-stream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ont., a vital link bridging the lithium resources of the north with the downstream EV (electric vehicle) battery manufacturing base in the south.

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