Toronto, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – May 15, 2023)- Avalon Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) (“Avalon” or the “Company”) is a lithium-focused minerals development company that advances critical minerals projects to support the North American clean technology supply chain. , provides an update on Avalon’s strategic direction and key activities in 2023.

recent highlights

• Zeeshan Syed has been appointed President to lead the Company’s growth and commercial strategy, and Rickardo Welyhorsky has been appointed COO to lead major project initiatives and development work related to the Company’s lithium portfolio.
• The 2022-2023 training program at Separation Rapids has been completed, highlighting recently announced training results (analysis still pending from 4 holes – May 4, 2023) (see news release).
• Further exploration plans are in place in 2023, including drilling at Snowbank Target (6km northwest of flagship Separation Rapids), and drilling continues at Separation Rapids and Lily Pad.
• Additional baseline environmental survey work is underway.
• Lithium hydroxide conversion test work is underway by leading technical groups using innovative process technology.
• Consultation with various engineering companies in preparation for final feasibility studies on separation torrents.

“The key to unlocking Avalon’s new strategic direction and shareholder value is its focus on advancing the separation rapids through ongoing exploration and project development work,” commented Avalon President Zeeshan Saeed. “The accelerated growth across our lithium portfolio will position us as a substantial contributor to the North American critical minerals sector. It is supported by plans to assemble a team of experts focused on execution.”

Focus on lithium growth

Avalon’s new strategy focuses on organic growth of its lithium portfolio and the identification of strategic growth opportunities in the region. Separation Rapids growth will proceed through drilling and project permitting work.

Activities planned for the second half of 2023 include exploration work across all lithium projects, including:

• Separation Rapids – Continue a deeper drilling program to further test sediment spread.
• Snowbank – previous exploration included sample analysis of up to 2.51% lithium₂O exceeds 1.1 m, indicating that petalite accounts for about 50% of the mineral content of the sampled rocks.
• Lilypad – indicates a lithium sample containing more than 1% lithium₂O occurs primarily in spodumene in three separate occurrences. Avalon plans to launch a training program on selected targets with Lilypads.

Commitment to development

Further baseline testing work will continue this year to thoroughly understand the site and mitigate risks in preparation for future development and production activities, with a permit application expected to be submitted at the end of 2023. Additionally, early discussions and draft studies are ongoing. Power lines to the site.

Lithium conversion facility

The proposed lithium hydroxide conversion facility is an important part of Avalon’s growth strategy. Future activities include:

• Completed the purchase of industrial land in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
• Facilitate commercial and financial discussions with various stakeholders, state and federal governments, and downstream parties interested in supporting the project.and
• Complete test work to demonstrate conversion of petalite and lepidolite concentrates to lithium hydroxide products.

Community and Indigenous Involvement

Avalon aims to build a foundation for partnerships with indigenous communities and to improve all forms of communication, partnerships and opportunities. Initial work has begun on community engagement and planning sessions with indigenous groups. The company’s discussions will include participation from various groups, including former six-term Ebametun Indian Chief Harvey Yesno, who is also a member of Avalon’s board of directors.

Dr. Bill Mercer, P. Gio. (upon). He is National Instrument 43-101 qualified and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Avalon Advanced Materials

Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian minerals company specializing in sustainably produced materials for clean technology. Avalon is currently focused on developing the Separation Rapids Lithium Project near Kenora, Ontario, as well as other projects, including the wholly owned Lilypad Spodumene Cesium Tantalum Project near Fort Hope, Ontario. project is also continuing. Social responsibility and environmental management are the cornerstones of the enterprise.

If you have any questions or comments, please email us. This email address is being protected from spambots. JavaScript must be enabled to view.or call the President, Zeeshan Syed (647) 300-4706 directly.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, future drilling, test work, environmental work and project work plans, including contracts. Accelerating growth across our lithium portfolio will position us as a substantial contributor to the critical North American minerals sector. Avalon’s New Strategy Focuses on Organic Growth of its Lithium Portfolio; Growth in Separation Rapids to be Driven Through Drilling and Project Permit Work; Activities Planned for Second Half of 2023 Across All Lithium Projects Consisting of exploration work, further baseline testing work, this year will continue to thoroughly understand and de-risk the site in preparation for future development and production activities, with submission of a permit application at the end of 2023. The planned and proposed lithium hydroxide conversion facility is an important part of Avalon’s growth strategy, said future activities include finalizing the purchase of industrial land in Thunder Bay, Ontario; by pursuing commercial and financial discussions with relevant stakeholders, state and federal governments, downstream parties interested in supporting the project, and converting petalite and lepidolite concentrates into lithium hydroxide products; , Avalon aims to build a foundation for partnerships with indigenous communities and to improve all forms of communication, partnerships and opportunities. In general, these forward-looking statements are statements such as “may,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” or “not expected,” can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as , “scheduled,” “targeted,” “planned,” or “considered,” or variations of such words or phrases, or when a particular action, event, or result is “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “would” or “would not”, taken, reached or result, ” will occur” or “will be achieved”. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and may cause Avalon’s actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. It may be affected by other possible factors. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management believed to be reasonable at the time such statements were made. While Avalon seeks to identify important factors that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, Avalon may not be able to achieve results that are anticipated, estimated or intended. There may be other contributing factors as well. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results set forth in the forward-looking statements include market conditions, the potential for cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, as well as other risk factors determined by the Company. , but not limited to: The current Annual Information Form, management’s discussion and analysis, and other disclosure documents are available from the Company Profile at: www.SEDAR.com. There can be no assurance that such statements will be accurate, as actual results or future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Such forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of helping investors understand our plans and objectives, and may not be suitable for any other purpose. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Avalon undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.