Avalon, Lakehead University Sign MOU to Advance Critical Minerals Collaboration in Ontario

09:17 AM EDT, 09/29/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Avalon Advanced Materials (AVL.TO) signed a memorandum of understanding with Lakehead University in northwest Ontario to explore potential collaboration in critical minerals research, processing innovation and workforce training. Avalon expects the agreement to support the development of its Lake Superior lithium refinery project in Thunder Bay, the company said Tuesday. As part of the agreement, Avalon and Lakehead will evaluate how the university could support the company's proposed Technology Innovation Centre at the project site. The two parties will also review funding opportunities through government- and industry-supported research programs, according to Avalon. The company's shares closed down CA$0.19, or 2.5%, to CA$7.30 Monday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.