Avalon Makes Strategic Appointment for Vice-President, Corporate Development

Core Viewpoint - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. has appointed Dr. Andrew J. Ramcharan as the new Vice President of Corporate Development, aiming to enhance its governance and drive the creation of Ontario's first vertically integrated lithium supply chain for the North American EV battery market [1][2]. Group 1: Appointment and Impact - Dr. Ramcharan's extensive expertise in engineering, finance, and investor relations is expected to significantly benefit Avalon, particularly in building Ontario's first Lithium Hydroxide converter in Thunder Bay [2]. - The appointment is seen as a strategic move to fortify Avalon's ambitions and drive future growth [2]. Group 2: Dr. Ramcharan's Background - Dr. Ramcharan has a distinguished career in corporate development, mining, exploration, and investment banking, having played key roles in significant transactions, including the acquisition of UraMin for $2.5 billion by Areva in 2007 [3]. - He has executed over 300 project evaluations and managed numerous debt and equity financings in senior positions at various firms [3]. Group 3: Academic Credentials - Dr. Ramcharan holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Mining Engineering from prestigious institutions, including the Colorado School of Mines and Harvard Business School [4]. - He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario and a Fellow of multiple mining and metallurgy institutes [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. focuses on vertically integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain and is developing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit, along with other lithium and rare earth projects [5]. - The company is also working on establishing Ontario's first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, linking northern lithium resources with southern EV battery manufacturing [5].