TSX-listed Avalon Rare Metals is carrying out a preliminary economic assessment of the East Kemptville deposit in Nova Scotia. East Kemptville was Canada’s only major tin mine, a large low-grade open pit operation owned by Rio Algom producing some 4,000 tpy up to its closure in 1991. Avalon acquired mineral title to the property in 2005.

As part of the study Avalon has commissioned metallurgical testing to investigate methods of boosting tin recoveries into concentrates and the production of a by-product bulk zinc-copper-indium concentrate. The economic analysis of the project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010.

The company also reports that it has commenced a $500,000 exploration program to test other tin-indium targets on its wholly owned, 8,960-acre, Ike's Ridge property located immediately south and west of the East Kemptville special licence. This will involve ground geophysical surveys to define targets for a follow-up diamond drilling program planned for early in 2010.