Livium Secures Exclusive Global Rights to Game-Changing Microwave REE Extraction Tech
Livium Ltd has inked a term sheet with the University of Melbourne to exclusively commercialise innovative microwave technology for rare earth elements extraction, promising high recovery rates and major energy savings.
- Exclusive global rights to University of Melbourne microwave REE extraction technology
- High recovery rates, >95% Neodymium, >80% Praseodymium with potential improvements
- Estimated 85% energy reduction compared to traditional 'Hot Block' methods
- Livium to fund research and develop Australia’s first prototype microwave reactor
- Global REE market projected to reach US$7.3 billion by 2026, largely untapped recycling sector
A Strategic Leap into Rare Earth Elements Recycling
Livium Ltd (ASX – LIT) has taken a significant step towards expanding its footprint in the circular economy by signing a non-binding term sheet with the University of Melbourne (UoM). This agreement grants Livium exclusive global rights to commercialise a cutting-edge microwave technology designed to extract rare earth elements (REEs) more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods.
REEs such as Neodymium and Praseodymium are critical components in clean energy technologies, including electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. With global demand soaring and recycling rates still below 1%, Livium’s move positions it to tap into a rapidly growing market expected to reach US$7.3 billion by 2026.
Microwave Technology – A Game Changer for REE Extraction
Unlike conventional acid leaching and solvent extraction processes, the UoM’s microwave technology uses rapid, targeted heating to enhance chemical reactions and alter mineral structures. This selective leaching approach not only achieves impressive recovery rates; over 95% for Neodymium and over 80% for Praseodymium; but also significantly reduces energy consumption by an estimated 85% compared to existing “Hot Block” digestion techniques.
Additional benefits include higher metal concentrate yields, reduced acid and reagent use, easier separation of solids and liquids, and less wastewater generation. The technology also shows promise in recovering platinum group metals with high efficiency, further broadening its commercial appeal.
From Lab to Prototype – The Road Ahead
Livium plans to fund the research and development of an Australian-first prototype microwave reactor, initially investing around A$65,000 with potential to increase to A$250,000 contingent on milestone achievements. This includes securing grant support and delivering test results from the prototype. The company is actively pursuing grant funding through Australia’s Economic Accelerator Ignite program to support this initiative.
The partnership leverages Livium’s existing infrastructure and customer base in e-waste and lithium-ion battery recycling, providing a direct commercial pathway to integrate this technology into its service offerings. The binding intellectual property licensing agreement currently under negotiation will secure Livium’s exclusive rights for 20 years, underpinning its strategic expansion into REE recycling.
Implications for the Circular Economy and Market Positioning
Livium’s CEO Simon Linge emphasised the strategic importance of this collaboration, highlighting the company’s ambition to broaden its recycling capabilities and meet growing global demand for rare earth elements. By securing exclusive access to this innovative technology, Livium aims to cement its leadership in resource recovery and process innovation within the burgeoning circular economy.
While the term sheet is non-binding and subject to successful milestone delivery and grant funding, the announcement signals Livium’s proactive approach to diversifying its portfolio and capitalising on underexploited opportunities in critical materials recycling.
Bottom Line?
Livium’s exclusive access to breakthrough microwave REE extraction technology could redefine its role in the global recycling market, if the prototype and licensing deal come to fruition.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Livium secure the necessary grant funding and meet milestones to finalise the binding IP licensing agreement?
- How scalable and cost-effective will the microwave technology be in commercial operations beyond the prototype stage?
- What impact will this technology have on Livium’s financial performance and market share in the next 2–3 years?
