Iondrive Targets 95% Metal Recovery with Livium Collaboration and 2025 Pilot

A Strategic Alliance in Circular Economy

Iondrive Limited (ASX, ION) has taken a significant step towards commercialising its proprietary Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) technology by signing a binding Term Sheet with Livium Limited (ASX, LIT), a leading Australian battery recycler. This collaboration aims to harness the DES process to recover valuable metals from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, solar panels, rare earth magnets, and other electronic waste streams.

The partnership is notable for combining Iondrive’s innovative chemistry with Livium’s extensive national recycling network, particularly through its subsidiary Envirostream Australia. This synergy provides Iondrive with direct access to commercial volumes of feedstock, a critical factor in scaling the technology from lab to pilot and eventually full commercial deployment.

Technology with Environmental and Economic Promise

Iondrive’s DES technology stands out by offering a sustainable alternative to conventional metal recovery methods. It operates at lower temperatures without the need for harsh acids, enabling a closed-loop process that has demonstrated over 95% metal recovery from battery black mass in testing. This efficiency not only promises environmental benefits but also positions the company to tap into the growing demand for critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, lithium, and manganese.

Expanding beyond batteries, the collaboration now targets solar panel recycling; a rapidly growing waste stream in Australia. With projections estimating solar panel waste to exceed 1.16 million tonnes annually by 2035, the ability to recover high-value materials such as silver and silicon could unlock over AUD 1 billion in recoverable resources. This vertical expansion aligns with national priorities on supply chain security and circular economy development.

Clear Pathway to Commercialisation

The Term Sheet outlines a roadmap from technical evaluations to definitive commercial agreements, including supply and co-location of DES processing units at Livium’s facilities. The pilot plant for battery recycling is targeted to commence commissioning by the end of 2025, marking a tangible milestone toward revenue generation.

Both companies retain their respective intellectual property rights, with Iondrive owning the DES IP and Livium maintaining rights over sample generation. The agreement includes limited exclusivity provisions in Australia during the evaluation phase, with termination rights available to either party on 30 days’ notice.

Leadership Perspectives and Market Implications

Dr Ebbe Dommisse, CEO of Iondrive, emphasised the strategic fit of the partnership, "Partnering with Livium provides us with an avenue to access feedstocks at commercial scale for our DES technology. This agreement aligns perfectly with our strategy to target battery, solar and magnet recycling – markets where sustainable solutions for recovering valuable metals are urgently needed." Livium’s CEO Simon Linge highlighted the potential to unlock new recovery opportunities by combining their reliable supply of black mass and emerging solar panel recycling capabilities with Iondrive’s DES process.

Overall, this collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of Australia’s emerging circular economy for critical and strategic materials, addressing environmental challenges while supporting supply chain resilience.