Livium’s Exclusive License Raises Stakes in Critical Minerals Recycling Race

A Strategic Leap in Critical Minerals Recycling

Livium Ltd (ASX – LIT) has taken a significant step forward in its expansion into critical minerals recycling by securing exclusive global rights to a novel microwave technology developed by the University of Melbourne. This technology promises to revolutionize the extraction of rare earth elements (REEs) and potentially platinum group metals (PGMs), both vital to clean energy technologies.

The binding agreements grant Livium a 20-year exclusive license to commercialize this microwave-assisted leaching process, which laboratory tests have shown can recover over 95% of Neodymium and more than 80% of Praseodymium, key REEs used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. Notably, the process achieves these results while reducing energy consumption by an estimated 85% compared to traditional “Hot Block” methods.

Environmental and Operational Advantages

Beyond impressive recovery rates, the technology’s selective leaching approach offers several environmental benefits. It reduces the use of harsh acids and reagents, lowers wastewater production, and simplifies the separation of solids and liquids. These improvements align with Livium’s commitment to sustainable recycling practices and circular supply chains.

Additionally, Livium has secured an option to extend the technology’s application to PGMs, with early lab results indicating recoveries exceeding 90% for Platinum and 95% for Palladium. Rhodium recovery is also progressing, with ongoing development aiming to surpass 80% leaching efficiency.

Leveraging Existing Infrastructure and Market Trends

Livium’s existing subsidiary, Envirostream, is Australia’s leading lithium-ion battery recycler, providing a robust platform for scaling this new technology. Envirostream’s expertise in shredding and separation, along with established customer relationships in e-mobility and clean energy sectors, positions Livium well to commercialize the microwave technology at scale.

The timing is strategic. Global demand for REEs is surging, with the market expected to reach US$7.3 billion by 2026, while the PGM market is projected to grow to US$31 billion by 2033. Furthermore, geopolitical factors such as China’s export controls on rare earth technologies underscore the importance of secure, non-Chinese supply chains, an opportunity Livium is poised to address.

Next Steps and Commercialisation Pathway

Under the licensing agreement, Livium will fund initial research stages capped at A$200,000, with potential for additional funding. The company must design, build, and operate a pilot plant within 24 months after completing research stages to demonstrate the technology’s viability at scale. Commercial use of the licensed technology is expected within 12 months following pilot plant completion.

CEO Simon Linge highlighted the milestone as pivotal, emphasizing the transformative potential of microwave-assisted leaching to unlock new value streams while reducing environmental impact. This move firmly places Livium at the forefront of sustainable critical minerals recovery, supporting the global transition to clean energy.