Lithium Universe Secures Exclusive License for Gold and Copper Extraction from E-Waste

Breakthrough Hydrometallurgical Technology Targets E-Waste Metals

Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) has secured exclusive global rights to a patented hydrometallurgical process developed by the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry that selectively recovers gold and copper from electronic waste (e-waste). The Gold Copper Diamide Extraction (GCDE) process uses recyclable organic diamide ligands and copper-chelating agents to extract these valuable metals at room temperature, sidestepping the energy-intensive smelting methods traditionally used in the industry.

This technology is a significant departure from conventional high-temperature smelting, which requires furnaces operating above 1,200°C and produces substantial emissions and chemical waste. Instead, GCDE operates under mild acidic conditions, using a reusable diamide compound to selectively precipitate gold from leach solutions derived from shredded circuit boards and other e-waste components. Copper is subsequently extracted using a dedicated pyrazine-based ligand, allowing for staged recovery of metals with minimal impurities.

E-Waste: A High-Value Urban Ore with Environmental Challenges

Global e-waste generation is projected to reach 93.5 million tonnes by 2030, with approximately 80% currently ending up in landfill or informal recycling operations that often release toxic pollutants. Printed circuit boards alone account for about 50 million tonnes annually, containing up to 300 grams of gold and 160 kilograms of copper per tonne; concentrations far exceeding those found in natural ores.

At current market prices; gold trading around US$4,800 per ounce and copper near US$12,900 per tonne; the precious metals embedded in e-waste represent substantial economic value, estimated at over US$46,000 per tonne for gold alone. LU7’s acquisition of the GCDE technology complements its existing silver extraction capabilities from photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling, forming a broader precious metals recovery division that addresses critical supply chain and environmental issues.

Licensing Terms and Commercialisation Pathway

Under the exclusive worldwide licence agreement, LU7 will pay an upfront fee of £20,000, cover patent registration costs, and an annual licence fee of £15,000. The company will also pay royalties between 2–3% on revenues generated from metal extraction using the technology, with milestone payments triggered by pilot plant investment decisions, commissioning, and first commercial sales.

The University of Edinburgh inventors, Professors Jason Love and Carole Morrison, bring deep expertise in metal recovery chemistry, having published foundational research on selective precipitation methods. Their collaboration with LU7 aims to accelerate pilot plant development and commercial deployment, leveraging the company’s chemical engineering and project delivery experience. This initiative aligns with LU7’s strategy to build modular, low-capital intensity operations alongside its core lithium refining business focused on North America.

Integration with Existing Recycling Technologies and Lithium Refining

The GCDE technology dovetails with LU7’s silver extraction process from PV panels, which uses Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction methods to recover silver with reduced environmental impact. Together, these technologies position LU7 as a leader in sustainable precious metals recovery from waste streams, addressing both environmental concerns and supply chain constraints for critical materials.

This new licensing deal follows LU7’s recent progress on its lithium refinery projects in Québec and Texas, including a 10-year spodumene supply agreement and plans for a second refinery at the Port of Brownsville, Texas. The company’s dual focus on lithium conversion and precious metals recycling reflects a strategic diversification aimed at capturing value across the clean energy materials lifecycle. The licensing acquisition builds on momentum from the company’s silver recycling plant engineering phase and complements its advancing lithium refinery plans in the US.