Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) has demonstrated near-complete recovery of gold and copper from electronic waste using a novel, low-temperature hydrometallurgical process developed by the University of Edinburgh. This breakthrough supports its push into sustainable metal recycling and lithium supply chain projects.
- 99.5% gold and 98.5% copper recovery from e-waste
- GCDE technology avoids cyanide and high-temperature smelting
- Process uses reusable organic reagents supporting circular economy
- Pilot plant design and scale-up underway
- Broader strategy includes silver recycling and lithium refineries
Exceptional Recovery Rates from Electronic Waste
Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) has achieved remarkable recovery rates of 99.5% for gold and 98.5% for copper from electronic waste using the licensed Gold Copper Diamide Extraction (GCDE) technology developed by the University of Edinburgh. The results come from optimisation tests on real e-waste feedstock, specifically printed circuit board connector pins, conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.
The GCDE process stands out by operating at room temperature and avoiding the use of cyanide, aqua regia, or high-energy smelting. Instead, it employs selective hydrometallurgical chemistry with reusable organic reagents, significantly reducing environmental hazards and waste generation. This positions LU7’s technology as a potential game-changer in the sustainable recycling of precious and base metals from complex mixed-metal streams.
Innovative Chemistry Driving Selective Metal Extraction
The process involves three integrated stages: first, leaching the e-waste in chloride conditions to produce a mixed-metal acidic solution without toxic chemicals; second, selectively precipitating gold using a proprietary tertiary diamide ligand that forms a supramolecular complex with gold ions; and third, recovering copper from the remaining solution via a polymeric copper complex formed with 2,3-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid (2,3-PDCA). Both reagents are recyclable, supporting a circular economy approach.
This sequential recovery achieves high purity and selectivity, with negligible co-precipitation of other metals such as iron and zinc. The copper recovered can be refined into saleable products, while the gold precipitate is processed to metallic gold with ligand regeneration. The technology’s ability to extract these metals sequentially from the same feedstock without solvent extraction phases or toxic reagents underlines its industrial relevance and sustainability credentials.
Advancing Towards Commercial Scale and Broader Metal Recovery
Following this technical milestone, LU7 is progressing engineering reviews for scale-up, pilot plant design, and feedstock supply agreements with e-waste recyclers. The company aims to validate the technology’s industrial applicability beyond laboratory success, addressing a growing market for sustainable e-waste recycling solutions.
LU7’s strategy also extends to silver recovery from photovoltaic panel recycling using technologies acquired from Macquarie University, and to lithium refining projects in North America. These initiatives collectively target critical supply chain challenges amid rising demand for battery metals and sustainable materials.
Sustainability at the Core of Metal Recovery
The GCDE technology aligns with global sustainability goals by eliminating cyanide-based leaching and energy-intensive smelting, reducing organic solvent use, and enabling reagent recycling. Electronic waste is increasingly recognised as a high-grade “urban ore,” with gold and copper concentrations often surpassing those found in mined ores. LU7’s approach leverages this resource efficiently while mitigating environmental risks.
CEO Iggy Tan highlighted the significance of these results, noting the fundamental shift the technology represents in responsible metal recovery. The company’s broader vision includes closing the lithium conversion gap in North America through its Bécancour refinery in Québec and a second refinery planned in Texas, complementing its recycling technologies to build a resilient, green supply chain.
Bottom Line?
LU7’s GCDE technology breakthrough marks a pivotal step towards commercialising sustainable precious and base metal recovery, with pilot scale and integration efforts now in focus.
Questions in the middle?
- How will LU7’s GCDE technology perform at pilot and commercial scales with variable e-waste feedstocks?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for scaling the lithium refineries alongside recycling operations?
- Can the company secure long-term feedstock supply agreements to underpin industrial rollout?