Lithium Universe Limited Advances Market Revival With Global PV Recycling Tech and Strategic Lithium Offtake Partnerships
Friday, July 4, 2025
at
1:00 pm
Lithium Universe Limited’s Executive Chairman, Iggy Tan, updates on key developments including potential feedstock and OEM partnerships, progress on the Bécancour Project, and securing global rights for innovative PV cell recycling technology—all positioning the company to harness growth amid a recovering lithium market.
Lithium Universe Limited provided key updates on its strategic plans during an interview with Executive Chairman Iggy Tan at the recent Lithium Supply & Battery Raw Materials Conference in Las Vegas. The company discussed ongoing talks with potential spodumene feedstock offtakers as well as negotiations with original equipment manufacturers on a battery-grade lithium carbonate offtake arrangement. All preparatory work on the Bécancour Lithium Project has been completed, with the company now awaiting a market recovery in lithium demand.
In an effort to diversify its portfolio, Lithium Universe Limited has secured the global rights to a new photovoltaic cell recycling technology. This innovative “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” developed at Macquarie University is designed to selectively heat and delaminate solar panel cells. Given that only 15% of waste solar cells are currently recycled—with the remainder ending up in landfills—the acquisition aims to boost the recovery of valuable materials such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium by offering a more efficient alternative to the conventional high-temperature furnace methods that depend on toxic chemicals.
The announcement reinforces the company’s broader mission to bridge the Lithium Conversion Gap in North America by developing a green battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery in Québec, Canada. As the electric vehicle industry grows and over 20 manufacturers plan to deploy an estimated 1,000GW of battery capacity by 2028, the demand for lithium is projected to soar. Lithium Universe Limited’s strategy leverages proven technology from the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant, targeting an initial production capacity of up to 18,270 tonnes per year to support the burgeoning battery supply chain.
From a technical perspective, the updated discussions with feedstock suppliers and potential OEM partners underscore the company’s focus on establishing a robust and integrated supply chain. The adoption of off-the-shelf plant models and a clear counter-cyclical strategy based on a strong definitive feasibility study further positions the company to capitalize on an eventual lithium market recovery.
Bullish sentiment surrounding these developments stems from the strategic acquisition of advanced recycling technology, which not only addresses environmental concerns but also promises to unlock additional revenue streams. Coupled with progressive discussions with key industry players and a well-rounded technical team, the company appears well-prepared to meet future lithium demand and support North America’s battery manufacturing ambitions.
Conversely, bearish observers might point to the reliance on a future market recovery for lithium as a potential vulnerability, particularly given the inherent risks in transitioning emerging recycling technologies to commercial scale. Additionally, the forward-looking nature of the company’s projections and the uncertainties linked to macroeconomic and operational challenges suggest that caution may be warranted as the company navigates these transformative initiatives.