Lithium Universe Limited Acquires Breakthrough PV Solar Recycling Tech to Boost Critical Metal Recovery and Raises $1.7M in New Placement

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
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10:12 am
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Lithium Universe Limited secures global rights to innovative photovoltaic solar panel recycling technology from Macquarie University. This breakthrough microwave process efficiently extracts valuable materials, promising lower costs and environmental benefits. The strategic move includes targeted funding, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing solar waste recycling market.

Lithium Universe Limited has announced a major strategic move by entering into an agreement to acquire the global rights to a patented photovoltaic solar panel recycling technology known as Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) from Macquarie University. This breakthrough method employs targeted microwave energy to heat and break down the encapsulant in end-of-life solar panels at room temperature, enabling efficient separation of valuable materials such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium. The technology promises to overcome the challenges of traditional recycling methods that rely on high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and mechanical crushing, which currently restrict recycling to around 15% of discarded panels. The company plans to secure these rights by acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of New Age Minerals Pty Ltd, an Australian-incorporated holding entity, subject to legal due diligence to be completed by late June 2025. A key technical advantage of the MJHT platform is its ability to achieve near-complete recovery of high-value materials while operating at significantly lower energy levels. This is particularly important given the projections that global waste photovoltaic modules could cumulatively reach 60–78 million tonnes by 2050, with a rapidly expanding market for recovered materials potentially valued in the billions of dollars. In line with this strategic acquisition, Lithium Universe Limited has also secured binding commitments to raise $1.70 million through a two-tranche share placement. The first tranche will raise $600,000 and is scheduled for allotment on 26 June 2025, while the second tranche, which will raise an estimated $1.10 million, is subject to shareholder approval at an expected meeting on 23 July 2025. The placement, which includes free attaching options for investors, underscores confidence in the company’s counter-cyclical strategy as it positions itself for future lithium price recovery while expanding into the solar recycling market. Market forecasts and technical indicators highlight significant potential for improved resource recovery. Enhanced extraction techniques like MJHT could unlock up to a 95–100% value recovery from solar panels, compared to the lower yields from conventional crushing methods. With global demand for critical metals used in photovoltaic and semiconductor applications on the rise, this technology not only addresses environmental concerns associated with solar waste but also strengthens supply chain resilience for industries dependent on these scarce materials. The bullish sentiment surrounding this development is driven by the innovative recycling technology’s potential to revolutionize the handling of growing solar panel waste while delivering higher recovery rates of valuable metals. The integration of MJHT with Lithium Universe Limited’s established expertise in chemical extraction and lithium refining could provide a robust dual revenue stream in the clean energy and critical materials sectors. On the bearish side, potential investors should note that the commercial success of the technology will depend on scaling up operations, successfully integrating the new process into existing recycling facilities, and meeting key milestone targets. Additionally, the ongoing legal and shareholder approvals introduce an element of uncertainty that could impact near-term execution.

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