Breakthrough Microwave Technology to Transform REE Recycling
Livium Ltd rare earth technology has signed a term sheet with the University of Melbourne to secure exclusive global rights to innovative microwave technology for rare earth elements (REE) extraction. This strategic move positions Livium at the forefront of the largely untapped REE recycling market, which is projected to reach US$7.3 billion by 2026.
The partnership leverages Livium's existing infrastructure and connections to the REE end-of-life supply chain, creating a direct commercial opportunity to expand its recycling offerings. The company is now working toward executing a binding IP licensing agreement that would give Livium exclusive worldwide rights to commercialise the technology for the next 20 years.
"We are excited to partner with the University of Melbourne and leverage their innovative microwave technology to explore how we can extract rare earth elements. This is a significant step in our strategy to broaden our recycling capabilities and meet the growing global demand for REEs," said Simon Linge, CEO and Managing Director of Livium.
Revolutionary Extraction Process Shows Remarkable Efficiency
The University of Melbourne's microwave technology represents a significant advancement over traditional REE extraction methods. Laboratory testing has demonstrated impressive recovery rates:
- >95% recovery of Neodymium (Nd)
- >80% recovery of Praseodymium (Pr) with potential to achieve >90%
- 91±13% recovery of Platinum (Pt)
- 97±13% recovery of Palladium (Pd)
- 68±13% recovery of Rhodium (Rh) with potential to exceed 80%
Perhaps most importantly, the technology delivers these results with an estimated 85% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional "Hot Block" digestion technologies.
Selective Leaching: A Superior Approach
The microwave technology employs a selective leaching approach that offers multiple advantages over traditional complete leaching methods:
| Advantage | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Higher target metal concentrates | Improved extraction efficiency |
| Easier separation of solid and liquid | Streamlined processing |
| Reduced usage of acids and reagents | Lower environmental impact |
| Reduced wastewater | Decreased waste management requirements |
Understanding Rare Earth Elements: Critical Components for Clean Energy
Rare earth elements comprise 16 metallic elements found together on the periodic table—the 15 lanthanides plus yttrium. Despite their name, most REEs are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but they rarely occur in concentrated, economically viable deposits.
These elements are crucial components in clean energy technologies. REE magnets are integral to electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators, making them essential to the global transition away from fossil fuels.
REEs are recovered and repurposed from discarded items, including permanent magnets, electric motors, and electronic waste. The process involves several steps including collection, pre-processing (shredding, grinding), separation, and extraction—all areas where Livium Ltd rare earth technology has established expertise.
Global demand for REE magnets has nearly doubled between 2015 and 2023, reaching 93 kilotons. Despite this growth, only about 1% of REEs are currently being recycled, highlighting the significant opportunity in this space.
The Science Behind Microwave Technology for REE Extraction
Microwave heating represents a promising alternative to traditional REE extraction methods due to its efficient, rapid, and sustainable heating transmission. Where conventional approaches rely on acid leaching, solvent extraction, and ion-exchange processes, microwave technology enhances chemical reactions and alters the morphology of minerals.
This technological approach is particularly effective for selectively recovering rare earth elements, as well as other valuable metals such as copper, gold, vanadium and platinum group metals from metallurgical wastes. The technology works by directing microwave energy precisely where needed, dramatically reducing energy requirements while improving extraction effectiveness.
The selective leaching approach targets specific elements rather than attempting to extract everything, resulting in higher concentrations of desired materials and simpler downstream processing. This selectivity also reduces chemical usage and waste generation, making the entire process more environmentally sustainable.
Australian-First Prototype Development
The collaboration between Livium and the University of Melbourne will enable the design and construction of an Australian-first prototype. Livium will provide both feedstock and technical input to the university's research team, ensuring the technology can be effectively scaled for commercial applications.
Livium will fund the research with an initial investment of approximately A$65,000, potentially increasing to A$250,000 contingent on achieving two key project milestones:
- Securing grant support for the Prototype Scale Microwave Reactor
- Delivery of REE product test results from this reactor
A grant application has already been submitted to Australia's Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite program to support the research project.
Strategic Expansion Aligns with Circular Economy Focus
This partnership represents a strategic expansion for Livium, which announced plans in June to extend its recycling capabilities into adjacent circular economy opportunities. The company is focusing on leveraging its core competencies in strategic adjacencies such as REE and solar recycling, as well as black mass processing.
Livium Ltd rare earth technology is well-positioned to capitalise on the REE opportunity due to its existing connections to the end-of-life supply chain through clean energy generation and e-mobility clients. The company already performs similar extraction processes such as shredding, grinding, and separation.
"Our core competencies are the safe collection and pre-processing of e-waste and many of our current and emerging lithium-ion battery customers are exposed to REE waste. Initially, this allows us to secure the waste stream either directly to customers or for processing through technology," explained Linge.
In addition to the University of Melbourne partnership, Livium is actively assessing other REE extraction technologies both in Australia and internationally, ensuring it maintains a competitive edge in this developing market.
Investment Thesis: Positioned for Growth in Critical Materials
Livium presents a compelling investment case as it expands its recycling capabilities into the high-growth REE market. With exclusive access to breakthrough technology and established infrastructure, the company is well-positioned to become a leader in sustainable REE extraction.
The company's strategic focus on the circular economy aligns with global trends toward resource recovery and sustainability. As demand for REEs continues to grow, driven by clean energy technologies and e-mobility, Livium's expanded capabilities could capture significant market share in this largely untapped recycling sector.
Additionally, Livium's existing business as Australia's market-leading battery recycler provides a stable revenue foundation while the company develops its REE extraction capabilities.
Why Investors Should Follow Livium
Livium offers investors exposure to multiple high-growth markets within the circular economy. The company's strategic expansion into REE extraction represents a significant opportunity in a market projected to reach US$7.3 billion by 2026.
With only about 1% of REEs currently being recycled globally, Livium is positioning itself at the ground floor of a massive growth opportunity. The exclusive rights to the University of Melbourne's microwave technology provide a competitive advantage that could prove highly valuable as the REE recycling market develops.
The company's existing customer relationships and processing infrastructure create synergies that should accelerate the commercialisation of this new technology. For investors looking to gain exposure to critical materials and circular economy innovations, Livium represents a unique opportunity at the intersection of these growing markets.
Market Context: Growing Demand for Sustainable REE Sources
The global push for supply chain security in critical minerals, particularly REEs, provides a favourable backdrop for Livium's expansion. Many countries are actively seeking alternatives to traditional REE sources, with recycling emerging as a key strategy for reducing dependence on imported materials.
Policy support for sustainable technologies and circular economy initiatives is also growing. Government grants and incentives for recycling technologies—like the Australia's Economic Accelerator program Livium is applying to—can help accelerate the commercial deployment of the microwave technology.
As the clean energy transition accelerates, the demand for REEs will continue to grow, creating a sustainable long-term market for Livium Ltd rare earth technology expanded recycling capabilities. By securing exclusive rights to this innovative extraction technology, Livium is strategically positioned to benefit from these market trends while contributing to more sustainable resource management.
Want to Join the Sustainable Rare Earth Revolution?
Discover how Livium is pioneering the future of rare earth element recycling with exclusive microwave technology. Position yourself at the forefront of this US$7.3 billion growth opportunity by exploring Livium's innovative approach to critical materials recovery. For comprehensive investment information and to learn more about this Australian-first REE extraction project, visit Livium's Investor Hub today.
