Lithium Universe Ltd Acquires Innovative Solar Panel Recycling Technology to Tackle Growing Waste Challenge

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Lithium Universe Ltd (LUVSF) Recent SEDAR Documents

### Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

**Melbourne, Australia, June 18, 2025** – Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire global rights for the commercial exploitation of a patented photovoltaic (“PV”) solar panel recycling technology known as “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (“MJHT” or the “Technology”).

#### Highlights

– The agreement secures global rights to the photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology, specifically the “Microwave Joule Heating Technology” (MJHT) from Macquarie University.
– This innovative technology utilizes microwave energy to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells, allowing for more efficient recycling.
– It is estimated that by 2050, 60-78 million tonnes of waste PV modules will accumulate.
– Currently, only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide, with the majority ending up in landfills, resulting in the loss of valuable materials.
– The MJHT and delamination process enable selective separation of materials and higher recovery rates while investigating the further recovery of silver, silicon, gallium, and indium.
– Binding commitments have been secured to raise $1.7 million through placements to existing and new sophisticated investors.

The rights will be formalized through an exclusive licensing agreement (“Licensing Agreement”) with Macquarie University (“MQU”), managed through an Australian holding company, New Age Minerals Pty Ltd (“NAM”). Lithium Universe will acquire 100% of NAM’s issued share capital as part of this transaction.

The technology employs microwave energy to selectively heat silicon, softening the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant in solar panels. This facilitates easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable materials at room temperature, eliminating the need for the extreme temperatures (1400°C) and hazardous chemicals typically required for material separation. Unlike traditional methods that often lead to cross-contamination and lower recovery rates, the MJHT allows for selective material separation without mechanical crushing.

A report from the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme projects that global waste PV modules will reach between 1.7 and 8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60-78 million tonnes by 2050. By 2035, it is expected that Australia will accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste, valued at over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is anticipated to grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.

### Current Recycling Challenges

Despite the rapid expansion of the renewable energy sector, particularly solar energy, managing solar panel waste poses significant challenges. Approximately 37% of Australian households have installed solar panels, which translates to over 4 million homes and businesses utilizing solar energy systems. The Clean Energy Council indicates that 12.4% of Australia’s electricity generation in 2024 came from rooftop solar. However, as these panels reach the end of their 25-30 year lifespan, the issue of solar panel waste and the recovery of valuable materials becomes more pressing.

The global recycling rate for PV solar panels is currently around 15%, hindered by complex processes that require high temperatures and toxic chemicals, making them costly and energy-intensive. Economic incentives are scarce, as the recovery of valuable materials like silicon does not yield sufficient financial returns. However, advancements in recycling technologies that can efficiently recover critical materials such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium can enhance the economic viability of recycling, driving up recycling rates.

If waste PV cells are not recycled, they typically end up in landfills, leading to environmental issues. Panels may contain harmful substances like cadmium and lead, which can leach into the soil and groundwater, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Valuable metals are lost in the process, exacerbating resource depletion. As more solar panels reach the end of their lifespan, the accumulation of waste in landfills increases, wasting the energy stored in these materials. Effective recycling can mitigate these issues by recovering essential materials and reducing pollution.

### Growth Potential in the PV Recycling Industry

The emerging PV solar panel recycling industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the rising demand for critical metals such as silicon, silver, and indium, which hold significant economic value. The market for recyclable materials from end-of-life (EoL) solar panels is projected to exceed $2.7 billion by 2030 and could approach $80 billion by 2050, according to Rystad Energy. This growth is further driven by the potential for recycling to reduce the need for costly and environmentally harmful extraction of virgin materials.

Advancements in recycling technology are making it increasingly feasible to recover high-value materials, enhancing the profitability of the recycling sector. Research indicates that up to 98% of silver and nearly all copper, lead, and other valuable metals can be efficiently recovered, bolstering the recycling industry’s financial viability. As technology continues to evolve, recycling PV panels will be crucial in supporting the transition to a circular economy and a sustainable energy future.

### Critical Metals in PV Cells

As demand for critical minerals surges in the global shift towards clean energy, the urgency to recover valuable materials from solar panels intensifies. Solar panels are composed of 95% recyclable materials, including silver, aluminum, silicon, copper, indium, and gallium—all essential for global clean energy supply chains. Rare metals like gallium are vital for solar fuel cells and semiconductor chips, making their recovery from electronic waste a top priority.

### Executive Comments

**Iggy Tan, Executive Chairman**: “Now that we have completed our lithium refinery DFS and secured all necessary components—including land and partnerships—we are positioned and ready for a lithium price recovery. We are confident in our counter-cyclical strategy and firmly believe that LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds. While awaiting this recovery, we have been presented with an exciting opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge photovoltaic recycling technology.”

“I am thrilled about the acquisition of Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the potential to extract critical metals such as silver from solar panel recycling. The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater, with only 15% of panels currently being recycled. The growing accumulation of solar panel waste in landfills is a pressing issue, as valuable metals are lost, contributing to resource depletion and environmental harm. Microwave technology offers a promising solution, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes. We are eager to collaborate with the Macquarie team to develop a more efficient and cost-effective recycling approach.”

*To view the full release with tables and figures, please visit: [ABN Newswire](https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/A0938OHATo) and for the Market Presentation, visit: [ABN Newswire](https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/JJ10ITOI).*

### About Lithium Universe Ltd

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), led by industry pioneer Iggy Tan, has a proven track record of accelerating lithium projects, exemplified by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited. Rather than exploring for exploration’s sake, Lithium Universe is focused on swiftly obtaining resources and constructing a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the necessary expertise to develop and build profitable projects.

**Contact:**
Alex Hanly
Chief Executive Officer
Lithium Universe Limited
Tel: +61 448 418 725
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

Iggy Tan
Chairman
Lithium Universe Limited
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

**Source:** Lithium Universe Ltd
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