Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) partners with Taiwan’s RePV Tech to advance silver extraction trials

Lithium Universe Limited has expanded its photovoltaic recycling strategy through a cooperation agreement with Taiwan’s RePV Tech, establishing a structured program to integrate complementary delamination and silver extraction technologies.

The collaboration provides the framework for testing silicon wafers recovered through RePV Tech’s recycling stream using Lithium Universe’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction systems at Macquarie University.

Highlights

• Lithium Universe signs MOU with RePV Tech to advance PV recycling collaboration

• Partnership integrates RePV Tech’s delamination process with LU7’s MJHT and JESE silver extraction systems

• RePV Tech to supply recycled silicon wafers for testing at Macquarie University

• Joint trials target recovery of high purity Britannia grade silver from PV waste

• Collaboration includes shared data arrangements, IP protection and commercialisation framework

• Supports circular economy outcomes by transforming solar waste into valuable metal resources

The memorandum of understanding outlines the supply of silicon wafer material sourced directly from RePV Tech’s operations in Hsinchu, where the company employs an “easy dismantling” approach for separating glass from silicon wafers.

This method differs from the Microwave Joule Heating Technology held by Lithium Universe, and the partnership is structured to explore how the two processes may complement each other when assessing metallurgical recovery pathways for photovoltaic waste streams.

Testing will take place at Macquarie University in Sydney, where Lithium Universe is advancing the Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction method as an alternative to traditional hydrometallurgical routes.

Laboratory trials completed to date have demonstrated the ability of JESE to recover silver at high purities under relatively mild conditions, and the partnership provides the opportunity to evaluate the method’s performance on wafers supplied through a commercial recycling operation rather than controlled laboratory material.

The agreement includes provisions for joint analysis of testing data, optimisation of extraction conditions and assessment of the feasibility of progressing the technology toward pilot or commercial facilities.

Intellectual property arrangements ensure that each party retains ownership of pre existing technology while sharing rights to new results generated through the collaboration.

The MOU will remain in effect for twenty four months and establishes a platform for developing an international photovoltaic recycling value chain while advancing circular economy principles within the renewable energy supply chain.

The economic context of the collaboration is highlighted by the status of silver as one of the most valuable components in crystalline silicon photovoltaic panels.

At prevailing market levels each discarded module contains a measurable quantity of recoverable metal, and global waste projections indicate that volumes could expand significantly as solar deployment accelerates through the next two decades.

Both companies have signalled their intention to address this emerging materials challenge through the application of complementary technologies.

RePV Tech’s Founder and Chairman Dr Alex Peng described the agreement as an opportunity to combine technological strengths, stating

“We’re excited to partner with Lithium Universe and contribute our experience in PV recycling to this groundbreaking initiative.”

Lithium Universe Executive Chairman Iggy Tan said the collaboration aligns delamination and extraction capabilities in a way that supports further technical development and enhances the potential for sustainable material recovery from solar waste.

Although non binding, the memorandum forms a structured pathway for evaluating integrated recycling methods using industrially sourced wafer material.

With both organisations committed to technological development and circular economy outcomes, the collaboration provides Lithium Universe with an avenue to advance its silver extraction platform at a time when global photovoltaic waste volumes and the associated resource opportunity continue to grow.

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