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Macquarie University Licenses Precision Silver-Recovery Tech to Lithium Universe

Under the deal, Lithium Universe gains exclusive rights to two panel-preserving recycling methods that recover more than 77% of silver with commercialization targeted for 2032.

Overview

  • The 20-year exclusive licence grants Lithium Universe global rights to Macquarie’s JESE and microwave delamination processes in exchange for over A$500,000 in fees.
  • The Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction method uses a targeted acid jet to dissolve silver within seconds, achieving more than 77% recovery while preserving glass and silicon wafers.
  • Microwave-powered delamination separates panel layers without grinding or high heat, enabling intact recovery of glass sheets and semiconductor-grade wafers.
  • Lithium Universe will fund further research under annual licensing fees and royalties, aiming for commercial deployment of the recycling solution by 2032.
  • Solar panel waste is expected to reach one million tonnes in Australia by 2035 and could unlock silver stocks equal to the country’s largest silver mine.