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Highlights

  • Acquires global rights to patented Microwave Joule Heating Technology

  • Targets booming photovoltaic (PV) waste problem with sustainable solution

  • Share price jumps 41.7% in morning trade following announcement

  • Placement to raise $1.7 million to support new strategy

  • Management confident in counter-cyclical growth strategy amid lithium market slump

Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) shares surged 41.7% this morning after the company announced a significant strategic move into the clean technology space. LU7 has secured global rights to a patented solar panel recycling technology through the acquisition of 100% of the share capital in New Age Minerals, an enterprise spun out of Macquarie University.

The innovation at the centre of this acquisition is Microwave Joule Heating Technology – a cutting-edge process that uses microwaves to selectively heat silicon, effectively softening the EVA encapsulant within solar panels. This enables more efficient delamination and recovery of critical materials, including silver, silicon, gallium, and indium.

Tackling a Growing Solar Waste Crisis

Commenting on the acquisition, LU7 Chairman Iggy Tan highlighted the urgency of tackling solar waste, stating:

“The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater… with only 15% of panels recycled.”

The global rise in solar energy adoption has brought with it a mounting challenge—what to do with the massive volumes of decommissioned panels. As these panels pile up in landfills, critical metals essential to clean tech are being wasted. LU7 believes its newly acquired microwave-based recycling technology could offer a more sustainable and resource-efficient solution to this problem.

“Microwave technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes,” Mr Tan added.

Market Reaction and Strategic Implications

Investors welcomed the news with enthusiasm, with LU7 shares rocketing up to 90% in early trade before settling at a 41.7% gain, trading at 0.85 cents per share at the time of writing.

To support the rollout and commercialisation of the technology, LU7 plans to raise $1.7 million through a placement, although the acquisition cost itself remains undisclosed.

This development comes shortly after the company completed a lithium refinery feasibility study, positioning itself for growth as the lithium sector prepares for a rebound.

“We’re confident in our counter-cyclical strategy,” Mr Tan said, “and firmly believe LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds.”