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Highlights

  • Livium signs binding Term Sheet with Iondrive to supply end-of-life clean energy materials for evaluation under Iondrive’s Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) technology.

  • Collaboration strengthens Livium’s recycling capabilities across solar, battery black mass, and rare earth magnets, complementing its partnership with the University of Melbourne.

  • Australia’s clean energy waste streams projected to unlock over AUD 1 billion in recoverable materials from solar panels alone by 2035.

Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT) has entered into a binding Term Sheet with Iondrive Ltd (ASX:ION), through its subsidiary Iondrive AU Pty Ltd, to advance the processing of clean energy waste using Iondrive’s Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) technology.

Under the agreement, Livium will provide Iondrive with a range of end-of-life materials, including solar panels, lithium-ion battery black mass, and rare earth magnets. These feedstocks will support Iondrive in testing and scaling its DES process, which has demonstrated recovery rates exceeding 95% in laboratory testing.

Both companies have agreed to commence negotiations within 21 months for binding commercial agreements covering future supply and potential co-location of DES processing units.

Complementing University of Melbourne Partnership

The Iondrive collaboration builds on Livium’s recently announced partnership with the University of Melbourne, which also relies on Livium’s capacity to source clean energy waste streams. Together, these partnerships enhance the company’s strategic aim of deploying advanced recycling capabilities into broader waste markets.

The DES process, which offers a closed-loop and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, could play a pivotal role in developing Australia’s clean energy recycling infrastructure. Livium will retain intellectual property relating to sample generation, while Iondrive will retain IP linked to the DES process.

Unlocking Value in Emerging Waste Streams

Australia’s early adoption of renewable technologies has created a growing supply of end-of-life clean energy products. Solar panel recycling alone is projected to generate around 100,000 tonnes of waste annually by 2030, with recoverable materials estimated to exceed AUD 1 billion by 2035.

The recycling of lithium-ion battery black mass also presents a significant opportunity. Valued at USD 14.4 billion globally in 2024, the market is forecast to expand to USD 51.7 billion by 2032, supported by rising electric vehicle adoption and demand for sustainable supply chains.

Rare earth element (REE) recycling is another emerging sector, with demand driven by electric vehicle motors and wind turbines. Although current recycling rates are below 1%, the global REE recycling market is projected to grow from USD 248 million in 2021 to more than USD 422 million by 2026. 

Market Response

Following the announcement, Livium’s share price rose 7.69% to close at 1.4 cents per share on 17 September 2025. The agreement marks an important step in Livium’s strategy to expand its recycling capabilities into multiple clean energy waste streams, positioning it to participate in Australia’s growing circular economy.