Highlights

  • Ocean Sciences has started an R&D program using seaweed-derived alginate to recover precious metals from e-waste.
  • The Board approved initial funding of A$100,000 for a program of at least 12 months.
  • The program targets gold and silver from retired data centre hardware, with rare earth recovery also being explored.
  • The company intends to file an initial patent application in Singapore, subject to assessments.

Ocean Sciences Ltd (ASX:OSS) has begun a research and development program to test whether alginate extracted from Sargassum, a brown seaweed, can recover precious metals from retired data centre hardware. The program focuses on gold and silver from printed circuit boards and other e-waste.

Program Scope and Funding

The Board approved an initial A$100,000 for the program, which is expected to run for at least 12 months, with updates as technical milestones are reached.

The work will run in three stages: extracting and preparing alginate from Indonesian Sargassum, developing an alginate-based material that selectively captures gold and silver from processed e-waste solutions, and developing methods to release the metals and reuse the material where feasible.

Why Data Centre E-Waste

The company noted that growth in data centres, driven by AI and cloud computing, is expected to increase e-waste volumes, with servers typically replaced every three to seven years. Because hardware composition is well characterised, metal content can be estimated and then confirmed by sampling and assay.

The approach builds on peer-reviewed laboratory research showing alginate-based materials can bind certain dissolved metal ions. Potential reductions in energy and reagent use will also be assessed.

Commercial Pathway and Risks

Ocean Sciences aims to develop a proprietary seaweed-based recovery solution for e-waste recyclers and metal refiners. If laboratory results are successful, it plans pilot-scale testing and possible collaboration with e-waste processors. It already operates an Indonesian seaweed sourcing network and a Seaweed Innovation and Application Centre in South Sulawesi, and preliminary talks are underway with Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency.

The company's Chairman noted the technology is at an early research stage. Ocean Sciences stated there is no assurance the technology will achieve the required technical performance, scalability or economic viability.

Key Takeaways

  • Ocean Sciences is extending its seaweed expertise into e-waste metal recovery.
  • Initial funding of A$100,000 supports a program of at least 12 months.
  • Rising data centre e-waste is the key market driver behind the initiative.
  • The technology is early stage, with no guarantee of commercial success.