Livium Ltd Partners with Iondrive to Enhance E-Waste Recycling Capabilities

Strategic Insights -

Australian companies Livium Ltd and Iondrive have joined forces to strengthen the recycling capabilities of end-of-life products, including solar panels, lithium-ion batteries, and rare earth magnets. The partnership aims to support the commercialization of Iondrive's innovative metal extraction process using Deep Eutectic Solvent technology, which boasts over 95% recovery rates in testing.

Livium will supply Iondrive with a range of end-of-life materials for evaluation and processing, while Iondrive will retain ownership of its DES intellectual property and results. The agreement includes limited exclusivity provisions in Australia during the evaluation period and allows either party to terminate the agreement on 30 days' notice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Livium will provide Iondrive with defined waste streams of solar panels, lithium-ion battery black mass, rare earth magnets, and other samples for evaluation and processing.
  • Iondrive will apply its DES process to evaluate recovery pathways and commercial scalability, with a focus on battery, solar, and magnet recycling.
  • The partnership aims to unlock new recovery pathways and accelerate the development of a domestic processing of Australia's clean energy waste.
  • Livium's recycling capabilities will be strengthened in e-waste recycling, with a focus on solar panel, lithium-ion battery black mass, and rare earth magnet recycling.
  • The agreement includes a 21-month timeline for negotiating binding commercial agreements for supply and co-location of DES processing units.
  • Both parties will retain ownership of their respective intellectual property, with Livium retaining IP in Sample generation.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 100,000 tonnes of PV waste by 2030, creating a significant feedstock opportunity for a nascent industry.
  • Australia stands to unlock over A$1 billion in recoverable materials from end-of-life solar panels by 2035.
  • Global lithium-ion battery black mass recycling market valued at US$14.4 billion in 2024, projected to surge to US$51.7 billion by 2032.
  • Global REE recycling market valued at around US$248 million in 2021, projected to surpass US$422 million by 2026.

Sources:

  • Livium Ltd news release, February 2023
  • Iondrive Limited website, accessed February 2023
  • University of Melbourne news release, January 2023
  • Nissy McHugh, "Solar panel waste solution unveiled", The Australian, February 2022
  • Bloomberg, "Electric vehicle demand boosts lithium-ion battery recycling market to $51.7 billion by 2032"
  • BNamericas, "Rare earths market set for growth despite challenges"