Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) has reported another breakthrough in its solar recycling program, achieving near-Britannia silver purity from its proprietary Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) process in just five minutes.
The company said the results mark a major proof-of-concept milestone, underscoring the technology’s potential to deliver both commercial and environmental benefits in recovering valuable metals from end-of-life solar panels.
Summary of Test Program.
High-purity silver in minutes
Recent trials, conducted with research partners at Macquarie University, delivered silver at 95.95% purity — a grade comparable to Britannia silver, a historic high-quality alloy above sterling (92.5%) and just short of bullion standard (99.9%).
By comparison, a conventional electrochemical bath recovery method achieved only 78.6% silver content in the same timeframe, with much higher levels of aluminium and oxygen contamination.
Purity of Recovered Silver of Both Methods.
Lithium Universe noted that the JESE process produced a low-impurity profile of just 4.05%, mostly trace aluminium and oxygen. Heavy metals such as titanium, lead and bismuth were recorded at exceptionally low levels.
Silver Extraction and Silver Deposition Process.
Executive chairman Iggy Tan described the outcome as “a game-changer”.
“JESE delivers efficiency, sustainability and high commercial value, positioning Lithium Universe at the forefront of advanced solar recycling technologies while unlocking significant opportunities in the global circular economy,” he said.
Building momentum in recycling research
The announcement follows a series of strong results from the company’s recycling research program. Earlier this month, Lithium Universe reported it had achieved more than 95% silver recovery in 30 minutes of JESE processing, confirming both high recovery rates and deposition quality.
Together with Macquarie University, the company has also applied for a grant to advance its broader suite of solar panel recycling technologies, including both the JESE process and Macquarie’s related Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) process.
With global solar panel waste projected to reach up to 78 million tonnes by 2050, efficient recycling technologies are seen as critical for both resource security and sustainability. Silver is the single most valuable recoverable element in end-of-life modules, making its efficient recovery a key economic driver.
Next steps
Lithium Universe said the focus now turns to optimisation studies to refine JESE’s operating parameters and further enhance silver purity. Larger-scale pilot programs are also on the horizon to test continuous operation and evaluate recovery of other high-value metals from photovoltaic cells.
The company’s broader strategy includes building a green lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Québec, while simultaneously pursuing circular-economy opportunities through solar panel recycling.
Lithium Universe said the latest results further validate JESE as a commercially attractive and environmentally sustainable pathway for large-scale solar panel recycling.