Livium explores rare-earth element extraction to expand recycling portfolio

Livium announced on Tuesday it had commenced discussions with Australian and international developers of rare-earth element extraction technologies as part of its strategy to expand into adjacent circular economy opportunities.

The company said REE extraction represented an extension of recycling services for its enterprise client base, with discussions progressing with developers focused on collaboration, including licensing.

According to the announcement, automakers such as Ford and Suzuki are facing component shortages due to restrictions on Chinese exports of rare earths, minerals and magnets, forcing some to shut down production of certain models.

The global REE market is estimated to be worth $9.6 billion by 2026, with recycling representing a subset of this market.

REE extraction involves the recovery and reuse of valuable rare earth elements from end-of-life products such as permanent magnets, electric motors, and electronic waste. Advanced techniques including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, solvent extraction and emerging biotechnological processes enable the extraction of these materials.

Managing Director Simon Linge said rare earth elements were essential to power technologies driving the energy transition, yet global supply chains remained vulnerable to ongoing geopolitical shifts.

“By actively pursuing options to commercialise REE extraction technologies, we are strategically positioning Livium to meet this growing demand while remaining anchored in our strengths in resource recovery and process innovation,” Linge said.

Livium’s wholly owned subsidiary, Envirostream, already performs similar steps in the extraction process, including shredding, grinding, and magnetic separation. The subsidiary is also connected to the REE end-of-life supply chain through clean energy generation and e-mobility clients.

The company is also in advanced discussions regarding licensing of its proprietary cathode powder manufacturing process in non-core jurisdictions. The VSPC process combines solid-state and solution-phase synthesis methods to produce high-performance lithium ferro phosphate and lithium manganese ferro phosphate powders.

Livium operates Australia’s market leading battery recycler, produces critical battery material lithium ferro phosphate, and has developed a patented lithium extraction technology called LieNA.

Picture: credit LinkedIn