Silver Recovery Achieves High Purity
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Building a Lithium Future
ASX ANNOUNCEMENT AND MEDIA RELEASE
18 September 2025
LU7 REPORTS HIGH PURITY SILVER EXTRACTED
FROM JET ELECTROCHEMICAL EXTRACTION
(JESE) AND DEPOSITION TECHNOLOGY
Highlights
Positive results from its advanced silver recovery program using the proprietary
Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) method
95.95% silver purity within just five minutes of deposition process
Comparable to Britannia-grade silver - high-quality alloy above sterling grade
Significantly higher than conventional (Bath) recovery methods
JESE produced a low impurity profile of only 4.05%, with aluminium (1.93%) and
oxygen (1.13%) as the main contaminants; heavy metals such as lead and
bismuth remained very low
Conventional bath extraction yielded only 78.63% silver content with far higher
aluminium (11.40%) and oxygen (8.41%) impurities
With previously reported silver recovery of 95% recovery in 30 minutes
Results confirm key proof-of-concept milestones: strong recovery rates, highpurity silver deposition
Tests confirm JESE offers lower energy demand, reduced acid consumption, and
substantially less waste generation
Next step is optimisation studies to refine operating parameters and further
enhance silver purity
Lithium Universe Limited (ASX: LU7, “Lithium Universe” or “the Company”) is pleased to report further highly
encouraging results from its ongoing research into advanced silver recovery techniques. Recent trials using the
proprietary Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) recovery method have successfully produced silver of
exceptional purity within a very short processing time, reinforcing the potential of this technology to deliver
significant commercial and environmental benefits. The JESE process yielded silver at a purity level of 95.95%
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
(Ag %w/w) which is comparable to Britannia-grade silver, which is historically recognised as a high-quality
alloy.
TEST PROGRAM
The test program, undertaken by LU7’s partner Macquarie University under the direction of Dr. Binesh Puthen
Veettil and Dr. David Payne, employed precision laser-cutting of solar silicon cells to expose busbars and silver
fingers characteristic of photovoltaic metallisation. JESE applied a controlled 5 V potential across the wafer and
jet, dissolving silver into nitric electrolyte as silver nitrate. Reverse electrochemical deposition recovered the
dissolved silver onto a substrate, which was then analysed for recovery efficiency, uniformity, impurities, and
purity. For benchmarking, a conventional bath deposition method was also performed.
Figure 1 – Summary of Test Program
EXCEPTIONAL SILVER PURITY ACHIEVED
In a five-minute deposition trial, the JESE process yielded silver at a purity level of 95.95% (Ag %w/w). Typical
hydrometallurgical or pyro routes often require multi-stage purification to approach this level. This result
demonstrates the technology’s ability to selectively recover silver with minimal contamination from associated
metals from the silicon wafer. Importantly, this high level of purity was achieved under mild operating conditions,
highlighting the process efficiency compared with conventional bath recovery/deposition approaches. This
positions the recovered material in line with Britannia-grade silver, which is historically recognised as a highquality alloy above sterling grade (92.5%) and below investment-grade bullion (99.9%). While further refinement
can easily elevate purity to 99.9% or higher using conventional electrorefining techniques, the achievement of
near-Britannia purity in a first-pass recovery is highly significant. In practice, the recovered material could be
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
sold directly into these applications or serve as high-grade feedstock for bullion refiners, who can readily upgrade
the purity to 99.9% using established melting and electrorefining circuits.
Figure 2 – Silver Extraction and Silver Deposition Process
LOW IMPURITY PROFILE
The analysis shows that the total impurity content in the recovered silver is just 4.05%, markedly lower than the
21.37% impurity level measured in conventional E-bath recovery/deposition trials conducted over the same fiveminute timeframe. See Table 1. The primary impurities observed in the JESE output were:
Aluminium (1.93%) – the largest single impurity, likely originating from solar cell busbar material.
Oxygen (1.13%) – associated with minor surface oxidation during recovery.
Other trace elements including titanium (0.15%), bismuth (0.28%), lead (0.21%), copper (0.14%), and
very small amounts of manganese, zinc, silicon, and chlorine (all ≤0.08%).
The data confirms that heavy metal impurities such as lead, and bismuth remain exceptionally low. Equally
important, the process effectively suppresses aluminium and copper co-dissolution/deposition compared to
conventional techniques, simplifying downstream refining and lowering processing costs.
COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL E-BATH RECOVERY
The benchmarked E-bath recovery/deposition method produced only 78.63% silver content after the same
five-minute trial, with significantly higher aluminium (11.40%) and oxygen (8.41%) contamination. This
underscores the superior selectivity of the JESE process, which more than doubles the purity advantage while
maintaining operational simplicity. See Table 1.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Table 1 – Purity of Recovered Silver of Both Methods
Reverse EJ Recovery (5 min)
Element
Content (%w/w)
Element
Content (%w/w)
Ag
95.95
Mn
0.05
Al
1.93
Zn
0.01
Ti
0.15
Si
0.02
Bi
0.28
Cl
0.08
Pb
0.21
O
1.13
Cu
0.14
Total Impurities
4.05
E-bath Recovery (5 min)
Element
Content (%w/w)
Element
Content (%w/w)
Ag
78.63
Mn
0.09
Al
11.40
Zn
0.06
Ti
0.20
Si
0.05
Bi
0.37
Cl
0.10
Pb
0.34
O
8.41
Cu
0.35
Total Impurities
21.37
PREVIOUS SILVER RECOVERY RESULTS
The previous test campaign (announced on 4 Sept 25) confirmed the high effectiveness of JESE in extracting
silver from solar cell contacts. In just seven minutes, the process achieved a recovery rate of 90.2%, while
extending the treatment to thirty minutes delivered over 95% recovery. Notably, these results were obtained
under mild operating conditions, using only dilute nitric acid and a low applied voltage of 5 V, underscoring the
exceptional efficiency of the method. With both strong recovery rates and now the demonstration of high-purity
silver deposition, the key proof-of-concept milestones have been successfully achieved, marking a highly
positive outcome.
COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL SIGNIFICANCE
These findings demonstrate that the JESE method can consistently deliver near-commercial grade silver in a
single recovery step. By substantially reducing the impurity burden, this process will minimize the need for
intensive secondary purification, cutting costs and improving overall yields. In addition, the shorter process time
translates into higher throughput potential, supporting scalable industrial adoption.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
From a sustainability perspective, the low-impurity profile means less chemical consumption in downstream
refining and reduced waste generation, further strengthening the environmental credentials of the technology.
Given that silver is the single most valuable recoverable element in end-of-life photovoltaic modules, these
results are a critical step in validating the economic feasibility of large-scale solar panel recycling.
NEXT STEPS
Building on these promising results, LU7 and the Macquarie University team will continue optimisation studies
to refine operating parameters and further enhance silver purity. Larger-scale pilot tests are planned to validate
the performance under continuous operating conditions. These trials will also examine the recovery efficiency
for other high-value metals, supporting the Company’s broader goal of establishing a comprehensive recycling
solution for the solar industry.
EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY
LU7 Executive Chairman, Iggy Tan, stated: “The achievement of over 95% silver recovery with near-Britannia
95.95% purity in such a short timeframe is 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.”
Authorised by the Chairman of Lithium Universe Limited
Lithium Universe Interactive Investor Hub
Engage with Lithium Universe directly by asking questions, watching video summaries and
seeing what other shareholders have to say about this, as well as past announcements, at our
Investor Hub https://investorhub.lithiumuniverse.com/
For Information:
Iggy Tan
Executive Chairman
Lithium Universe Limited
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com
Forward-looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements which are identified by words such as ‘anticipates’, ‘forecasts’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘could’, ‘believes’,
‘estimates’, ‘targets’, ‘expects’, ‘plan’ or ‘intends’ and other similar words that involve risks and uncertainties. Indications of, and guidelines or outlook
on, future earnings, distributions or financial position or performance and targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of production, prices,
operating costs, results, capital expenditures, reserves and resources are also forward-looking statements. These statements are based on an
assessment of present economic and operating conditions, and on a number of assumptions and estimates regarding future events and actions that,
while considered reasonable as of the date of this announcement and are expected to take place, are inherently subject to significant technical,
business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of
our Company, the Directors, and management. We cannot and do not give any assurance that the results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement will occur and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risk factors that could cause actual events or results to
differ materially from the events or results estimated, expressed, or anticipated in these statements.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
ABOUT LITHIUM UNIVERSE LIMITED
Lithium Universe Limited (ASX: LU7) is a forward-thinking company on a mission to close the "Lithium Conversion Gap" in North America and
revolutionize the photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling sector. The company is dedicated to securing the future of green energy by addressing two
major strategic initiatives: the development of a green, battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery in Québec, Canada, and pioneering the recycling of
valuable metals, including silver, from discarded solar panels.
Lithium Strategy: Closing the Lithium Conversion Gap
Lithium Universe is at the forefront of efforts to meet the growing demand for lithium in North America. As electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers
prepare to deploy an estimated 1,000 GW of battery capacity by 2028, the need for lithium is expected to rise dramatically. However, with only a
fraction of the required lithium conversion capacity in North America, LU7 is determined to play a pivotal role in reducing dependence on foreign supply
chains. The company is building a green, battery-grade lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Québec, leveraging the proven technology developed
at the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant. This refinery will produce up to 18,270 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate, focusing initially on the production
of lithium carbonate for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. The refinery's smaller, off-the-shelf plant model ensures efficient operations and timely
implementation, positioning LU7 as a key player in the emerging North American lithium market. With a strong leadership team, including industry
pioneers like Chairman Iggy Tan, LU7 is well-positioned to deliver this transformative project. The company's strategy is counter-cyclical, designed to
build through the market downturn and benefit from the inevitable recovery, ensuring sustained exposure to the growing lithium demand.
PV Solar Panel Recycling Strategy: Silver Extraction
As the global demand for solar energy expands, solar panel waste is projected to reach 60–78 million tonnes by 2050, making efficient recycling
solutions critical. Lithium Universe has responded by acquiring Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and Jet
Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) method, a breakthrough in recovering valuable metals from end-of-life PV panels.
Recent laboratory trials confirmed JESE’s exceptional efficiency, achieving more than 95% in 30 minutes, under mild conditions of 5 V and dilute nitric
acid Crucially, the process preserves intact silicon wafers, creating secondary value streams for reuse in solar-grade or nano-silicon applications.
Equally significant, JESE has demonstrated high-purity silver recovery. Tests yielded 95.95% silver purity within five minutes—comparable to
Britannia-grade silver, a premium alloy above sterling (92.5%) and close to bullion standard (99.9%)
Impurities were limited to just 4.05%, with aluminium and oxygen as the main trace elements, far outperforming conventional bath recovery, which
produced only 78.6% silver with over 21% impurities. With silver demand surging in solar and electronics, LU7’s technology offers a timely, sustainable,
and commercially attractive solution. Looking ahead, the Company plans to expand recovery to other critical metals, further strengthening its role in
the global circular economy.
Lithium Universe is committed to ensuring that both its lithium and PV solar recycling strategies help meet the world’s growing demand for clean
energy, while offering a sustainable solution to the challenges of resource scarcity and waste management.
Lithium Universe Limited
ASX:LU7, OTC: LUVSF, FRA: KU00
ABN 22 148 878 782
Suite 9, 295 Rokeby Road,
Subiaco, WA 6008,
Australia
Website: www.lithiumuniverse.com
Investor Hub: investorhub.lithiumuniverse
Share your feedback
Discover