Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Recovers Gallium and Platinum From E-Waste

Lithium Universe has expanded the potential reach of its electronic-waste recycling technology after laboratory testing achieved more than 99% gallium recovery and near-complete platinum recovery under selected conditions.

The University of Edinburgh work extends the company’s Gold and Copper Diamide Extraction, or GCDE, technology beyond its original focus on gold and copper, opening the possibility of recovering several high-value metals from the same electronic-waste stream.

Gallium and Platinum Added to Recovery Process

The technology uses a recyclable tertiary diamide ligand that selectively binds with metals dissolved in acidic solutions.

Under stronger acidic conditions, the ligand achieved greater than 99% precipitation of gallium. Platinum recovery depended on its oxidation state, with complete uptake achieved when platinum was present as Pt(IV) under selected conditions. Pt(II) responded differently.

Researchers also used X-ray crystallography to confirm that the target metals had been incorporated into the resulting diamide structures. Once captured, the metal-containing solids can be separated from the liquid by filtration.

The latest work follows earlier testing that achieved greater than 99% gold recovery, with subsequent processing producing metallic gold at 97.04% purity. The process also incorporates a separate copper-recovery stage after gold extraction.

Chemistry Creates Multi-Metal Opportunity

A key feature of the technology is its ability to alter metal selectivity by changing operating conditions.

At around 2 molar hydrochloric acid, the diamide strongly favoured gold. Increasing acid concentration to about 6 molar, together with excess ligand, broadened the range of metals capable of precipitating. Other variables include temperature, ligand dosage and the chemical form of the metal.

That creates the potential for a staged process in which gold is recovered first before conditions are adjusted to target gallium, platinum and potentially other valuable metals from the remaining solution.

For investors, the significance is that Lithium Universe holds an exclusive worldwide licence from the University of Edinburgh to commercialise the GCDE technology. The ability to recover several metals sequentially could increase the potential value extracted from each tonne of processed e-waste rather than relying on gold alone. The reusable ligand may also reduce reagent consumption if that performance is maintained through development.

Critical Metals Expand Addressable Market

Gallium is used extensively in semiconductors, integrated circuits, LEDs, telecommunications, power electronics and defence applications. Lithium Universe estimates the global market at about US$1 billion annually, with concentrated e-waste fractions containing as much as 35% gallium in some research.

Platinum, meanwhile, is used across catalysts, electronics, medical equipment, refining and hydrogen technologies. The company puts the global platinum market at about US$9 billion, while published research cited in the announcement found around 14 grams per tonne in discarded mobile-phone circuit boards and as much as 40 grams per tonne in some boards.

Both metals are included on the United States’ 2025 Critical Minerals List.

The next step is proving that the laboratory performance can be replicated at larger scale. Lithium Universe said further test work, process development and scale-up will be required before the technology’s commercial viability can be established.