Lithium Universe Ltd has launched a pioneering metals recovery program focusing on silver extraction from photovoltaic solar panels, collaborating with Macquarie University to develop innovative recycling technologies.

The company’s initial phase prioritizes silver recovery, which is economically significant given each panel contains about 20 grams of silver valued at roughly $36, and the global silver demand is projected to reach a record 680 million ounces in 2025 amid a supply deficit.

Following the first phase, Lithium Universe plans to expand its recovery efforts to include other critical metals such as silicon, gallium, and indium, which are vital for clean energy and semiconductor industries.

Global solar panel waste is expected to surge from 8 million tonnes in 2030 to between 60 and 78 million tonnes by 2050, with Australia alone projected to produce 1 million tonnes by 2035, representing a significant recycling opportunity.

Currently, only 15% of photovoltaic cells are recycled worldwide, but the increasing waste underscores the importance of efficient recovery methods for valuable materials like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium.

Lithium Universe employs Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT), which uses microwave energy to facilitate room-temperature delamination of PV panels, enhancing recovery efficiency without high heat or hazardous chemicals.

In June 2025, Lithium Universe secured exclusive global rights to MJHT from Macquarie University, enabling energy-efficient metal recovery from solar panel waste and reducing environmental impact.

The rising price of silver, which has increased by 126% since 2018 to $34 per ounce in 2025, provides a strong economic incentive for recycling silver from solar panels.

With global silver demand projected to hit 680 million ounces in 2025 and a market deficit of approximately 117.6 million ounces, Lithium Universe aims to capitalize on this growing market through its recycling initiatives.

The concentration of gallium and indium production in China, which supplies over 80% of gallium and 60% of indium, highlights the need for domestic recycling efforts to ensure supply security and technological sovereignty.

Each solar panel contains about 20 grams of silver, valued at around $36, making it a significant resource for recovery and contributing to the $154 billion global silver recovery market.

Lithium Universe is also developing a patent-pending silver extraction process for silicon wafers, which will complement the MJHT technology and potentially improve overall recovery efficiency.