Lithium Refining Meets Silver Recycling | Lithium Universe Iggy Tan

Sep 4, 2025

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Howard and Rodney return with another Rock Stock Channel update, speaking with Lithium Universe (ASX: LU7) Chairman Iggy Tan. In this interview, we cover the company’s evolving strategy as it balances long-term lithium ambitions with a new entry into solar panel recycling and silver recovery.

Lithium Universe began with the goal of building a lithium carbonate refinery in Bécancour, Quebec, supported by a completed DFS. While awaiting a lithium market recovery, the company has diversified through the acquisition of global rights to a PV cell recycling technology developed at Macquarie University. This innovation could unlock value by separating solar panel materials efficiently and recovering silver at scale.

Key topics discussed:
- Lithium Universe’s counter-cyclical approach to lithium refining in Canada
- Why margins in lithium conversion remain robust despite market volatility
- The scale of end-of-life solar panel waste and silver recovery potential
- Details of Macquarie University’s microwave and electrochemical recycling process
- Outlook for silver demand, supply deficits, and pricing trends
- Upcoming milestones: pilot work, potential partnerships, and grant applications
- Broader lithium supply-demand dynamics in North America, Europe, and China

With a market cap of ~A$16 million and a share price up nearly 3x from its June placement, Lithium Universe offers investors exposure to both critical battery metals and emerging recycling opportunities.

📖 Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:48) Iggy Tan's Lithium Background
(02:59) Lithium Universe Strategy and Refinery Plans
(05:13) Economics of Lithium Conversion Outside China
(07:30) Global Push for Renewable Energy and PV Adoption
(09:03) Solar Panel Waste and Recycling Opportunities
(10:57) Macquarie University Recycling Technology
(16:05) Commercialization and Global Expansion Plans
(16:57) Next Steps: Pilot Plant and Partnerships
(17:43) Milestones for Investors (6-12 Months)
(19:40) Lithium Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Recovery
(23:23) Closing Remarks

🌍 Links
LU7 Website: https://www.lithiumuniverse.com/
Follow on X: https://x.com/lithiumuniverse | https://x.com/TanIggy

RK Equity Website: https://rkequity.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannel
Podcast:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINq
X (Twitter):
Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull
Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13
Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley

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DISCLAIMER

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Rodney and Howard are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity’s website https://www.rkequity.com

Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein