Livium gets on with battery recycling and advanced cathode materials opportunities

Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT) is focused on solutions for the lithium-ion circular battery materials industry.

The company will do this through lithium-ion battery recycling at Envirostream, developing leading-edge cathode active materials for e-mobility and energy storage applications at VSPC, and developing other novel technology solutions, such as the lithium extractive processing technology LieNA^®.

Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT, OTC:LMMFF) chief executive officer Simon Linge has reaffirmed the company’s strategic direction as it begins the 2026 financial year, emphasising the group’s transition toward a recycling-centric business model. In a shareholder letter, Linge said the core divisions – Battery Recycling, Battery Materials, and Lithium Chemicals – remain integral, but battery recycling is now the company’s primary growth focus.

“Our move towards a recycling-centric model enables us to better leverage Livium’s expertise and supply chain,” he said, highlighting the strong performance of the Battery Recycling division over the past six months. 

The company plans to target adjacent commercial opportunities that complement its core capabilities.

In late FY24, Livium focused its recycling efforts on large-format lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) used in energy storage and electric vehicles. This shift led to a reduction in overall recycling volumes, as non-LIB chemistries were deprioritised. However, this change delivered significantly higher margins and improved resource efficiency.

Livium Ltd earlier this week highlighted its strategy to expand into rare earth element recycling, targeting components such as magnets in wind turbines and electric vehicle motors. CEO Simon Linge joined Proactive's Foaud Haidar to discuss.

Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT, OTC:LMMFF) Ltd has begun strategic engagement with Australian and international rare-earth element (REE) extraction developers, aiming to expand its presence in the circular economy. The initiative builds on the company’s strengths in recycling and materials recovery, with REE extraction viewed as a natural extension of its existing services. The move comes as global REE demand grows amid supply chain risks and export restrictions from China.

The REE market is forecast to reach US$9.6 billion (AU$14.7BN) by 2026, with recycling representing a valuable and underdeveloped subset. Livium’s approach leverages its existing infrastructure, particularly through subsidiary Envirostream, and supports the needs of clients in clean energy and e-mobility.

Livium Ltd’s (ASX:LIT) (OTCMKTS:LMMFF) (FRA:3MW) first-generation LieNA® lithium processing technology is set to be granted a patent from the European Patent Office, which will provide legal protection in nominated European countries for 20 years from the date of filing.

Earlier this month, the company received a standard patent ‘Certificate of Grant’ from IP Australia for its SiLeach® extraction technology for low-energy recovery of lithium from micas - potentially a shortcut in the production of lithium-ion batteries.

Livium Ltd (ASX:LIT, OTC:LMMFF) managing director and CEO Simon Linge talked with Proactive’s Tylah Tully about the company's progress with its proprietary LieNA® technology.

A partnership with Mineral Resources (MinRes) to progress the lithium extraction technology focusing on the commercialisation of this innovation has taken a significant step forward with further activities to optimise the process.

Linge discussed how the two companies have been working under their joint development agreement signed in August 2023.