Livium and MinRes have formalised a joint venture deal two years in the making, bringing them one step closer to commercialising a new lithium extraction technology.
ASX-listed Livium has formalised a joint venture deal with Mineral Resources to commercialise its lithium extraction technology.
A new entity, named after Livium’s patented LieNA tech, will hold all IP related to the extraction process, which is designed to recover lithium from fine and low-grade spodumene that’s typically discarded as waste.
The partners intend to license the process to third parties, targeting an 8 per cent gross product royalty.
While the next stage in the commercialisation pathway is a demonstration plant, both companies have agreed to extend their previously set deadlines, citing the challenging market conditions for lithium pundits.
Prices for the energy metal have fallen sharply over the past year, with subdued demand for lithium curtailing new project investment.
According to Livium and MinRes, the extensions will give them time to monitor market dynamics and explore alternative partnership or monetisation options.
Livium chief executive Simon Linge said the partnership was the result of a two-year collaboration with Mineral Resources, which began under a joint development agreement in 2023.
“Early in our engagement, we identified MinRes’ deep operational expertise and strategic vision as key attributes to assist in the commercialisation of LieNA,” Mr Linge said.
“We are fully committed to working with MinRes to unlock the commercial potential of this technology and deliver value to our shareholders.”
In a market announcement on Monday, Mineral Resources said it believed LieNA had a role to play in the future of lithium processing, with potential benefits for its own operations in Western Australia.
The LieNA technology partnership was first announced in August 2023, when the larger miner committed $4.5 million to develop a pilot plant and conduct an engineering study for a demonstration facility.
Tests indicated the process could increase lithium extraction yields by up to 50 per cent compared with traditional methods, while reducing energy consumption by replacing roasting with a chemical concentration process.
The joint venture plans to initially license the technology to a semi-commercial facility, which MinRes can choose to independently fund, develop and operate.
If successful, the licensing model could be expanded to projects in Australia, North America, Europe and Africa.
Livium, formerly known as Lithium Australia, has diversified its operations in recent years, most notably through its Envirostream battery recycling business, which recorded its first operating profit in late 2024.
The company has also secured state government funding to build a battery sorting and dismantling facility in Western Australia as part of efforts to support the circular economy.
Livium shares are up 10 per cent on the joint venture news, changing hands for 1.2 cents each in a $19.57 million market cap.
MinRes shares also enjoyed an 11.95 per cent boost on Monday morning following reports that a major Chinese lithium mine was halting production.
