What technology did Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) acquire?

Lithium Universe has secured exclusive global rights to the Gold Copper Diamide Extraction (GCDE) process, a patented hydrometallurgical technology developed by the University of Edinburgh.

Why is the GCDE technology relevant to the global e-waste crisis?

Global e-waste generation is projected to reach an estimated 93.5 million tonnes by 2030, with 80% currently ending up in landfills. The GCDE technology targets this growing environmental issue by capturing valuable resources from urban waste streams before they are permanently discarded.

What are the environmental advantages of the Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) extraction process?

Unlike conventional electronic waste recycling, which relies on high-temperature smelting, the GCDE process uses simple, recyclable organic compounds. This chemical method offers a more sustainable footprint by lowering processing emissions and reducing overall environmental impact.

How much gold and copper can be recovered using this technology?

A single metric tonne of e-waste holds roughly 200 to 350 grams of gold, which is about 100 times higher than concentrations found in natural gold ore. The process also recovers an estimated 50 to 270 kilograms of copper per tonne of electronic waste.

What is the estimated dollar value of the metals recovered by Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7)?

Based on the company's metrics, the extracted gold content is valued at approximately US$46,320 per tonne of e-waste, assuming a yield of 300g/t at US$4,800/oz. The recovered copper adds an estimated US$2,064 per tonne based on a yield of 160kg/t at US$12,900/t.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Lithium Universe secures breakthrough global e-waste tech

Published May. 27 2026Last Updated May. 27 2026

Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has secured exclusive global rights to a breakthrough electronic waste recycling technology developed by the University of Edinburgh.

The patented Gold Copper Diamide Extraction hydrometallurgical process offers a highly efficient method for selectively extracting gold and copper from discarded electronic items, including mobile phones, laptops, and printed circuit boards, with minimal impurities.

The technological development arrives at a critical time for global waste management. Projections show that global e-waste generation will escalate to an estimated 93.5 million tonnes by 2030, with 80% currently destined for landfills.

The GCDE technology addresses this growing environmental crisis by targeting urban waste streams that are remarkably rich in precious resources.

For instance, a single metric tonne of e-waste contains approximately 200 to 350 grammes of gold, representing a concentration roughly 100 times higher than what is typically found in natural gold ore.

By utilising simple, recyclable organic compounds rather than conventional high-temperature smelting, the innovative chemical process offers clear environmental advantages.

The extraction yields are highly lucrative, with estimated gold values reaching US$46,320 per tonne of e-waste alongside significant copper recovery worth US$2,064 per tonne.

Lithium Universe executives noted that this newly acquired extraction technology perfectly complements the company's existing silver extraction processes used in photovoltaic recycling.

At the time of reporting, Lithium Universe's share price was $0.0080.