Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7, OTC:LUVSF) has successfully completed the first tranche of its $2.5 million share placement to sophisticated and professional investors, raising $2.46 million to accelerate development of its lithium refinery in Québec and solar-panel recycling technology in Australia.
The Tranche 1 shares — totalling 153.75 million at $0.016 each — were issued under the company’s existing placement capacity, representing a 2% premium to the 15-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP).
Subject to shareholder approval, participants will also receive one free-attaching option for every four shares subscribed, exercisable at $0.008 and expiring August 7, 2028.
Lead manager 62 Capital received 9.38 million shares in lieu of fees, also under Lithium Universe’s 7.1 placement capacity, and will be entitled to options on the same basis once approved.
Tranche 2, comprising a further 2.5 million shares to raise $40,000, is expected to be finalised following shareholder approval at a general meeting in December 2025. Executive chairman Iggy Tan will participate in this tranche.
Tan said the outcome reaffirmed investor confidence in Lithium Universe’s dual clean-energy focus.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the placement, which, at a premium to the 15-day VWAP, reaffirms support for the company’s strategic direction.”
Funding the next growth phase
Proceeds from the raise will support key project workstreams, including:
- $1.5 million toward the Bécancour Lithium Refinery project in Québec,
- $400,000 for development of its solar-panel recycling technology, and
- $600,000 for corporate and working-capital purposes.
Closing the lithium conversion gap
Lithium Universe’s Bécancour project is designed to produce up to 18,270 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate for the North American market, targeting growing demand from LFP battery manufacturers. The company aims to replicate proven processing technology from the Jiangsu Lithium Carbonate Plant and is pursuing a modular, small-scale model for faster deployment.
Recycling the solar future
Alongside the refinery, Lithium Universe is commercialising Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating and Jet Electrochemical Silver Extraction (JESE) technologies — a breakthrough process for recovering silver and other metals from end-of-life photovoltaic panels.
Lab tests have shown silver recovery of 95.95% purity within minutes, far exceeding traditional methods and offering the potential for new circular-economy revenue streams.
Together, the twin initiatives form the foundation of the company’s strategy to “close the lithium conversion gap” and provide sustainable, technology-led solutions for the clean-energy transition.