Alpha Lithium Files Improved Preliminary Economic Assessment and Provides Update on Strategic Review Process

Alpha Lithium Files Improved Preliminary Economic Assessment and Provides Update on Strategic Review Process

Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (Germany WKN: A3CUW1) (" Alpha " or the " Company ") a company developing a portfolio of highly prospective lithium assets in Argentina, today filed the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA" or "PEA #2") for its wholly owned Tolillar lithium brine project in the Salta Province of Argentina ("Tolillar"), under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on its website at www.alphalithium.com . The Company also provides an update on its ongoing strategic review process, which continues with active discussions with multiple, multinational parties.

A series of announcements have occurred over the past weeks, which supports the Company's view on the long-term value of the Company's projects.

  1. Alpha announced its inaugural Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA #1") on July 10, 2023 ( see July 10, 2023 news release ),
  2. On July 17, 2023, Alpha announced a 70% increase in "indicated resources" and a 30% "inferred resource" increase ( see July 17, 2023 news release ),
  3. The Company subsequently undertook to incorporate the improved resource estimate into an improved PEA, resulting in a second Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA #2"), initially announced on August 14, 2023 ( see August 14, 2023 news release ), and filed in final form on SEDAR+ today.

Brad Nichol, President & CEO of Alpha, commented, "Our Strategic Review Process continues, and Alpha is well-positioned with our unique and highly attractive assets. We are engaged in ongoing and active discussions with multiple parties and are focused on producing meaningful value for our shareholders." Nichol continued, "Even with conservative estimates, Alpha's Tolillar project continues to be a significant lithium carbonate project with exceptional and increasing potential. Today's filing of PEA #2 details the C$2.3 billion NPV potential of the Tolillar project, and we look forward to realizing that value to the benefit of our shareholders."

With today's announcement, Alpha has provided six technical updates in less than three months and has achieved significant increases to 43-101 Resource Estimates related to its portfolio of highly prospective lithium assets in Argentina.

  • The Tolillar project stands out as one of the few in the world that is of this scale, independent, and wholly owned. Furthermore, its critical, abundant on-site freshwater supply makes it a rare and highly unique prospect.
  • The Hombre Muerto project is adjacent to those of multi-billion-dollar industry leaders such as POSCO (Sal de Oro project), Allkem Ltd (Sal de Vida project), both of which are at advanced stages of development, and Livent Corp, which has been producing high-quality lithium chemicals for over two decades from its Fenix project.

PEA #2 for Tolillar Salar, Argentina

PEA #2 provides an independent economic assessment of the project's potential value, based on the lithium resources outlined in the August 2023 Resource Estimate , which defined 3.6 million tonnes of Indicated Lithium Carbonate Equivalent ("LCE") and 1.4 million tonnes of Inferred LCE. The latest PEA concluded the following:

  • US$1.7 billion (C$2.3 billion) after-tax NPV with an 8% discount rate and IRR of 25.6%
  • Average Li 2 CO 3 price of $23,146 per tonne, over 35 years of production (this price assumption is significantly lower than the last 6 quarters of SQM's published average sales price achieved, which range from $34,000 to $59,000 per tonne)
  • After tax payback period of 3.7 years from start of production
  • After tax, cumulative free cash flow of US$8.2 billion ($C11.0 billion) over a 35-year production life
  • Initial capital cost ("CAPEX") of $777 million (includes contingency of $179 million)
  • Brine mining and processing cost, excluding Li 2 CO 3 transport, ("OPEX") of $5,172 per tonne
  • Cash cost of $5,980 per tonne (includes mining, processing, G&A, transportation, and royalties).

Strategic Review Update

Alpha's robust strategic review process continues to receive significant interest and remains in progress, as discussions with several interested parties continue.

Apart from Alpha's strategic review process, Tecpetrol formally initiated a hostile bid for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Alpha for a price of $1.24 on June 8, 2023, which is scheduled to expire on Friday, September 22, 2023. Alpha's board of directors, based on the unanimous recommendation of its Special Committee of independent directors and in consultation with independent experts and external advisors, recommended that Alpha shareholders REJECT the hostile bid, which they collectively and overwhelmingly viewed as opportunistic, and not in the best interests of Alpha or its shareholders. This assessment, particularly given the recent and significantly positive technical progress on Tolillar, has not changed. Alpha can not predict and will not speculate on Tecpetrol's future actions leading up to the bid's expiration, or what Tecpetrol may do if the bid expires, and has no additional updates to provide on this matter.

Alpha places a high priority on shareholder engagement and the prevailing sentiment received from shareholders, including a public statement from one of our largest shareholders, overwhelmingly suggests that the Tecpetrol bid is insufficient. To this end, Alpha reiterates that shareholders should take NO action on Tecpetrol's bid. It is not mandatory for shareholders to tender their shares and if any shareholders have already tendered and wish to withdraw their shares, they should contact Kingsdale Advisors by phone at 1-800-749-9197 (toll-free in North America) or 647-251-9740 (for collect calls outside North America) or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com , to assist you with this process.

The Company wishes to thank its shareholders for their continued confidence in the Alpha team and its strategic plan and is committed to continued shareholder engagement that is constructive and transparent. Alpha is well-positioned with its unique lithium assets, which remain highly attractive to a global list of interested parties, including Tecpetrol.

The Board is working to ensure the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders involved and will continue to keep shareholders informed of any significant developments in this process.

Qualified Person :

Dr. Mark King, PhD, FGC, PGeo, of Groundwater Insight, Inc., is a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by NI 43-101. Dr. King has extensive experience in salar environments and has been a QP on many lithium brine projects. Dr. King is independent from the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical resource information mentioned in this press release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF Alpha Lithium CORPORATION

"Brad Nichol"

Brad Nichol
President, CEO and Director

For more information:
Alpha Lithium Investor Relations
Tel: +1 844 592 6337
relations@alphalithium.com  
  www.alphalithium.com  
  www.ProtectAlphaLithium.com

About Alpha Lithium (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (Germany WKN: A3CUW1)

Alpha Lithium is a team of industry professionals and experienced stakeholders focused on the development of the Tolillar and Hombre Muerto Salars. In Tolillar, we have assembled 100% ownership of what may be one of Argentina's last undeveloped lithium salars, encompassing 27,500 hectares (67,954 acres), neighboring multi-billion-dollar lithium players in the heart of the renowned "Lithium Triangle". In Hombre Muerto, we continue to expand our 5,000+ hectare (12,570 acres) foothold in one of the world's highest quality, longest producing, lithium salars. Other companies in the area exploring for lithium brines or currently in production include Allkem Limited, Livent Corporation, and POSCO in Salar del Hombre Muerto; Allkem Limited in Salar Olaroz; Eramine SudAmerica S.A. in Salar de Centenario; and Gangfeng and Lithium Americas in Salar de Cauchari. For more information visit: www.alphalithium.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning the Tecpetrol bid and the strategic review and the possible results thereof. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the ability of the Company to successfully complete the strategic review process or to do so on a timely basis, the results of further brine process testing and exploration and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.


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Tecpetrol Bid and Hombre Muerto Drilling Update

Tecpetrol Bid and Hombre Muerto Drilling Update

Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) (" Alpha ") or the (" Company ") announces that TechEnergy Lithium Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Tecpetrol Investments S.L. (" Tecpetrol "), has advised that it has taken-up and acquired 102,692,615 common shares of Alpha, representing approximately 54% of the issued and outstanding Alpha shares, pursuant to its offer (the " Offer ") to acquire Alpha for C$1.48 in cash per share. Tecpetrol advises that they will pay for the tendered shares within three business days.

Tecpetrol has further advised that all the conditions to the Offer have been satisfied or waived (including the statutory minimum tender condition), and Tecpetrol has extended the expiry time of the Offer by a mandatory period of 10 days to 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on October 31, 2023.

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TECPETROL ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL TAKE-OVER BID TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF ALPHA LITHIUM CORPORATION AND MANDATORY EXTENSION OF OFFER TO OCTOBER 31, 2023

TECPETROL ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL TAKE-OVER BID TO ACQUIRE CONTROL OF ALPHA LITHIUM CORPORATION AND MANDATORY EXTENSION OF OFFER TO OCTOBER 31, 2023

  • Tecpetrol has satisfied the statutory minimum tender condition and has taken-up and acquired 54% of the issued and outstanding Alpha shares

  • Tecpetrol is extending the bid period for an additional 10 days in order to allow remaining minority shareholders to tender to the Offer so that they may promptly receive the offer price and cash-out their investment

  • Shareholders who have not already tendered are urged to do so immediately to ensure they receive the offer price as there can be no assurance that Tecpetrol will be able to timely complete a subsequent acquisition transaction (if at all)

  • Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 or email:   assistance@laurelhill.com   o   r visit https://www.tecpetrol.com/en/investors/alpha-lithium-offer for more information

Tecpetrol Investments S.L. (" Tecpetrol "), a member of the Techint Group, announces today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, TechEnergy Lithium Canada Inc., has taken-up and acquired 102,692,615 common shares of Alpha Lithium Corporation (" Alpha "), representing approximately 54% of the issued and outstanding Alpha shares, pursuant to its offer (the " Offer ") to acquire Alpha for C$1.48 in cash per share.  Tecpetrol will pay for the tendered shares within three business days.

All of the conditions to the Offer have been satisfied or waived (including the statutory minimum tender condition), and Tecpetrol has extended the expiry time of the Offer by a mandatory period of 10 days to 5:00 p.m. ( Vancouver time) on October 31, 2023 in order to allow the remaining minority shareholders to tender their Alpha shares to the Offer.  No further extensions are contemplated.

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Alpha Lithium Reminds Shareholders to Tender their Shares Before October 20th Deadline

Alpha Lithium Reminds Shareholders to Tender their Shares Before October 20th Deadline

  • Alpha recommends that Alpha shareholders tender their shares in advance of the October 20 th deadline.
  • Alpha's Board and Management have indicated to the Company that they intend to tender to the Revised Tecpetrol Offer.
  • PI Financial Corp. has confirmed that the Revised Tecpetrol Offer is fair to shareholders from a financial point of view.
  • Shareholders that have already tendered do not need to take any further action.
  • Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 or email: assistance@laurelhill.com or visit https://www.tecpetrol.com/en/investors/alpha-lithium-offer for more information.

Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) (" Alpha ") or the (" Company ") is issuing a reminder to shareholders to tender their shares in advance of the Revised Tecpetrol Offer deadline of 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on October 20, 2023 . Shareholders using a broker may have an earlier cut-off time.

To the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, as of October 17, 2023, each of the directors and officers of Alpha have indicated an intention to tender their shares to the Revised Tecpetrol Offer.

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TECPETROL REMINDS SHAREHOLDERS OF ALPHA LITHIUM CORPORATION TO TENDER THEIR SHARES BEFORE OCTOBER 20TH DEADLINE

TECPETROL REMINDS SHAREHOLDERS OF ALPHA LITHIUM CORPORATION TO TENDER THEIR SHARES BEFORE OCTOBER 20TH DEADLINE

  • The Tecpetrol Offer of C$1.48 in cash per share is the only offer to purchase all of the outstanding Common Shares that is currently open for acceptance by shareholders. No other binding offers have been received by Alpha.
  • The Alpha Special Committee and the Board of Directors have unanimously recommended that Alpha shareholders accept the revised and enhanced Offer from Tecpetrol and tender their shares.
  • PI Financial has confirmed that the increased Offer is fair to shareholders from a financial point of view.
  • Shareholders that have already tendered do not need to take any further action.
  • Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 or email: assistance@laurelhill.com or visit https://www.tecpetrol.com/en/investors/alpha-lithium-offer for more information.

Tecpetrol Investments S.L. (" Tecpetrol ") today issued a reminder to shareholders of Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) (" Alpha ") to tender their shares in advance of the Offer deadline of 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on October 20, 2023 . Shareholders using a broker may have an earlier cut-off time and are urged to tender their shares immediately.

On September 28, 2023 , the Board of Directors of Alpha, based on the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee and after receiving a positive independent fairness opinion from PI Financial Corp., publicly announced its unanimous recommendation that shareholders tender their shares to the enhanced Tecpetrol Offer of C$1.48 in cash per share. Since then, a significant number of shares have been tendered to the Offer. As previously disclosed, the Offer represents Tecpetrol's best and final offer to Alpha shareholders. No further extensions are contemplated .

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TECPETROL URGES ALPHA LITHIUM SHAREHOLDERS TO TENDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOLLOWING POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION BY THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AHEAD OF BID DEADLINE OF 3 OCTOBER 2023

TECPETROL URGES ALPHA LITHIUM SHAREHOLDERS TO TENDER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, FOLLOWING POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION BY THE ALPHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AHEAD OF BID DEADLINE OF 3 OCTOBER 2023

  • Alpha Lithium has announced its Board of Directors recommends that shareholders accept Tecpetrol's offer to acquire Alpha Lithium for a price of C$1.48 per share

  • Take Prompt Action – Alpha shareholders must tender their shares in advance of the expiry time of 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday , 3 October 2023

  • Questions or Need Assistance? Contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group at 1-877-452-7184 or email: assistance@laurelhill.com

On 28 September 2023 Alpha Lithium Corporation (NEO: ALLI) (OTC: APHLF) (German WKN: A3CUW1) (" Alpha " or the " Company ") announced that its Board of Directors, based upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee of independent directors and a positive fairness opinion from PI Financial Corp., recommended that Alpha shareholders accept the enhanced offer from Tecpetrol Investments S.L. (" Tecpetrol ") to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Alpha at a price of C$1.48 per share in cash (the " Offer "). Tecpetrol welcomes the Board's decision and urges Alpha shareholders to tender their Alpha shares immediately in order to crystallize a significant premium for their shares. All shares must be submitted in advance of 5:00 p.m. ( Vancouver time) on 3 October 2023 . We note that shareholders using a broker will have an earlier expiry and encourage shareholder to submit immediately.

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Market Presentation

Market Presentation

Lithium Universe (LU7:AU) has announced Market Presentation

Download the PDF here.

Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Lithium Universe (LU7:AU) has announced Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Download the PDF here.

CRML secures US$120M LOI for development of Tanbreez Project

CRML secures US$120M LOI for development of Tanbreez Project

European Lithium (EUR:AU) has announced CRML secures US$120M LOI for development of Tanbreez Project

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Resolution Minerals Ltd To Develop U.S. Government Engagement Strategy with Clewett Global Services

Resolution Minerals Ltd To Develop U.S. Government Engagement Strategy with Clewett Global Services

Adelaide, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) (FRA:NC3) (OTCMKTS:RLMLF) is pleased to announce the selection of Clewett Global Services as external affairs advisers to support the development of the Horse Heaven Antimony-Gold-Silver-Tungsten project in Idaho, USA.

Highlights

- Engagement in Washington D.C. is a critical step in positioning RML as a trusted partner in the U.S. critical minerals supply chain

- Resolution to consider applying for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) funding to expedite Horse Heaven Project in Idaho

- Neighbouring Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS) was fast-tracked for development in April 2025, and received up to US$74 million in DOD funding, highlighting strong U.S. Government commitment and support for antimony and other critical metal projects

- By aligning with U.S. Government strategic priorities, RML is actively enhancing its ability to progress Horse Heaven on a faster schedule

- Antimony, Silver, Gold and Tungsten trading at record-high prices

CLEWETT GLOBAL SERVICES APPOINTED TO WORK WITH RESOLUTION TO DEVELOP U.S. GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

The Horse Heaven Project is located directly adjacent to NASDAQ-listed Perpetua Resources' $2 billion Stibnite Gold and Antimony Project, which recently gained final record of decision approval from the U.S. Forest Service.

Horse Heaven has strong gold, antimony and silver mineralisation in two highly prospective structurally controlled mineralised corridors, and includes past-producing antimony, tungsten and gold mines.

Historical exploration results from Horse Heaven are highly encouraging and indicate similar geological characteristics to the neighbouring Stibnite project.

Given the importance of antimony to the U.S. Government's critical minerals strategy, Resolution Minerals is excited to develop the Horse Heaven Project and will be actively seeking the support of the U.S. Government to expedite its progress.

Founding Partner of Clewett Global Services, Todd Clewett, is a seasoned external affairs executive with a track record of success in engaging decision makers in Washington D.C. regarding mining and critical minerals projects. Clewett formerly headed up the external affairs function for both Newmont Corporation and Fortescue.

Background

The U.S. government has prioritised domestic and allied sources of key minerals such as antimony, tungsten and gallium recognising their importance to defense applications and renewable technologies.

Until now, the U.S. has relied mainly on China for the supply of many critical metals. Following China's total ban on exports of these metals to the U.S. in late 2024, a priority of the new Administration is to shore up its own domestic supply chains of these materials.

Fast-41 Program

The FAST-41 program, established by Title 41 of the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), is a program designed to improve the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of the federal environmental review and permitting process.

FAST-41 is designed to streamline and expedite the permitting process for infrastructure and mining projects deemed nationally significant. FAST-41 can offer benefits to project developers, including increased predictability, transparency and faster decision-making.

Some projects currently covered under FAST-41 include:

- Perpetua Resources' (PPTA.NAS) Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho

- Stillwater Palladium & Platinum Project in Montana

- Jindalee Resources' (ASX:JLL) McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon

- BPH and RIO's Resolution Copper Project in Arizona

- South32's (ASX:S32) Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in Arizona

Resolution Minerals' efforts to participate in the FAST-41 program follow the precedent set in April this year by next-door neighbour, NASDAQ-listed Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS), whose Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho became the first mining project accepted under FAST-41, and by ASX-listed Jindalee Lithium Limited (ASX:JLL), whose McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon was also successfully fasttracked under FAST-41 in April.

2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill ('Big Beautiful Bill')

The proposed 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill includes US$2.5 billion to support U.S. production of critical minerals via the National Defense Stockpile. In addition, there is US$500 million allocated to the Department of Defense Credit Program for loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance aimed at developing reliable sources of critical minerals - both within the U.S. and among key international allies.

Congress is expected to pass this bill (in some form) by the end of July 2025. Resolution has commenced plans to pursue all its available options to apply for funding that may become available upon passing of this proposed bill.

Resolution is considering opportunities under the U.S. Department of Defense's Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) programs, which support the development of reliable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

RML's Executive Director, Aharon Zaetz commented:

"We are extremely honoured for Todd Clewett to want to work with us. We feel very excited that he shares the enthusiasm for the Horse Heaven project and sees the massive potential here. Todd's experience in working with governments to develop mining projects will be an invaluable asset to RML.

Todd's experience, knowledge and network in the White House provides him with an extremely rare and unique skillset that RML shareholders are extremely privileged to benefit from.



About Resolution Minerals Ltd:  

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as antimony, gold, copper, and uranium.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 and has a broad portfolio of assets, such as the Drake East Antimony-Gold Project in north-eastern NSW and George Project prospective for silica sand and uranium.



Source:
Resolution Minerals Ltd

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Lithium Universe Ltd Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Lithium Universe Ltd Acquisition of Solar Panel Recycling Technology

Melbourne, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the global rights to commercially exploit a patented photovoltaic ("PV") solar panel recycling technology known as "Microwave Joule Heating Technology" ("MJHT" or the "Technology").

Highlights

- Agreement to acquire global rights photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology

- "Microwave Joule Heating Technology" (MJHT) from Macquarie University

- Utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells

- 60-78 million tonnes of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules cumulated by 2050

- Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide

- Most end up in land fill as valuable waste

- Hard to recycle, high temperature furnace, toxic chemicals, low recovery

- MJHT and Delamination enables selective separation of materials - higher recoveries

- To investigate further recovery of silver, silicon, gallium and indium

- Binding commitments received to raise $1.7 million via placement to existing and new sophisticated and professional investors

The rights will be secured via an exclusive licensing agreement ("Licensing Agreement") with Macquarie University ("MQU"), held through an Australian-incorporated holding company, New Age Minerals Pty Ltd ("NAM"). The key terms of the Licensing Agreement are set out in Schedule 1*. The transaction will be effected by LU7 acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of NAM ("Proposed Transaction").

The basis of the technology platform utilises microwave technology to selectively heat silicon thereby softening the EVA encapsulant in solar panels, enabling easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable materials at room temperature. This approach avoids the need for extreme heat (1400degC) typically required for separating materials like glass and silicon as well as the use of costly hazardous chemicals in traditional processes. Delamination enables selective separation of materials without the need for mechanical crushing, whereas traditional crushing methods often result in cross-contaminated material and lower recovery rates.

A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme1 projected that global waste PV modules will amount to 1.7-8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste worth over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is projected to grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.

Currently, only 15% of used PV cells are recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills.

This low recycling rate is due to complex processes, high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery yields. The Technology, developed by MQU, enhances the extraction of valuable metals such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium from discarded PV panels using microwave and delaminating techniques. The breakthrough technology offers a promising new approach for enhanced recovery of valuable metals like Silver, Silicon, Gallium, and Indium. The Company plans to initiate further research and development in this area.

THE PROBLEM TODAY

The world's renewable energy transition is moving fast, with large-scale PV solar panels playing a central role in national energy strategies. The global solar cell market is projected to hit US$39.81 billion by 2037, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.2%.

Approximately 37% of Australian households have installed solar panels. This represents over 4 million homes and small businesses with solar power systems. The Clean Energy Council reports that 12.4% of Australia's electricity generation in 2024 came from rooftop solar.

However, as these panels approach the end of their 25-30-year lifespan, the industry faces a growing challenge: managing solar panel waste and recovering valuable materials. A report published by International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) Task12 and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016 projected world's waste PV modules globally to amount to 1,7-8,0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and to 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia alone is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of end-of-life solar panels, with a total material value of over $1 billion. By 2045, Australia could be looking at 34.6 GW of serviceable panels that will need to be recycled or repurposed, equivalent to the total installed solar capacity in the country as of August 2024.

LOW RECYCLING RATES

The global recycling rate for PV solar panels is around 15%, driven by several challenges. The recycling process is complex, requiring high temperatures and toxic chemicals, making it costly and energy intensive. Economic incentives are limited as the recovery of valuable materials like silicon does not provide sufficient financial returns. However, if recycling technologies can effectively attract and recover critical materials like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium, the financial viability of recycling improves, driving higher recycling rates.

Additionally, the lack of recycling infrastructure and the diverse materials in panels further complicate efficient separation, but advancements in technology are addressing these issues.

When waste PV cells aren't recycled, they often end up in landfills, causing numerous environmental problems.

Panels can contain harmful materials like cadmium and lead, which may leak into the ground and water, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. Valuable metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are lost, adding to the strain on natural resources. As more solar panels reach the end of their life, landfills fill up, and the energy stored in these materials is wasted. Recycling can help solve these issues by recovering critical materials and cutting down on pollution.

POTENTIAL GROWTH OF PV RECYCLING INDUSTRY

The nascent PV solar panel recycling industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for critical metals such as silicon, silver, and indium, which hold substantial economic value. As the market for endof-life (EoL) solar panels expands, driven by both economic opportunities and environmental needs, the recovery of these materials is becoming a lucrative business. The market for recyclable materials from EoL solar panels is projected to reach over $2.7 billion by 2030 and could approach $80 billion by 2050, according to Rystad Energy. This growth is further fuelled by the fact that recovering materials from used panels can offset the need for costly and environmentally damaging virgin material extraction. Additionally, recycling helps secure a domestic supply of critical metals, reducing reliance on volatile foreign sources. Advancements in recycling technology, particularly in recovering high-value materials like silicon and silver, are making these processes more economically viable and environmentally necessary. Research has demonstrated that up to 98% of silver and nearly all of copper, lead, and other valuable metals can be recovered efficiently, enhancing the profitability of the recycling industry. As technology improves, the recycling of PV panels will play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a circular economy and sustainable energy future.

CRITICAL METALS IN PV CELLS

As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise with the global shift to clean energy, the need to recover valuable materials from these panels becomes increasingly urgent. Solar panels are made up of 95% recyclable materials, including silver, aluminum, silicon, copper, indium, and gallium-all of which are vital to global clean energy supply chains. Rare metals like gallium are essential for solar fuel cells, semiconductor chips, and other high-tech applications, making their recovery from e-waste a key priority.

COMMENTS: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, IGGY TAN

"Now that we have completed our lithium refinery DFS and secured all necessary components-including land and partnerships-we are positioned and ready for a lithium price recovery. We are confident in our counter-cyclical strategy and firmly believe that LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds. While awaiting this recovery, we have been presented with an exciting opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge photovoltaic recycling technology".

"I am thrilled about the acquisition of Macquarie University's Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the opportunity to potentially extract critical metals such as silver from solar panel recycling.

The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater, with only 15% of panels currently being recycled. The mass accumulation of solar panel waste in landfills is a growing problem, as valuable critical metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are left behind, contributing to both resource depletion and environmental harm. Microwave technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes. We firmly believe that this technology represents the future of solar panel waste management. We are eager to collaborate with the Macquarie team to develop a more efficient and cost-effective recycling process".

*To view the full release with tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/A0938OHA

To view the Market Presentation, please visit:
https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/JJ10ITOI



About Lithium Universe Ltd:  

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe's mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.



Source:
Lithium Universe Ltd

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