Joint venture formed for LieNA tech

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) and Livium (ASX: LIT) have established a joint venture (JV) for the commercialisation of the LieNA lithium processing technology.

The technology has the potential to enhance extraction yields by 50% over current market performance by utilising recovery form fine and low-grade spodumene that is usually discarded as waste streams.

Under the terms of the JV, LieNA, both companies will have a 50% stake in the ownership and commercialisation of the LieNA technology following successful pilot plant results.

Livium chief executive and managing director Simon Linge says the company identified MinRes’ deep operational expertise and strategic vision as key attributes to assist in the commercialisation of LieNA.

“While the lithium market is currently navigating a cyclical downturn, the fundamental demand drivers such as electrification, decarbonisation and supply chain localisation, remain,” he said.

“With our immediate priority being to scale our recycling business, we will now take the opportunity, with MinRes, to explore options to realise short term value or alternatively preserve medium term value from the LieNA technology.”

Following the successful completion of the Stage 1A activities, the LieNA JV will now work to license the LieNA technology to third parties at a target headline gross product royalty rate of 8%.

The JV will initially license the LieNA technology to a semi-commercial facility, which MinRes can choose to independently fund, develop and operate.

The LieNA demonstration plant will aim to extract lithium salt at a commercial scale under the licence, which will apply current and future MinRes projects.