Livium Receives WA Government Funding to Develop Onshore Battery Recycling Plant

Highlights

• Livium secures $850,000 grant for an EV battery recycling plant in Western Australia.
• WA government grant aims to boost e-waste management and recycling capabilities.
• The facility supports Australia’s shift towards sustainable, onshore battery recycling.

In a significant development for Australia’s e-waste management sector, Livium (ASX:LIT) has been awarded approximately $850,000 by the Western Australian State Government. This funding supports Livium’s initiative to construct an electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling facility, marking a step forward in the state’s commitment to sustainable recycling and reducing reliance on international supply chains. 

The funding comes from the Western Australian government’s electronic waste infrastructure grant funding program, designed to bolster recycling capabilities in the region. This initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at creating a “circular economy,” promoting sustainable practices by enabling companies to reuse and recycle resources domestically. Through a competitive grant process, Livium received funding under ‘Stream 2,’ which focuses on supporting substantial recycling and reprocessing projects. 

This grant comes at a critical time, as the Western Australian government recently enacted a ban on e-waste disposal in landfills across the state. This policy is part of a broader “waste avoidance and resource recovery” strategy, which aims to minimize landfill use and reduce potential fire risks associated with e-waste storage. The state’s proactive approach aligns with global efforts to increase recycling capabilities, especially in sectors where materials are traditionally difficult to dispose of sustainably. 

Livium’s CEO, Simon Linge, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Australia’s circular economy. “This grant from the WA government represents a meaningful step forward in our mission to establish a sustainable national battery recycling ecosystem,” he shared. The government’s support is geared toward enhancing the collection, storage, processing, and recycling of e-waste, which in turn creates local jobs and strengthens Western Australia’s recycling infrastructure. 

The planned Western Australian facility will serve as the initial processing point for battery materials. Following the extraction and initial treatment of these materials, they will be sent to Livium’s secondary facility in Campbellfield, Victoria, operated by Envirostream, a subsidiary of Livium. This two-facility model enables Livium to handle battery materials within Australia, aligning with the nation’s recent drive to develop sovereign capabilities in critical industries. 

As the demand for EV batteries continues to rise, Livium’s recycling facility addresses a key need for domestic recycling options. By reprocessing battery materials within Australia, the company helps reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, especially those dominated by overseas markets such as China. This initiative not only supports the environment but also strengthens Australia’s position in the global e-waste recycling landscape.  

With its stock trading recently at 2 cents per share, Livium’s progress in the onshore recycling sector underscores its commitment to sustainability and resource independence.