Securing 80ktpa of Spodumene, Extracting Silver from Solar Panels | Lithium Universe's Iggy Tan

Lithium Universe CEO Iggy Tan provides a timely update on the company’s lithium refinery strategy, project financing path, and new technology initiatives as lithium markets recover. Chapters (00:00) Introduction(03:23) Norah Offtake Agreement(07:26) Financing And Lithium Price Recovery(10:10) Brownsville U.S. Refinery Plan(13:52) Quebec Project Priority(15:31) Solar Recycling And Silver Tech(18:30) Demo Plant Strategy(20:28) Silver Demand And Government Support(23:14) Near-Term Catalysts(24:36) Nigeria Feedstock Supply(28:34) CapEx And Funding Path(30:59) Outlook And Closing   We (Howard and Rodney) discuss Lithium Universe’s binding 10-year (plus 5-year evergreen) feedstock agreement with Norah Mining Limited, securing 80,000 tonnes per annum of spodumene concentrate with a partner discount that could materially strengthen refinery margins and improve financing discussions. For merchant lithium converters, feedstock security is often the critical hurdle — this agreement directly addresses that risk. We also review the company’s plan to replicate its Quebec refinery model in Brownsville, Texas, positioning the project within the U.S. critical minerals supply chain with port access, established infrastructure, and permitting advantages. Beyond lithium conversion, we examine Lithium Universe’s photovoltaic (solar panel) recycling and silver extraction technology, which uses microwave separation and electrochemical recovery to produce high-purity silver while reducing reagent consumption. With silver now recognized as a critical metal, this adds a potential second value stream to the business. Finally, we talk through the lithium price rebound, how current carbonate prices compare to the company’s DFS assumptions, and what that means for project economics, partnerships, and next milestones. Topics covered: • Lithium refinery development in Quebec and Texas• Long-term spodumene supply agreements• Lithium price recovery and project economics• Battery metals and critical minerals strategy• Solar panel recycling and silver recovery technology• Financing, JV partners, and near-term catalysts As always, our aim is to provide a clear, balanced discussion of the strategy, risks, and opportunities shaping Lithium Universe’s next phase.   Sponsors - Lithium Royalty Corp (TSX: LIRC) - diversified lithium royalty portfolio.(Website: https://www.lithiumroyaltycorp.com/ | X: https://x.com/Lithium_Royalty) - USCF Investments - commodity-focused ETFs (e.g., CPER copper, ZSB battery metals, USG gold, SDCI diversified commodities).(Website: https://www.uscfinvestments.com/ | X: https://x.com/USCFInvestments)   Links - Strategic Lithium Reserve (SLR) White Paper: https://blog.rkequity.com/2025/12/08/strategic-lithium-reserve/- Read Matt's research blog: https://blog.rkequity.com/- Sign up for the Lithium-Ion Bull newsletter/Matt's Blogs: https://rkequity.com/ Have a question? Drop us an email: rockstockchannel@rkequity.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rockstockchannelPodcast:  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lithium-ion-rocks/id1457969172  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0KiMIZOPaDg8ENfPJMSINqX (Twitter):  Howard: https://x.com/LithiumIonBull  Rodney: https://x.com/RodneyHooper13  Matt: https://x.com/matt_fernley _________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH Howard, Matt and Rodney are not financial advisors nor broker-dealers, this video is for information purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice. Please do your own independent research and read the disclaimer at the end of the video or on RK Equity's website https://www.rkequity.com Intro and outro audio credit: Jamie Klein