Phoenix Tailings’ Post

We are pleased to announce that Phoenix Tailings has secured a $1 million ARPA-E Revolutionizing Ore to Steel to Impact Emissions (ROSIE) grant. This grant is a testament to our industry-leading advancements in zero-emission iron production from discarded tailings waste.  This innovative process is a complementary addition to our platform technology which is designed to economically recover high-grade iron from tailings, including iron ore tailings and bauxite residue, leading to the successful remediation of the sites. By converting what was once considered waste into high-grade iron and other critical minerals, we are setting new industry standards in cost efficiency and environmental stewardship. This grant will accelerate our efforts to increase the yield and quality of iron production, further proving that sustainable practices can coexist with economic growth. We are excited to continue leading the way in eco-friendly mining innovations. 

Our CTO and co-founder, Tomás Villalón Jr., PhD, recently presented as part of the Charles River Museum’s Mill Talk Series. His talk, titled "The Hidden Costs of a Greener Future," focused on how the mining industry must adapt in order to meet the growing demands of renewable energy and electrification. His talk offered incredibly interesting and informative insights into the primary challenges surrounding sustainable resource extraction and why sustainability must be a crucial priority for the mining industry moving forward. Massive thanks to everyone at the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation for making this event possible!

We are thrilled to share that Phoenix Tailings has been awarded a $1.4 million grant through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) program. This grant will go towards our work in producing critical rare earth metals through our innovative, entirely sustainable process. This grant enables us to continue pioneering new solutions in the mining and metals production industry right here in Massachusetts. Through innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies, we're transforming what was once a concern into an opportunity for sustainable progress. This grant underscores the state's commitment to growing opportunities for both companies and workers within the Commonwealth. By investing in our technology, we can further develop an environmentally conscious and commercially viable domestic rare earth industry. A clean rare earth industry will be essential to the continued prosperity of US critical technology manufacturing and the implementation of renewable energy. A huge shoutout to everyone at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative for all the fantastic work!

Rare earths and other metals are central to the renewable energy shift. From EV motors to wind turbines, these resources are helping to power our future. Despite this, the rare earth industry has a history of environmentally destructive practices which must be addressed as our dependence on these materials is projected to increase dramatically. At Phoenix tailings we have developed an industry leading approach to reduce rare earth related environmental damage. By extracting these minerals from pre-existing and new mining waste, we can help ramp up global production efforts in a safe, environmentally friendly, and commercially viable way. All without a need for new mining operations and waste generation.

The mining industry is facing increasing pressure for transparency and accountability, with over half of global mines lacking complete data, this has hindered efforts to assess environmental damage and broader impacts on surrounding areas. At Phoenix Tailings, we aim to address this challenge by minimizing the environmental impact of mining waste. Partnering with large operations allows us to lessen their environmental ramifications while increasing their value. Through extracting valuable materials like rare earths, nickel, and iron oxide from tailings, we not only prevent resource waste, but also strive to mitigate environmental risks associated with conventional tailing management practices.

The massive volume of mining waste lying dormant all over this country is a ticking time bomb. The full environmental ramifications of allowing this waste to fester, unattended to, is yet to be felt. We need to get ahead of these issues to protect our local environments. Ironically, lots of this mining waste contains a tremendous amount of value. In the form of critical materials, crucial to an electrified and sustainable future, this value can be tapped into with innovative recovery technologies. Our approach at Phoenix Tailings is to view these wastes not as an endpoint but as an untapped resource. By reprocessing and repurposing this toxic waste, we can reduce the need for further mining, mitigate environmental impact, and create a circular economy that benefits both the planet and our economy. We invite partners, innovators, and community leaders to join us in this endeavor. Together, we can redefine waste and work towards a future where the environment no longer bears the cost of our past but is supported by our present actions.