Phoenix Tailings extracts rare earth metals from mining waste

Phoenix Tailings, a startup founded by MIT alumni, has developed an electrochemical process to extract rare earth metals from mining waste. The company says the method produces no toxins and is carbon-free when powered by renewables.

• Startup founded in 2019 by MIT alumni including Tomás Villalón Jr. and Michelle Chao
• Process targets mining waste, which exceeds several billion tons globally
• Electrochemical method is toxin-free and carbon-free with renewable power