In the relentless march of modern technology, the world’s appetite for critical minerals continues to grow—driven by the promise of cleaner energy and the omnipresence of devices that shape our lives. But as the demand for lithium, cobalt, and nickel surges, so too does the reality of extraction: a costly, complex process mired in geopolitical tensions and environmental consequences.
Enter Momentum Technologies, a Dallas-based company that sees value where others see waste. At its helm is Mahesh Konduru, a chemical engineer turned CEO, who, along with his team, is rewriting the rules of resource recovery. Instead of digging deeper into the earth, Momentum looks to the discarded—rare earth magnets and spent lithium-ion batteries—to reclaim the materials that keep the world spinning.
In this interview, Konduru traces the arc of Momentum’s story: from a modest lab setup to a world-class demonstration plant, all while navigating the intricate dance between innovation and sustainability. It’s a story that speaks to a larger truth about the future of industry and the shifting narratives of scarcity and abundance. And perhaps, it’s a glimpse of how the detritus of today can power the technologies of tomorrow.
➜ Momentum Technologies focuses on critical mineral recovery.
➜ The lithium battery industry is pivotal for EV adoption.
➜ Sustainability involves using fewer hard-to-find resources.
➜ Closed-loop systems can eliminate harmful reagents.
➜ Scaling technology requires rigorous de-risking processes.
➜ Client validation is crucial for market acceptance.
➜ Flexibility in battery chemistries is essential for innovation.
➜ Effective marketing highlights technical capabilities.
➜ Global policy shifts can positively impact the industry.
➜ Entrepreneurs should focus on understanding client needs.