MTM Critical Metals Ltd (ASX: MTM) has been invited to present its groundbreaking Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology at the prestigious COSM Technology Summit in Seattle, USA. The event is a premier gathering of global tech leaders, including the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, and NVIDIA, as well as visionary investors. COSM, founded by renowned futurist George Gilder, has earned a reputation for hosting some of the brightest minds in technology and finance. Past luminaries include PayPal’s Peter Thiel, Forbes’ Steve Forbes, and AI pioneer Ray Kurzweil.
MTM’s CEO, Michael Walshe, and USA President, Steve Ragiel, will have the rare opportunity to showcase the company’s Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, which has the potential to revolutionise metal recovery, particularly in the recycling of e-waste—a rapidly growing global problem. Walshe commented that the COSM summit “gathers some of the brightest minds in technology and innovation, providing an unparalleled platform to showcase our advancements and connect with potential strategic partners.”
Dr James Tour: The Scientist Behind the Innovation
A major highlight of MTM’s presentation will be the involvement of Dr James Tour, a world-renowned scientist and inventor of Flash Joule Heating technology. Tour, a Professor of Chemistry at Rice University, brings decades of expertise in materials science and nanotechnology. His research has garnered over 120 patents, and he has been recognised as one of the "World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds" by Thomson Reuters. Notably, Dr Tour was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors in 2015, further underlining his credibility in cutting-edge research and innovation.
Dr Tour’s Flash Joule Heating technology was originally developed at Rice University and is designed to recover valuable metals from both waste streams and ores with unprecedented efficiency. The process involves rapidly heating materials in a controlled atmosphere, which reduces energy consumption and chemical use compared to traditional methods. In the case of e-waste, this means recovering high-value metals such as gold, palladium, and copper, which are often lost in inefficient recycling processes.
"I am thrilled to see the excellent progress MTM is making with the commercialisation of Flash Joule Heating technology for metal extraction," said Dr Tour. "Presenting this technology at the COSM Summit is a significant milestone, and I look forward to showcasing its immense potential alongside the MTM team."
Recent Results and Future Plans
MTM’s recent test results have demonstrated the real-world potential of FJH, particularly in e-waste recycling. The company has successfully achieved high recovery rates for gold, silver, copper, and palladium from electronic waste, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to existing processes. Initial trials have shown recovery rates as high as 86% for tin and 82% for palladium, all without the need for toxic chemicals like those used in conventional hydrometallurgical techniques.
The company is already progressing toward the construction of a 1-ton-per-day demonstration plant, a key step towards commercialising its FJH technology. By Q4 2025, MTM expects to begin commercial production of gallium from semiconductor scrap, positioning itself to meet the rising global demand for this critical metal, especially in the US, which views gallium as a national security asset due to its applications in defence and electronics.
In addition to gallium, MTM is targeting lithium recovery, aiming to provide a greener and more efficient method for extracting lithium from spodumene concentrate. The company’s FJH process could potentially eliminate the need for energy-intensive kiln calcination, drastically cutting both costs and carbon emissions.
Commercialisation Strategy
MTM’s roadmap to commercial success involves scaling up its FJH technology across multiple verticals, including semiconductor recycling, lithium extraction, and e-waste processing. The company is also in discussions with several strategic partners to secure non-dilutive funding, including government grants from agencies like the US Department of Energy and Department of Defence.
CEO Michael Walshe summarised the company’s outlook, stating, "Our ambition is clear: to lead the market in sustainable metal recovery. The COSM summit provides an ideal opportunity to accelerate our growth by connecting with potential partners who share our vision for a circular economy."
The Big Stage: COSM Summit
MTM’s participation in the COSM Technology Summit is a strategic move that places it in front of global heavyweights who could play a pivotal role in its future. By showcasing its disruptive technology alongside industry titans, MTM is not just looking for validation—it’s angling for partnerships that could catapult the company to the forefront of the critical metals and recycling industries.
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, MTM’s Flash Joule Heating technology may be the game-changer that both the tech and metals sectors have been waiting for. As Dr Tour joins forces with MTM at the summit, all eyes will be on how this Australian company plans to reshape the future of metal extraction.
