MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) - Pioneering US Domestic Metal Recovery Breakthrough Nears Production

Interview with
Michael Walshe, Managing Director & CEO of MTM Critical Metals
Steve Ragiel, President of Flash Metals USA

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/mtm-critical-metals-asxmtm-revolutionary-tech-could-supply-us-critical-gallium-needs-by-2025-6590

Recording date: 15th May 2025

MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) has positioned itself for near-term production with several significant developments that strengthen its investment case. The company has secured a pre-permitted brownfield site in Texas's industrial corridor that bypasses lengthy regulatory processes, enabling commercial production by the end of 2025. This 20,000-square-foot facility of 40-foot ceilings provides immediate operational capacity and room for expansion.

"We have a very rapidly deployable technology. We can be running here in 8 months. And that compares favorably with mines and other refineries that will take 3-5 years," noted Steve Rio, President of U.S. Operations, highlighting a key competitive advantage that has garnered strong government interest.

MTM's proprietary flash heating technology combines electrical-based energy with specialized chemistry to recover high-value metals like gallium and germanium from electronic waste and production scrap. The process is approximately 90% more energy efficient than conventional smelting techniques and allows for selective recovery of specific metals with over 90% purity.
The company has established a robust commercial foundation with long-term supply agreements for electronic waste that include penalties for non-supply—a crucial provision that underpins their economic model. Similar agreements for gallium and germanium processing are being finalized with minimum floor prices to protect against market manipulation.

MTM's dual business model includes a build-own-operate approach for high-value materials and a warranty-based licensing system for mineral processing applications. This strategy allows them to focus capital on high-margin opportunities while generating additional revenue streams. Recent meetings in Washington DC have yielded strong support from congressional representatives, with officials requesting MTM identify additional sites across different U.S. regions to establish geographic diversity in domestic metal recovery capabilities.

For investors, MTM represents an opportunity to gain exposure to critical minerals with a faster path to revenue than traditional mining operations. The company's protected supply chain, energy-efficient technology, and alignment with national security priorities create a compelling investment case in a sector of growing strategic importance. The year-end commissioning target serves as a key milestone that could validate their innovative approach and potentially catalyze significant value creation.

View MTM Critical Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/mtm-critical-metals

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