Phoenix Tailings CEO Nick Myers at Milken Global: “Breakthrough Technology, Not Old Models, Will Solve America’s Critical Mineral Crisis”

Highlights

• Event: Milken Institute Global Conference
• Speaker: Phoenix Tailings CEO Nick Myers
• Topic: U.S. leadership in transforming critical mineral supply chains
• Discussion:
  • Geopolitical risks of depending on foreign, especially Chinese, sources for strategic materials
• Proposal: Phoenix Tailings’ zero-waste metallurgy approach
• Goals:
  • Restore sovereign control
  • Drive industrial innovation

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In a high-profile panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference, Phoenix Tailings (opens in a new tab) CEO and Co-Founderer Nick Myers (opens in a new tab) delivered a clear message: the United States must abandon outdated models and lead with innovation to secure its critical mineral supply chains. Speaking alongside a distinguished panel including former Assistant Secretary of State Frank Fannon, BHP CFO Vandita Pant, and Yamaha Motor Ventures CEO Kei Onishi, Myers made the case for scalable, American-led breakthroughs to meet the defining industrial challenge of our time.

Moderated by S&P Global Vice Chairman Daniel Yergin, (opens in a new tab) the panel “_Critical Minerals, Critical Risks: Securing Supply Chains (opens in a new tab)_” opened with a pointed question: “Why are we talking about critical minerals?” The answer became evident as panelists laid out the geopolitical, technological, and economic risks of dependence on foreign—especially Chinese—sources for rare earths and other strategic materials.

“Our industrial future cannot be built on Chinese inputs,” Myers emphasized. “Simply opening new mines isn’t enough, and importing outdated tech won’t work. The United States has always succeeded by solving hard problems with vision and speed. That’s what Phoenix is doing—developing breakthrough refining technologies that eliminate waste, reduce emissions, and restore sovereign control.”

Phoenix’s approach, rooted in U.S.-based innovation and zero-waste metallurgy, offers a path forward in stark contrast to the global status quo. As the conversation around critical minerals shifts from risk awareness to industrial mobilization, Phoenix stands ready to lead, with the right partners at its side.  But they have a steep climb given only a small percentage of rare earth element output derives from recycled materials.