Mahesh Konduru from Momentum Technologies Joins ITAC 5 to Address Critical Minerals

Mahesh Konduru's New Role on ITAC 5 Committee

In a significant move for the critical minerals sector, Mahesh Konduru, the CEO of Momentum Technologies, has been appointed to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Critical Minerals and Non-Ferrous Metals (ITAC 5). This appointment comes from the Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, and the U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, and it positions Konduru prominently within the critical minerals landscape for the 2022-2026 charter term.

Konduru expressed his pride in this appointment, acknowledging it not just as a personal achievement but as a recognition for his entire company, Momentum. He emphasized that ITAC 5 serves as a crucial platform for influencing policy that shapes the dynamics of critical minerals, thereby ensuring more resilient and sustainable supply chains. Throughout his two decades of experience in the industry, he has built valuable insights that he plans to bring to the committee.

The primary role of ITAC 5 members is to provide sound trade policy and technical advice to the Commerce Secretary and the Trade Representative. They will offer recommendations and information about trade barriers, the negotiation of trade agreements, and the implementation of existing ones, with a specific focus on the critical minerals and metals sector.

Under Konduru's leadership, Momentum Technologies has swiftly emerged as a trailblazer in processing and recovering high-purity critical metals and minerals needed for today's advanced technologies. Their Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX) technology stands out as a groundbreaking process that effectively recovers essential materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from battery waste among other sources. This innovative solution not only enhances the efficiency of recovering these precious metals but also aligns with Momentum's efforts to address economic and environmental challenges within the sector.

Konduru's extensive background includes notable stints as the CEO of ProSep, a company renowned for its water and chemical treatment technologies, and as a co-founder of Altillion, Inc., which focuses on scalable mineral extraction technologies. His educational accolades include an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Akron, making him particularly equipped for the challenges ahead.

With the increasing focus on sustainable practices and effective supply chain management in the critical minerals sector, Konduru's position on ITAC 5 is timely and significant. His leadership role indicates a burgeoning recognition of the U.S. reusable critical minerals and metals industry as not only vital for domestic growth but as a competitive force in the global market.

Momentum Technologies is based in Dallas and has made strides with its patented modular, scalable battery recycling technology, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and Halliburton Labs. Their advances provide a cost-effective method for extracting high-purity metals from battery waste, which is crucial as the demand for such materials surges across various industries.

Further details on the committee's work can be explored through the official channels at the U.S. Trade Representative’s website, and interest in how this affects broader trade discussions continues to grow. As the industry evolves, the insight and direction provided by leaders like Konduru will be pivotal in navigating these complex challenges successfully.