Phoenix Tailings, a start-up based in Exeter, New Hampshire, is making strides in rare-earth processing, an industry largely dominated by China. These elements, essential for technologies like electric vehicle motors and lasers, are not rare in nature but are challenging to refine. China currently refines over 90% of the world’s rare earths, a situation that raises concerns for Western governments and businesses due to the geopolitical implications of such dependence. The company was founded in 2019 by CEO Robert Myers and CTO Tomás Villalón Jr., who met at a Bible study retreat. They started their venture with a prototype in Villalón's backyard. With support from investors like the CIA's venture capital fund, In-Q-Tel, Phoenix Tailings aims to take control over all aspects of rare-earth refining, from processing waste from iron mining to producing individual rare-earth metals. Their New Hampshire facility, operational for just two months, processes a mixture of neodymium and praseodymium sourced from various countries, including the U.S. and Australia. The challenges are significant. Rare-earth processing is expensive and involves complex steps, particularly in safely handling pollutants like thorium, a radioactive element commonly found in rare-earth ores. The U.S. government has begun investing in this sector, with over $1 billion allocated to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers. Phoenix Tailings has received more than $6 million in federal funding and is focused on expanding its capacity while ensuring environmental safety in its operations.