September 17, 2026
Dr. Tomás Villalón
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Phoenix Tailings
on "Sustainable Processes for Critical Materials Production" Date Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 p.m. (EST) Location Boston University (BU) | Center for Computing and Data Sciences (CDS) 665 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA 02215 | Rm. 1101 (11th Floor) Scroll down to register and view important event details.
Abstract
The development of new metallurgical production techniques is advancing as more critical materials are required to power next generation technologies. As a result of this, new metallurgical processing techniques that can effectively sort out trace quantities of critical materials from bulk sources are key focuses in the drive for modern metals processing facilities. In the context of rare earths and nickel, there are three key areas of interest for viable, long-term processes: process efficiency, transition metal impurities, and process flexibility. Each area has particular constraints on how the materials must be processed and handled, and new technologies that adapt to these processing constraints will be examined in the goal of making efficient and economic unit processes.
About the Speaker
Dr. Thomas Villalón Jr. is a materials scientist and engineer, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Phoenix Tailings, where he has played a pivotal role in developing innovative technologies for extracting value from mining tailings and for efficient metals production in an economically sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. Previously, at Digital Alloys, Dr. Villalón contributed to research in additive manufacturing, leading projects on novel microstructures and thermophysical properties. Holding a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Boston University and a BSc from MIT, his academic journey includes research on electrochemical refinement of reactive metal oxides into pure metals. Dr. Villalón's multifaceted expertise, coupled with his leadership roles and academic achievements, underscores his desire to impact the realms of materials engineering and metals processing.
Evening Program
6:00 p.m.: Arrival, Registration, and Networking Dinner
6:30 p.m.: Keynote Presentation: "Sustainable Processes for Critical Materials Production" by Dr. Tomás Villalón 7:15 p.m.: Post-Presentation Social and Networking 8:00 p.m.: Adjourn Location & Directions
Boston University (BU) | Center for Computing and Data Sciences (CDS)
665 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA 02215 | Rm. 1101 (11th Floor) Parking Directions 
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Upcoming Events
September 17, 2026 | Dr. Tomás Villalón
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