By Andi Anderson
What was once considered a major environmental challenge is now becoming a valuable resource through innovative technology. Krish Mehta, MBA ’24 and co-founder of PHNX Materials, has developed a process that transforms coal ash into useful materials for construction, agriculture, and advanced technology industries.
Coal ash is a byproduct of coal-fired power generation and has accumulated in large disposal sites across the United States for decades. Traditionally viewed as waste, these massive deposits contain valuable materials such as calcium, silica, sulfur, and critical minerals like gallium, which is used in advanced electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Before launching his company, Mehta studied finance and renewable energy engineering and later worked in sustainability consulting and manufacturing. During his career, he observed challenges in global supply chains, particularly for critical minerals used in modern technology. This inspired him to explore industrial waste as an alternative domestic resource.
While pursuing graduate studies at Stanford University, Mehta focused on finding practical ways to recover valuable materials from coal ash. He discovered that successful recycling required creating value from every part of the waste stream.
“A necessary requirement is to effectively sell 100% of all the material we take in.”
To advance the project, Mehta partnered with Jorge Osio-Norgaard, a Stanford postdoctoral researcher with expertise in chemical engineering and advanced materials. Together, they developed a patented technology that separates more than 30 valuable metals from coal ash while also producing high-value materials for cement and fertilizer applications.
Their innovative process operates at significantly lower temperatures than traditional extraction methods, helping reduce costs and environmental impacts. The resulting products can support industries ranging from agriculture and construction to electronics manufacturing and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The company’s vision extends beyond recovering valuable metals. By creating alternative materials for cement production, the technology may also help reduce carbon emissions associated with traditional construction materials. This approach supports a circular economy by converting waste into marketable products.
Mehta sees enormous potential in coal ash deposits throughout the country. The United States contains hundreds of coal ash disposal sites that could provide long-term supplies of important industrial materials. His goal is to establish a network of facilities that process local coal ash and strengthen domestic supply chains.
The scale of the opportunity is reflected in Mehta’s long-term vision.
“People have been looking at extracting critical metals from industrial waste for over 50 years, but the economics never penciled out because the critical mineral content is too low to justify a standalone business.”
Today, PHNX Materials has opened facilities to demonstrate its technology and continues expanding operations. The company has attracted support from government agencies, industry partners, and investors interested in securing reliable supplies of critical minerals and sustainable materials.
Mehta believes the future of resource development may lie not in new mines but in repurposing existing waste materials. By turning coal ash into valuable products for agriculture, construction, and technology, his company is showing how innovation can transform environmental liabilities into economic and industrial opportunities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture