Welcome to Spotlight on Dynamism, where we shine a light on CEOs and companies at the intersection of innovation and national interest. Covering sectors from defense to public safety and supply chain, we delve into the stories of mission-driven leaders committed to civic responsibility, whose ventures not only cross verticals but also redefine business models in their quest to address critical national challenges.
This month, we turn our focus to Nathan Ratledge of Alta Resource Technologies ("Alta"), a pioneer in utilizing advanced biochemistry to revolutionize mineral separation. Alta's technology employs custom-designed proteins that function like microscopic robots, achieving unprecedented selectivity and cost-effectiveness in the extraction of high-purity rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
In a rapidly evolving world where technological advancements are essential, Alta's platform signifies a transformative leap over existing methods, broadening access to vital resources while significantly minimizing the environmental footprint of mining. Alta is not just an innovator, but rather an indispensable force in shaping our future.
Please read our full interview with Nathan below.
Alta Resource Technologies is on a mission to reinvent mining by harnessing advanced biochemistry to cost-effectively source the critical raw materials needed to power next-generation technology and bolster economic security. Alta’s groundbreaking technology platform leverages customizable proteins to separate high-purity rare earth elements and other essential minerals with unprecedented selectivity while dramatically reducing the environmental impact of mining. By tailoring its adsorbent to bind selectively to individual elements, even at low concentrations in complex mixtures, Alta is positioned to expand access to the building blocks of electric vehicles, advanced electronics, defense technologies, and more.
Alta's approach is built on technology licensed from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and co-developed with collaborators including researchers at Pennsylvania State University. With support from top investors and federal and state government agencies, Alta aims to catalyze a mining technology revolution, secure critical mineral supply chains, and enhance U.S. competitiveness in the 21st century economy.
Nathan Ratledge, PhD
CEO
“Our technology harnesses custom-designed proteins that act like microscopic robots to separate high-purity rare earth elements and other critical minerals with unprecedented selectivity and cost-effectiveness.”
Nathan Ratledge, PhD
CEO
Nathan Ratledge is the CEO and co-founder of Alta Resource Technologies, where he is focused on pioneering the future of mineral extraction. Alta's innovative platform enables the efficient separation of critical minerals vital for advanced technologies and clean energy.
Prior to Alta, he co-founded Apogee Economics and Policy, a consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., and served as the Executive Director of the Community Office for Resource Efficiency.
He holds an MA and PhD from Stanford University, earned an MPA from Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs, and holds a BA from the University of Georgia.
- Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
- University: University of Georgia (BA, Anthropology), Princeton University (MPA, Public Affairs), Stanford University (MA/PhD, Economics / Environment and Resources)
- Favorite Book: Into the Silence by Wade Davis; Conquistadors of the Useless by Lionel Terray
Lazard: Can you share the journey that led you to found Alta? What was the moment or insight that convinced you to take the leap?
NR: My journey to founding Alta began after a successful 20-year career in the energy technology space. Early on, I was the Executive Director of a clean energy nonprofit in Colorado before moving to Princeton and then Washington, D.C., where I worked in the White House CEQ and started a consulting company.
My pivotal moment came afterward while pursuing a PhD at Stanford. While working on an electric mobility project, I noticed a growing need in the automotive industry for critical metals beyond lithium, and a visiting executive suggested starting a mining company.
This was when I realized the enormous overlooked potential for innovation in mining, particularly in mineral separations.
“Without these minerals, sectors such as aerospace, telecommunications, and advanced electronics would face severe disruptions, impacting everything from smartphone production to defense capabilities.”
Lazard: What is the size of the market for critical minerals, and why should investors be excited about the opportunity Alta presents?
NR: The rare earths market alone is currently valued at $10 billion and is projected to grow to $30-50 billion over the next decade. The broader critical minerals market is worth hundreds of billions. Yet it remains largely overlooked, despite underpinning industries that define our future—high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and national defense. Without these minerals, sectors such as aerospace, telecommunications, and advanced electronics would face severe disruptions, impacting everything from smartphone production to defense capabilities.
Alta is tapping into this massive opportunity with a platform designed not just for traditional ore bodies, but also for unconventional sources like consumer e-waste and mine tailings – waste streams that represent billions in stranded value. As Washington pushes for supply chain resilience and industry races to secure inputs, Alta offers a cleaner, scalable, and domestic solution.
For investors, this is a chance to back a breakthrough platform poised to reshape one of the world’s most essential and under-innovated industries.
“Our technology harnesses custom-designed proteins that act like microscopic robots to separate high-purity rare earth elements and other critical minerals with unprecedented selectivity and cost-effectiveness.”
Lazard: How do Alta's key technologies revolutionize mineral separation and what impact will they have on the industry?
NR: Alta is pioneering the use of advanced biochemistry, developed with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), to transform mineral separation. Our technology harnesses custom-designed proteins that act like microscopic robots to separate high-purity rare earth elements and other critical minerals with unprecedented selectivity and cost-effectiveness. This approach dramatically reduces the environmental footprint of mining while expanding access to essential raw materials. By deploying these proteins in a continuous, scalable process, we can unlock vast untapped mineral resources domestically, strengthening our supply chains and national security while setting a new standard for environmentally responsible mining.
“Traditional rare earth separation methods involve toxic processes that are not permittable in the U.S. today. Our innovative solution uses custom-designed proteins for ultra-selective mineral separation, significantly cleaning up and shortening the process, making it cheaper and compliant with U.S. regulations.”
Lazard: How does the U.S. regulatory environment (specifically regarding natural resources development) influence the way you have built Alta?
NR: Alta's approach has been shaped by U.S. regulations that prohibit the toxic acid wash processes used in traditional methods now dominated by China. Unlike other companies that struggle to adapt to these regulatory changes, our technology represents a step change, using tailored proteins to selectively bind and efficiently separate rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium, including from low-grade sources and end-of-life products. This cleaner, more efficient process is compliant with U.S. regulations and reduces costs by allowing adsorbent reuse over long life cycles. By addressing environmental concerns and enhancing operational efficiency, Alta not only meets regulatory requirements but also secures the social license to operate, positioning us to revolutionize the industry akin to fracking's impact on oil and gas.
Lazard: Looking ahead, where do you see Alta in the next five to 10 years? Are there specific milestones or goals you're aiming to achieve?
NR: With the skyrocketing demand for critical minerals essential for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and defense systems, Alta's technology is uniquely positioned to address the supply crunch. Our involvement in three U.S. government awards is accelerating our progress, and we're on track to deploy our technology soon. As we secure additional funding, we'll expand our technical team and further develop our platform to deploy our technology across a wider range of metal targets, ore types, and waste streams.
Lazard: Could you share a success story or case study that exemplifies the value Alta brings to its customers?
NR: We can demonstrate Alta’s value in many ways. One tangible metric is that our adsorbent technology vastly exceeds initial commercial targets, which is crucial in our industry and a standout feature of our technology. We’re also very proud of ongoing work with LLNL and the U.S. government, as well as our investors, including some exciting new partners.
Our value lies in remaking the industry in a cleaner, cost-effective way, supporting onshoring and domestic manufacturing in America.
By offering competitive costs, we not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient supply chain.
“The U.S. must approach critical minerals supply with wartime urgency – like the Apollo program, only faster.”
Lazard: How do you see the U.S. critical minerals industry evolving in the future and what key developments are necessary to overcome likely challenges, like securing an onshore supply?
NR: The U.S. must approach critical minerals supply with wartime urgency – like the Apollo program, only faster. Securing our economic and national security requires a comprehensive strategy, focusing not just on lithium and copper but also on dysprosium, neodymium, antimony, and more. These resources are available domestically, and their value, especially in rare earths like permanent magnets, makes recycling essential.
The key is deploying next generation technology that opens new resources economically. The fracking revolution demonstrated how technology can unlock known resources cost-effectively, doubling U.S. production in a decade. A similar opportunity exists in mining. We must act swiftly, starting with electronic waste and revitalizing existing resources, which is crucial for industries like big tech, consumer electronics and automotive that rely on these minerals.
In parallel, the U.S. must build out the rest of the supply chain, including metallization, alloying and fabrication, like for permanent magnets. The challenge is reasserting our technology leadership in the mining sector – I believe the United States can meet this challenge – but there is no time to waste.
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