Momentum Technologies has appointed Ben Gilliams as Executive Partner for Technology, Operations, and Strategy, as the company progresses in its commercial critical minerals platform. Gilliams, who has extensive experience in the critical minerals and advanced materials sectors, will collaborate closely with Momentum’s leadership team to drive key growth initiatives.
Leadership Changes Amid Company Growth
The announcement, made on October 1, 2026, highlights Gilliams’ new role as pivotal for Momentum as the company transitions from demonstration projects to full-scale commercial operations. Momentum’s first commercial Rare Earth Element (REE) line, located in Carrollton, Texas, is operational and aims for a capacity of 300 tons per year. The company is also developing a second commercial-scale plant at the same site, which is projected to process up to 1,000 tons per year. This follows a successful tolling agreement with a major technology customer for refining recycled hard-disk-drive feedstock.
Mahesh Konduru, CEO of Momentum, emphasized Gilliams’ nearly thirty years of leadership in the sector, suggesting that his experience comes at a critical time as the company seeks to enhance its operational capabilities and expand its facilities. Konduru stated that this expanded role reflects Gilliams’ impact thus far and underscores the company’s ambitious plans for future growth.
Gilliams’ background features a diverse range of senior management positions at reputable companies within the metals, mining, and battery materials industries across multiple regions. Before joining Momentum, he served at Nyrstar, overseeing operations and strategic projects in Europe. He also held a significant leadership role at Redwood Materials, focusing on refining and recycling operations.
In his new role, Gilliams expressed enthusiasm about the company’s position in the industry, noting it is at an “inflection point” with real commercial volumes and a strong technology platform. He emphasized his commitment to working across technology, operations, and commercialization to leverage the successful processes established in Carrollton.
Momentum has recently reported that its Carrollton operations have processed over 7,000 tons of REE and battery-materials feedstock, achieving high purity levels in key materials such as Yttrium, NdPr Oxide, cobalt, and nickel. The company has also made progress in patenting its processes, which includes several applications aimed at enhancing its technological capabilities.
As Gilliams integrates into his new position, Momentum Technologies plans to expand its domestic processing operations, positioning itself for significant growth in the coming years.
Why It Matters
The appointment of Gilliams comes at a crucial juncture for Momentum Technologies, where strategic leadership is essential for scaling up operations in the critical minerals sector. With the growing demand for REEs and battery materials, his expertise is expected to play a vital role in the company’s efforts to enhance production capacity and innovate new technologies, potentially impacting supply chains within the industry.
