Reclaiming Critical Metals (RCM) is a clean-tech metals recovery company based on Minnesota’s Iron Range. We reclaim critical metals from electronic waste (e-waste) using environmentally safe, state-of-the-art technologies. Our process avoids smelting, toxic chemicals and harmful emissions, providing a local, sustainable alternative to shipping overseas for processing.
Develop a scalable Minnesota Iron-Range-based business to reclaim critical metals from electronic waste and other sources in a safe and cost-effective way. We will fill a critical niche using propriety mechanical methods and researching and patenting bio-inspired technologies, avoiding the need for widely used and environmentally damaging smelting.
To lead the United States in sustainable e-waste recycling to satisfy the increasing demand for critical and precious metals. We aim to establish local employment opportunities and diversification, bring the supply chain back to the U.S. to bolster domestic manufacturing, and in so doing, tackle national security issues.
Our founders combine deep expertise in technology, science, operations, and sustainability to deliver a groundbreaking solution: reclaiming critical metals safely, efficiently and responsibly in the U.S.
Keith is an experienced technology engineer and executive. He holds a BS (The University of Iowa) and an MS (University of Minnesota) in Electrical Engineering with additional engineering and computer applications studies at the Laboratory of Applications of Remote Sensing (Purdue University).
Moving into commercial fields, he worked for 20 years developing technical and mechanical fulfillment systems; engineering, among other things, conveyor systems using cross belt sorters and sophisticated order fulfillment software and equipment, software and hardware computer technology.
Starting at Digi-Key Corporation in 1978 when Digi-Key had 20 employees, Keith took it to a company of 2,000 employees in 1997, attaining among other roles Executive Vice President and Vice President of Technology. He then went on to work at Gateway 2000, eBay, Salesforce and other leading technology companies working globally.
After retiring, Keith was asked to come back to work for three more years at Digi-Key as CIO and CTO. He now advises and leads two startup companies.
Sue leads research and technology development for environmentally responsible reclamation of critical metals from electronic waste and other sources. Sue oversees process development, applied R&D strategy, and intellectual property management.
She is also Principal Scientist/Owner at Lichen Labs LLC. Lichen Labs is a microscopy and biomimicry research and consulting business supporting R&D and problem-solving in companies and new experiences using biomimicry and microscopy in education.
Before Lichen Labs, Sue was a Technical Fellow, Materials Analysis Lab Manager, and engineer in pacemaker component development at Medtronic Inc., performing and directing failure analysis, microscopy, and mechanical and metallurgical testing over 25 years, supporting medical device product lines in all life cycle stages from Design to field returns.
Sue completed an MS in Biomimicry from Arizona State and a Professional Certificate in Biomimicry from Biomimicry 3.8 Institute in November 2015. She also holds an MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Minnesota and a BS in Environmental Studies from Bemidji State University.
Sue was interviewed by the United Nations for expertise in Biomimicry for a Science Policy Brief on emerging technologies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The final report was published and presented before the UN General Assembly in December 2020. She was one of only three experts chosen from the US.
For over 35 years of leadership experience spanning higher education and nonprofit sectors, Marlise Riffel drives sustainable solutions that harmonize technical viability with genuine social impact.
Holding both a BS and MS in Sociology (with a focus on environmental sociology), Marlise brings critical insights into environmental justice, comprehensive stakeholder engagement, and strategic sustainability planning. As the President of the Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability and co-author of a foundational Minnesota e-waste study, she has a proven track record of turning vision into actionable community initiatives.
Marlise’s expertise lies in fostering robust relationships and championing outreach and grant writing efforts, ensuring that community and sustainability are always at the forefront of the mission. She is dedicated to leading the charge for a more equitable and sustainable future.
Angelique is a senior operations and program management leader with over 20 years of experience executing complex, capital-intensive initiatives in regulated manufacturing, healthcare, and technology-driven environments. Her expertise spans operational governance, quality systems, risk management, and large-scale program execution, with a consistent record of translating technical and regulatory requirements into disciplined, scalable operating models.
She has led multi-million-dollar programs integrating quality, engineering, IT systems, and business operations, with deep experience in risk-based decision-making, process validation, vendor and technology integration, and performance management. Angelique is skilled at building execution frameworks including KPIs, financial controls, and governance structures—that support operational transparency, capital efficiency, and investor confidence. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt with a foundation in chemistry, Angelique brings a rare combination of technical fluency and operational rigor.
She is known for driving execution readiness, strengthening compliance without over-engineering, and enabling organizations to scale responsibly while managing technical, financial, and operational risk.