Geopolitics, Critical Minerals, and Energy: The Invisible Infrastructure Powering AI

Although often perceived as intangible, artificial intelligence is deeply rooted in a vast and complex physical infrastructure composed of data centers that house thousands of devices made with a wide array of minerals and metals—many of them classified as critical. As of today, approximately 12,000 data centers are in operation globally, including 992 hyperscale facilities. The short lifespan of this equipment, coupled with improper disposal practices, removes valuable metals from production cycles, intensifies pressure on mining, and exacerbates socio-environmental impacts. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions have escalated as the United States and China compete for control over critical minerals and AI technologies, leading to mutual restrictions on the export of strategic resources and sensitive technologies. Another pressing concern is the high energy consumption of AI applications: in the U.S. alone, data centers already account for roughly 4% of national electricity demand, with projections reaching 9.1% by 2030. While major technology companies are investing in renewable sources such as solar and wind to meet this growing demand, these energy systems themselves also rely heavily on critical minerals—further reinforcing the material and geopolitical dimensions of the AI boom.