AI, Data Centers & Mineral Demand
Explore the materials footprint of the AI and data center boom — copper, silicon, gallium, and specialty metals in servers and networking, data center energy demand, e-waste challenges, and how the tech sector is engaging with responsible sourcing.
Metals U Education
Program Features
- Self-paced
- Online
- Interactive LMS Content
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Program Features
- Self-paced
- Online
- Interactive LMS Content
- Blockchain-based Certificate
Description
The Hidden Material Cost of the AI Revolution
Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are driving a new wave of critical mineral demand. Data centers powering large language models consume enormous quantities of copper for power transmission and cooling, gallium nitride and silicon carbide for power conversion, rare specialty metals for advanced chips, and vast amounts of energy. The build-out of global AI infrastructure is creating material demand signals that are only beginning to be quantified.
This course examines the intersection of AI, data centers, and critical minerals, drawing on IEA data center energy analysis, DOE data center research, SEMI industry data, SBTi corporate climate commitments, the Copper Alliance's demand research, EPA electronics recycling data, and the Global E-Waste Monitor.
Who This Class Is For
- Technology and data center industry professionals
- ESG and sustainability analysts covering the tech sector
- Energy and infrastructure policy professionals
- Investors in AI infrastructure, semiconductor, and materials companies
Program Syllabus
Module 1: The Scale of AI & Data Center Infrastructure
Global data center capacity growth. AI compute demand and hyperscaler build-out. Energy consumption trends. IEA data center analysis.
Module 2: Copper — The Backbone Metal
Copper in power cables, busbars, heat exchangers, and cooling systems. Demand surge from data centers and electrification combined. Copper Alliance demand projections. Supply constraints and price outlook.
Module 3: Semiconductor Materials for AI Hardware
Silicon, gallium, and compound semiconductors in AI chips and power electronics. GPU and accelerator manufacturing supply chains. SEMI industry data.
Module 4: Data Center Energy & Sustainability
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). Renewable energy procurement. Water usage for cooling. Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments from hyperscalers.
Module 5: E-Waste from Digital Infrastructure
Server and networking hardware lifecycle. Recovery of gold, copper, cobalt, and rare materials. Global E-Waste Monitor findings. EPA electronics recycling programs.
Module 6: Responsible Sourcing in the Tech Sector
RMI's role in tech supply chains. Apple, Google, and Microsoft responsible sourcing commitments. Circular design in hardware. Policy directions for data center sustainability.