China Has 'Secret Weapon' That Could Disable AI Data Centers Worldwide

China Has ‘Secret Weapon’ That Could Disable AI Data Centers Worldwide

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho Published on 09/07/2025 at 08:18

Imagem ilustrativa: IA

The Lack Of Bismuth, Controlled By China, May Slow AI Projects In The US And Exposes Risks In The Global Technology Supply Chain

The advancement of artificial intelligence may be halted by a little-discussed factor: the scarcity of bismuth. This metal, essential for the chip and electronic board industry, is largely controlled by China.

Currently, the country accounts for up to 84% of global production. This concentration puts the United States in a vulnerable position, especially amid the technological dispute with companies like Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA directly involved in the AI sector.

Bismuth has unique characteristics. It is less toxic than lead, expands when solidifying, and resists thermal conduction.

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Because of this, it has become a key component in the manufacturing of high-performance hardware. Data centers that handle large volumes of information and artificial intelligence systems depend on this type of material to ensure efficiency and data processing security.

Recently, the Chinese government began to restrict the export of various strategic minerals. The measure was a direct response to the sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies.

Metals such as gallium, germanium, and scandium had already been included in the restriction list. Now, bismuth has also come under control, which raises a red flag in the high-tech supply chain.

This new trade barrier directly threatens the expansion plans of American data centers.

Without guaranteed access to bismuth, projects related to artificial intelligence may face delays or even be suspended.

The situation pressures the US government to seek diplomatic solutions, but so far, there have been no significant advances in negotiations with Beijing.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the sector is already showing signs of concern. Major tech companies signal that bismuth reserves are nearing their limits.

The dependence on China in this aspect endangers the rapid pace of innovation in the West.

The struggle for control of rare and strategic metals transforms mining into a crucial field in the current digital cold war.

In this scenario, the previously little-known metal takes center stage in a dispute that goes far beyond technology.

With information from IGN Brazil.

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China Has ‘Secret Weapon’ That Could Disable AI Data Centers Worldwide

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