AI Buildout Supply Chain (Page 5)

Boron: The 1% Element Powering High-Performance NdFeB Magnets in AI Data Centers
AI Buildout Supply Chain

Boron: The 1% Element Powering High-Performance NdFeB Magnets in AI Data Centers

Boron makes up just 1–1.2% of sintered NdFeB permanent magnets but is essential for the magnetic strength, coercivity, and thermal stability needed in AI data center HDD spindle motors, cooling fans, and precision motors. Learn about the high-purity refining process, abundant global supply from the US and Turkey, China concentration risks in magnet production, and strong demand growth from the AI buildout.

2026-07-03 By David Rogers
Indium Supply Chain Risks for AI Data Centers: InP Lasers & China’s Silicon Photonics Pivot
AI Buildout Supply Chain

Indium Supply Chain Risks for AI Data Centers: InP Lasers & China’s Silicon Photonics Pivot

Indium powers InP lasers critical for 800G and 1.6T optical interconnects in AI data centers. Explore the complex refining process, China’s 70% dominance in indium production, export controls driving price spikes, looming supply shortfalls, and how Chinese firms like Huawei are mitigating risks through silicon photonics, quantum dot lasers, and co-packaged optics (CPO).

2026-07-01 By David Rogers
Gallium: The Inelastic Byproduct Powering AI Semiconductors (GaN, GaAs & InP)
AI Buildout Supply Chain

Gallium: The Inelastic Byproduct Powering AI Semiconductors (GaN, GaAs & InP)

Gallium is a critical yet highly inelastic byproduct of aluminum and zinc refining, essential for GaN power devices, GaAs RF chips, and InP photonics that enable efficient AI data centers, high-speed interconnects, and 5G infrastructure. Learn about extreme purity requirements, steep marginal costs for additional supply, China’s 98–99% dominance, export controls, and emerging recycling and diversification efforts needed to secure the AI buildout.

2026-06-30 By David Rogers