AI data centre boom and geopolitical disruptions put global base metals supply under pressure
· Source: greenbuildingafrica.co.za
In short
Wood Mackenzie analysis warns that the AI-driven data centre pipeline now exceeds 250 GW, driving demand for copper, aluminium and other strategic metals needed for power infrastructure that can require three to four times more metal than the data centres themselves. Copper and aluminium markets are moving into deficit amid geopolitical disruption, permitting delays and supply constraints, while lithium and nickel face diverging conditions. Meeting future demand will require roughly 850,000 tonnes per year of new copper supply and US$150–250 billion of additional lithium supply chain investment through the 2050s.
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Tags: supply chain, copper, data centres, forecasting, energy, metals