Chip makers and semiconductor manufacturers have become more relevant than ever amidst an explosion in venture capital funding for artificial intelligence. However, there’s one crucial mineral required to produce the hardware necessary for artificial intelligence cloud computing: boron.
What’s happening:
- Boron is getting a renewed focus as a chemical element due to its crucial role in manufacturing chips and semiconductors that are necessary for powering artificial intelligence workloads
The big idea:
- Boron is a rare, non-metallic element that is typically not found in large concentrations
- Large deposits of boron are currently mostly monopolized by mining giant Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) and Turkey state owned Eti Maden
Why it matters:
- Aside from being a critical input for chip makers and semiconductor manufacturers, boron is also an important material for the energy transition as it's required for the manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels
Going deeper:
- Canter Resources (CSE: CRC) flagship Columbus Lithium-Boron project in Nevada may contain a significant deposit of boron, as historical drill holes a few kilometres north of their primary targets returned approximately 30,000 parts per million of boron
The intrigue:
- The basin in Nevada in which Canter’s Columbus property is located was once a thriving area of boron production for multiple companies in the 1870’s
