The struggle to manufacture transformers, switchgear and batteries domestically has forced the US to rely on imports, delaying data center construction.

  • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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    20 hours ago

    China is the only real supplier of Gallium

    Like many other critical materials and rare Earth’s (of which Gallium isn’t one), the USA has sizable deposits of the materials. What we lack is the ability to refine it usually because the process to do so is so ecologically toxic.

    • village604@adultswim.fan
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      12 hours ago

      Surely there has to be some way of mitigating the ecological damage. Although I’m sure it’s “too expensive”.

      • partial_accumen@lemmy.world
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        12 hours ago

        Although I’m sure it’s “too expensive”.

        Yep. Or rather, it is far cheaper to accomplish if you don’t give a shit about the environment.