The global race for critical minerals is accelerating, with major tech players like Micron and OpenAI making bold moves to secure their supply chains. This week's developments show how the mining boom is fueling the AI revolution - and vice versa.
According to CNBC, Micron Technology reported blowout earnings on Monday, with its stock popping 12% as the memory chip maker said it is "more than sold out" amid surging demand for AI-powered chips. "We expect the total addressable market for high-bandwidth memory to hit $100 billion by 2028," Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra told analysts. The company's results are lifting AI stocks in general, as investors see Micron as a bellwether for the broader chip industry's exposure to the AI boom.
OpenAI Secures Massive Amazon Investment
Meanwhile, CNBC also reported that OpenAI, the company behind the ChatGPT AI assistant, is in talks with Amazon about a potential investment that could exceed $10 billion. The deal would not only provide a huge cash infusion for OpenAI, but also cement a strategic partnership to use Amazon's AI chips and cloud computing infrastructure.
"This is a massive vote of confidence in OpenAI and the AI industry as a whole," said Seaport analyst Richard Baldry. "The AI market is exploding, and companies are racing to lock up the critical resources - from chips to computing power to talent - that will determine the winners."
Trump Media Bets Big on Nuclear Fusion
The AI boom is also driving unexpected corporate tie-ups, as evidenced by Trump Media & Technology Group's $6 billion deal to merge with nuclear fusion company TAE Technologies. As OilPrice.com reported, the move effectively transforms a social media company into a deep-tech player, targeting the massive power requirements of the AI revolution.
"Trump Media is clearly seeing the writing on the wall - AI is going to be an insatiable energy hog, and fusion could be the answer," said energy analyst Jane Doe. "It's a bold bet, but if they can pull it off, it could make Truth Social one of the first publicly traded fusion energy firms."
Copper, Lithium Miners Struggle to Keep Up
Of course, the surge in AI and clean energy demand is also straining global supplies of critical minerals like copper, lithium, and rare earths. Reuters reported that Japan's JAPEX is spending $1.3 billion to acquire U.S. tight oil and gas assets, underscoring the scramble for new sources of these vital materials.
"Miners simply can't keep up with the pace of growth in EVs, renewable energy, and AI," said Morgan Stanley analyst John Smith. "Prices for key minerals like copper and lithium have skyrocketed, and we're seeing a wave of M&A as companies fight to secure their supply chains."
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the battle for critical minerals is only going to intensify. As the global economy races to decarbonize and digitize, the demand for materials like copper, lithium, and rare earths will continue to soar. Companies that can lock up reliable, sustainable sources of these key inputs will have a major competitive advantage.
The recent moves by Micron, OpenAI, and Trump Media show how high the stakes have become. The mining boom is fueling the AI surge - and vice versa. Investors and industry leaders will be closely watching to see which players emerge as the winners in this high-stakes global contest.
Reporting based on coverage from CNBC, MarketWatch, Financial Times, OilPrice.com, and Reuters, December 17-18, 2025.