EU launches $3.5 billion initiative to break China’s grip on critical minerals

European Union's launch of a $3.5 billion initiative to break China's grip on critical minerals, specifically rare earth elements and magnets, marks a significant shift in the global supply chain for these essential materials. This move has implications for website owners who rely on technology and infrastructure that utilize these critical minerals, such as servers and data centers that power their online presence. As the EU works to reduce its dependence on China for these materials, website owners may see changes in the availability and pricing of these technologies, potentially affecting their operational costs and infrastructure investments. To prepare for these changes, website owners can take several steps: first, monitor their server and data center providers' sourcing of critical minerals to anticipate potential disruptions or price increases; second, explore alternative technologies or infrastructure options that rely on more diversified or locally sourced materials; and third, review their llms.txt files to ensure they are accurately tracking and managing AI bot traffic that may be impacted by shifts in the global supply chain for critical minerals.