A technical paper from Nvidia claimed a single 1 GW data center could need up to half a million tons of copper for rack busbars. The figure, circulated by media and analysts, suggested the AI boom would devour global supplies. However, the number is a glaring error—likely a unit mix-up between pounds and tons.

Thunder Said Energy flagged the math, calculating the real requirement is about 200 tons. The typo exaggerates demand by a factor of 2,500. While the real bull case for copper is strong—driven by grid upgrades, EVs, and cooling—the inflated figure risks over-inflating short-term prices and distorting investment narratives.

The incident underscores the need for primary research in an automated news cycle. Goldman Sachs has warned that any copper price breakout may be short-lived. The actual demand increase from AI infrastructure is significant but manageable, estimated at 400,000 to 800,000 tons annually, not a supply apocalypse.