Project Progress
On August 3, E3 Lithium said Alberta's data center construction boom is affecting its Clearwater lithium project. Meta's 1 GW AI center in Sturgeon County broke ground in July, while E3's Clearwater project near Olds has seen public support eroded by concerns about noise, water, and industrial growth linked to data center plans.
Public Opposition
Although data centers increase demand for copper, lithium, aluminum, uranium, and rare earths, they also compete with mining for electricity, labor, equipment, and public support. Alberta and British Columbia have begun adjusting electricity rules to prevent tech companies from crowding out mining infrastructure.