Industry
Rubidium supply crunch looms after semiconductors as quantum computing spreads
Rubidium is emerging as a key strategic resource in the quantum-computing era, with demand expected to expand as neutral-atom quantum computers move toward commercialisation. Because rubidium is mostly produced as a byproduct of processing other minerals, supply is limited. Market Research Future forecasts global demand will rise from 7.44 tonnes in 2025 to 11.96 tonnes in 2035. Industry estimates even 50 to 100 commercial quantum computers could require an additional 0.5 to 0.8 tonnes a year.
