TBPN Big Tech turns to mining, Thinking Machines loses top executives, NYC Sauna Wars heat up | Diet TBPN
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Jan 16, 2026 Explore how tech giants like Tesla and AWS are diving into mining, reshaping lithium and copper supply chains. Discover the leadership shakeup at Thinking Machines and the implications of talent exodus in the AI landscape. Dive into the quirky NYC sauna wars, where wellness meets Bitcoin heated tub innovations. Plus, catch up on Meta's ambitious AI investments and the unusual tie between farmland premiums and data centers. This lively discussion serves a fresh take on tech’s evolving scene!
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Tech Moves Into The Ground
- Tech firms are vertically integrating into mining and refining to secure materials for AI and EV scale-ups.
- Jordy Hayes says this shift was accelerated by the AI boom and data center demand.
Tesla's New Lithium Refinery
- Tesla opened a North American spodumene-to-hydroxide refinery that skips intermediate steps.
- John Coogan highlights Tesla's claim it can produce lithium for hundreds of thousands of EVs per year.
Factory Sleepover Quip At Groundbreaking
- Tesla executives joked about sleeping in the factory and working for Elon during the refinery opening.
- The hosts relay a tired-sounding Tesla representative describing the site's progress and mission benefits.