All in agreement The founding partners of Pax Silica, led by U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg (far left). (more) What Is Pax Silica? Written by Aman Kumar Aman Kumar is an editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Aman Kumar Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 1, 2026 •History Pax Silica is an initiative announced by the U.S. Department of State in December 2025. It seeks to secure supply chains for silicon and other minerals essential to semiconductor production and, by extension, to artificial intelligence and other advanced technological industries. Pax Silica roughly translates to “Silica Peace,” referring to silica, the raw material used to produce silicon, a key element in the manufacture of computer chips. Semiconductors are cost-effective materials whose electrical conductivity can...

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