Quartz mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, have been temporarily shut down following the impact of Hurricane Helene, the company Sibelco announced. These mines supply nearly all of the world’s high-purity quartz used in the semiconductor industry to make microprocessors. The area has been severely affected by flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, with many people facing displacement and disruptions. The company is actively working with rescue operations to resume operations and ensure the safety of employees and the facility. The region is also home to the Quartz Corp. mine, contributing to the high concentration of high-purity quartz supply. However, the closure of these mines could have serious repercussions on the semiconductor industry, which relies on the materials produced in Spruce Pine. There is concern about the long-term closure and potential disruptions to the supply chain. Other mines in South Carolina and synthetic production methods could potentially fill the gap if the closures continue for an extended period. Further assessments are needed to determine the extent of the damage and how quickly operations can resume. The communities in North Carolina are facing significant challenges, with mounting casualties due to the natural disaster. The impact of the closures on the tech industry and global supply chain remains to be seen as the situation continues to unfold.
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Quartz mining operations in WNC stopped, putting global semiconductor supply at risk
