Spruce Pine in North Carolina, which was devastated by Hurricane Helen, is the world’s main source of high-purity quartz needed for semiconductors, and semiconductor production could be disrupted.
The southeastern United States was devastated by Hurricane Helen, which killed many people and caused winds of up to 225 km/h and heavy rain in many areas.
The Associated Press reported that Spruce Pine was drenched in 600 millimeters of rain between Tuesday and Saturday, which is a lot of water in a short period of time. The region’s mining districts produce high-purity quartz (HPQ), which is used in the production of silicon wafers for semiconductors and solar panels. It is one of, if not the most important source of important minerals.
It is silicon dioxide and is very pure.
Because Spruce Pine is the sole producer of ultra-high purity quartz for the crucibles on which all of the world’s semiconductor production depends, we care about the people of Western North Carolina and are concerned about the potential global How can I express that I am also worried about economic disaster? pic.twitter.com/pcg4bonoJn
— FossilLocator (@FossilLocator) September 29, 2024
This is not the only place in the world where HPQ is produced. Canada, Norway, Brazil, Russia and India are also listed as producers, and given the critical importance of HPQ to the global economy, Australia is pondering whether to start mining the mineral as well. are.
However, Belgian global mining giant Sibelco’s Spruce Pine company has near-total worldwide monopoly over HPQ.
“The raw material for Sibelco’s high-purity quartz sand is sourced from the Spruce Pine region of North Carolina, known for its white granite-type high-purity quartz ore. It is the only high-purity quartz deposit with large ore bodies, low liquid impurities in the quartz, and stable ore quality. ”
Rescue operations are underway in the region to ensure people’s safety and restore water supplies, food, medical aid and roads.
