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HomeNewsNorth Carolina's Two Mines Sole Global Source of Quartz for Semiconductor Production

North Carolina’s Two Mines Sole Global Source of Quartz for Semiconductor Production

Spruce Pine, a small town in North Carolina, plays a surprisingly pivotal role in the global technology and renewable energy sectors, situated just two hours northwest of Charlotte. The key to this influence lies in its quartz mines, accessible via Fish Hatchery Rd., a rural route amidst a scenic setting. These mines, owned by Sibelco, are crucial for producing the high-purity quartz essential for manufacturing the crucibles used in refining silicon wafers, a fundamental component of semiconductor and solar photovoltaic industries.

Ethan Mollick, an associate professor at Wharton, underscores the town’s strategic importance, suggesting that any disruption in its quartz supply could have severe global repercussions. This sentiment echoes in the narrative of Ed Conway’s book, “Material World,” and is further reinforced by Mollick’s observations on the potentially catastrophic impact of operational halts at these mines.

The global dependence on Spruce Pine’s quartz is staggering, with its ultra-high-purity quartz being a core element in digital devices worldwide. This connection is highlighted by Rolf Pippert, a mine manager at Quartz Corp, who points out the ubiquity of Spruce Pine’s quartz in cell phones and computer chips.

Spruce Pine’s significance in the semiconductor supply chain is rooted in its geological history, dating back 380 million years when the collision of Africa and North America led to the formation of exceptionally pure quartz rock. This quartz is meticulously extracted and processed into a fine sand, then refined into a silicon powder crucial for the semiconductor industry.

As the demand for semiconductors grows, driven by the advancement of artificial intelligence, questions arise about Spruce Pine’s ability to sustain the increasing demand. In response, Sibelco has committed significant investments, totaling $700 million over several years, to expand its high-purity quartz production capacity in Spruce Pine, ensuring its continued contribution to the semiconductor and solar markets. This investment underscores the town’s enduring significance in the global tech landscape and its critical role in supporting the ongoing digital and renewable energy revolutions.