Janice R. Andrews
The global chipmaking sector is attentively tracking the availability of high-purity quartz after Hurricane Helene forced the closure of two critical quartz mines near Spruce Pine, North Carolina. These facilities account for over 80% of the world’s commercial high-purity quartz production, an essential component in semiconductor manufacturing.
Industry leaders, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Infineon Technologies AG, Samsung Electronics Co., and SK Hynix Inc., are vigilantly assessing the situation. While they acknowledge the potential impact, these companies do not anticipate immediate disruptions to their operations, citing preparedness for such supply chain challenges.
Key suppliers in the industry, such as Topco Scientific Co. and GlobalWafers Co., are actively managing their quartz inventories and maintaining open lines of communication with their supply partners. They express confidence in their ability to navigate the current circumstances, pointing to adequate stock levels and adaptable supply networks.
The temporary halt in production at the North Carolina mines has introduced an element of uncertainty. However, the semiconductor industry’s practice of stockpiling critical materials may help mitigate short-term effects. Mining operations are expected to resume once the local area recovers from severe flooding and power outages caused by the hurricane.
The affected mines typically produce approximately 20,000 tons of ultra-high-purity quartz annually, which is crucial for both solar and semiconductor industries. While prolonged disruptions could potentially drive industries to explore synthetic alternatives, the immediate outlook remains stable.
At present, the global semiconductor sector demonstrates resilience, benefiting from strategic planning and robust supply chains. Nevertheless, industry stakeholders continue to closely monitor developments in North Carolina.
