Impact of Hurricane Helene on Quartz Mining and Semiconductor Manufacturing Supply

It was a non-event. The shutdown of a mine due to rainfall is not an event of consequence. On September 27, 2023, as Hurricane Helene threatened to close operations at the Spruce Pine Quartz mine in North Carolina, concerns arose about the potential impact on the global semiconductor chip manufacturing industry. However, these worries were, in fact, misplaced.

Context and Details of the Shutdown

During the hurricane, the operation at the quartz mine in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, was temporarily halted. The mine, though critical to many industrial processes, is not central to the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. The halt was precautionary as heavy rainfall and logistical challenges such as potential damage to the lift systems or power disruptions were of primary concern.

Operating a mine in a hurricane situation would be particularly risky for several reasons. Miners would be hundreds of feet underground, with the threat of a raging hurricane overhead. Any damage to lift systems or power supplies would make evacuation difficult and potentially life-threatening. Shutting down operations in such a scenario is a safety measure to protect the workforce.

Quartz Supply and Its Significance in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Quartz is a common mineral with extensive use across industries, including semiconductor manufacturing. It is not scarce, and there is no shortage of quartz deposits around the world. Multiple regions in the Southern USA have abundant quartz supplies, making it a readily accessible resource.

The Holocene Sands in South Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina are particularly pure, providing a reliable source of quartz. Moreover, in the state of Alabama, the supply of quartz is virtually unlimited. Rivers and streams from about 50 miles north of Montgomery to the coast are filled with quartz sand, which is why the region has beautiful white beaches. These beaches remain pristine and are not mined. The state prefers to retain their natural beauty.

Geologically, quartz seams can be as thick as 20 feet across much of California. It is not a rare mineral. Similar to the situation in Alabama, quartz deposits are widespread in the United States and globally, rendering it a common and abundant resource.

Quartz in Semiconductor Manufacturing

The quartz needed for semiconductor manufacturing is in ready form. It doesn’t require much effort to convert the material into a purpose-specific form. In fact, many quartz formations are rich in silicon dioxide, a key component in semiconductor processes. Granite, for instance, is composed of pure silicon dioxide, alongside mica, felspar, and quartz.

Another example from South Central Alabama highlights the abundance of the resource. Massive layers of white clay contain nearly pure titanium dioxide. This clay is used for the white pigment in latex paint, showing that even seemingly rare minerals like titanium can be abundant in nature. This abundance alleviates concerns about shortages of critical minerals like quartz and quartz-derived silicon.

Conclusion

While the shutdown of the Spruce Pine Quartz mine due to Hurricane Helene was a precautionary measure, it does not significantly impact the global semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. Quartz is a common and abundant mineral, with extensive and reliable sources available in various parts of the United States and worldwide. The situation underscores the resilience of the mineral supply chains that underpin critical industries like semiconductor manufacturing.

Companies in the semiconductor manufacturing sector have robust supply chain management in place to ensure continuous operation and mitigate risks associated with natural disasters. Measures such as diversified sourcing and strategic stockpiling further reduce the likelihood of supply chain disruptions. In short, the concerns about the impact of the mine shutdown on semiconductor manufacturing are misplaced, reflecting the flexibility and robustness of the broader mineral supply networks.