SPRING PINE, N.C. – In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destruction, one of the key businesses producing high-purity quartz essential for semiconductor manufacturing has resumed operations.
Sibelco made an announcement on Thursday confirming that their mining and processing activities in Spruce Pine, situated about 50 miles northeast of Asheville, have once again commenced. The company indicated that production and shipments are gradually being increased to meet full operational levels, as noted in their recent press statement.
CEO Hilmar Rode emphasized the significance of this restart, stating, “While the path to full recovery for our communities is expected to be lengthy, getting our operations back on track and beginning to ship to clients plays a crucial role in revitalizing the local economy.”
Before the hurricane made landfall, both Sibelco and The Quartz Corp. had halted operations as a precaution. Following the event, both companies confirmed the safety of all their employees.
Last week, The Quartz Corp. expressed that it was uncertain when they might be able to resume operations, indicating that the timeline would hinge on the restoration of local infrastructure.
The quartz sourced from Spruce Pine is a critical component in the production of the machinery used in the silicon chip manufacturing process. According to Vince Beiser, author of “The World in a Grain,” approximately 70% to 90% of worldwide crucibles used for melting polysilicon, a key material for chips, originate from the quartz found in Spruce Pine.
This specialized quartz is also integral to the production of solar panels and fiber-optic cables.
A council member from Spruce Pine recently remarked that it is estimated that three-quarters of the town is directly tied to the mining industry, whether through employment, related jobs, or family connections to the facilities.