Chip Firms Watching Quartz Supply After Hurricane Shut Mines
- Sibelco, Quartz mines suspended operations after Helene
- Two mines produce over 80% of world’s high-purity quartz
Floodwater and damage in North Carolina
Photographer: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Global semiconductor makers are monitoring supplies of high-purity quartz, a material critical to the industry, after Hurricane Helene halted production at two North Carolina mines that produce most of the world’s supply.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. — the world’s largest chipmaker — and Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG said in statements they were keeping tabs on the situation but didn’t anticipate any significant impact to their operations. South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc. said they also don’t expect repercussions. TSMC supplier Topco Scientific Co., which processes quartz, said it is reviewing its inventory and is in close touch with all suppliers.