Key players in the high-purity quartz industry, are facing significant challenges following Hurricane Helene‘s landfall.
Sibelco and The Quartz Corp in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, are two critical facilities known for producing quartz, essential in semiconductors, solar panels, and fiber-optic cables. Both have been shutdown due to the impact of the storm with no reopening date announced so far.
Operations at both facilities were suspended on Thursday as a precaution ahead of the hurricane, which resulted in widespread destruction across western North Carolina and parts of eastern Tennessee.
Spruce Pine is recognized for its mines that yield some of the highest quality quartz globally, making this closure particularly impactful given the increasing demand for quartz.
Many workers were left unreachable due to ongoing power outages and communication disruptions. “Please rest assured that Sibelco is actively collaborating with government agencies and third-party rescue and recovery operations to mitigate the impact of this event and to resume operations as soon as possible,” the company stated in a release.
The Quartz Corp echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that while restoring operations is critical, the safety of its employees takes precedence. “Our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees and their families,” the company wrote.
Quartz mines in Spruce Pine on September 30, 2024. Two local facilities that source the quartz used for making semiconductors, solar panels and fiber optic cables have been shut down by Hurricane Helene.
Gary D. Robertson/AP Photo
The effects of Hurricane Helene extend beyond operational shutdowns, causing significant infrastructural damage in Spruce Pine, and complicating recovery efforts for residents and businesses. Local authorities are assessing the extent of the destruction, which could have long-term implications for the town and its vital quartz production.
In response to increasing global demand for high-purity quartz, Sibelco announced a substantial investment of $200 million last year to double its production capacity in Spruce Pine. However, with operations on hold, the timeline for resuming production remains uncertain, raising concerns about the future supply of this critical resource.
As recovery efforts unfold, the community’s resilience is put to the test. Both Sibelco and The Quartz Corp are working to support their workforce and navigate the complex challenges presented by the disaster. The situation highlights the importance of local and federal support as the community strives to rebuild and recover from the storm’s impact.
The full extent of damage from Hurricane Helene and its effects on quartz production will continue to be monitored in the coming weeks, as the industry watches closely how this disaster will influence the global market for high-purity quartz.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
