Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, a town known for being the world’s primary source of high-purity quartz used in semiconductor and solar panel production. The rainfall exceeded 2 feet, leading to flooding, power outages, and road closures, leaving the community isolated. While alternative sources of pure quartz are being explored, none can meet the world’s demand like Spruce Pine. The disruption of quartz supply may have global implications, affecting industries reliant on semiconductor chips and solar panels. The impact depends on how long the town remains cut off, with concerns about potential shortages and economic consequences looming.
https://www.npr.org/2024/09/30/nx-s1-5133462/hurricane-helene-quartz-microchips-solar-panels-spruce-pine