Hurricane Helene disrupts key quartz supply in Spruce Pine, North Carolina

Hurricane Helene has severely impacted Spruce Pine, North Carolina, a key supplier of high-purity quartz used in microchips and solar panels. The town received over 24 inches of rain, causing extensive flooding and damage to infrastructure. The flooding has disrupted power, water, and communication services, isolating the community. The main rail line for shipping quartz has also been heavily damaged, complicating the extraction and distribution of this critical material. While chipmakers may have short-term supplies, prolonged disruptions could significantly affect production in the semiconductor and solar industries. Experts note that alternatives to Spruce Pine's quartz are not currently viable.