Semiconductor Firms Monitor Quartz Supply After Hurricane

Following Hurricane Helene's temporary closure of two key quartz mines in North Carolina, major global semiconductor manufacturers, including TSMC, Infineon Technologies, Samsung, and SK Hynix, have stated they do not foresee significant operational disruptions. Despite the mines' critical role in producing high-purity quartz for silicon crucibles, firms maintain sufficient stockpiles of silicon wafers to mitigate any short-term supply issues. GlobalWafers has confirmed that their inventory levels are adequate to meet current commitments, highlighting the resilience of the supply chain. The timeline for the resumption of mining operations remains uncertain due to severe flooding and damage caused by the hurricane, which has resulted in numerous casualties and infrastructural challenges in the area. While the immediate impact on the chip-making sector is unclear, manufacturers are actively monitoring the situation and remain optimistic about future supply continuity.