The solar supply chain runs through this flooded North Carolina town

Due to a geological quirk, the purest quartz in the world is found in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. This quartz, essential for making computer chips and solar panels, is unmatched in quality and quantity by sources in China, India, and Russia. The recent closure of quartz mines in Spruce Pine due to Hurricane Helene has caused concern in the global tech industry. The impact on solar manufacturing is significant, as the quartz from Spruce Pine is crucial for making solar crucibles. While the closure highlights the risks of relying on materials from a single location, industry experts believe that contingency plans and alternative supplies can help mitigate disruptions in the solar supply chain. The U.S. government is monitoring the situation closely, as the production of both semiconductors and solar panels domestically is a priority. Restarting mining operations in Spruce Pine is crucial for the local economy and could support the growth of clean energy industries in America.