In addition to destroying entire towns, roads, and an unknown number of lives, Hurricane Helene may also cause a major disruption in the tech sector.
One of the worst hit towns in the NC Mountains was Spruce Pine, an area critical to global technology production due to its high-purity quartz deposits. These deposits are vital for manufacturing semiconductors and solar panels, affecting industries worldwide.
The Sibelco-owned quartz facility in Spruce Pine, Mitchell County’s top employer, was forced to halt operations after over two feet of rain submerged the area, damaging roads, utilities, and homes. Experts are concerned about potential disruptions to the global tech supply chain, though a complete shutdown is unlikely.
Spruce Pine just got hit by Helene. The fallout on the tech industry could be huge : NPR https://t.co/x3JYimpg8n
— John Richardson (@jpr9954) October 1, 2024
Spruce Pine provides approximately 70% of the world’s naturally occurring high-purity quartz (HPQ), essential for creating microchips used in a variety of smart devices. This type of quartz is valued for its rare purity and is used in critical applications like semiconductors and optical technologies. While quartz is widely available, deposits with HPQ quality, such as Spruce Pine’s, are extremely rare, making the town a pivotal supplier in the $500 billion semiconductor industry.
The temporary shutdown of operations at the Spruce Pine facilities, owned by Quartz Corp and Sibelco, raises concerns about prolonged supply chain disruptions. The storm’s flooding could have long-lasting effects, exacerbating supply issues already affecting industries dependent on semiconductors. However, while the shutdown may impact tech production, experts believe the global semiconductor industry will avoid a complete halt.
Rescue teams, nonprofits, state agencies, and community-led efforts are now asking for everyone’s help to contribute manpower, money, and supplies. Here are ways you can;
#1 Volunteer your time:
– Samaritan’s Purse Volunteer Signup
– Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Signup
– North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
#2 Donate your money:
– Red Cross
– Salvation Army of The Carolinas
– JAARS
– Samaritan’s Purse
– Baptists on Mission
– Americares Helene Relief Effort
– Community Housing Coalition (CHC) of Madison County
– BeLoved Asheville
– Hope Mill Inc’s Hurricane Relief
#3 Donate supplies:
– Operation Airdrop
– Foster Family Alliance of NC
– Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
– NC Mountains Emergency Response Facebook Group
Please share additional resources and rescue efforts in the comments below.
