China’s Strategic Push into High-Purity Quartz to Strengthen Semiconductor and Solar Industries
China has recently announced significant advancements in its high-purity quartz sector, a critical component in the production of semiconductors and solar panels. These developments are poised to enhance China’s position in the global technology supply chain.
Strategic Discoveries and Investments
In December 2023, Mengsilicon (Inner Mongolia) Technology Group initiated a project in Inner Mongolia to process 6,000 tons of high-purity quartz sand annually, with an investment of 150 million yuan. This facility aims to process 12,000 tons of raw ore each year, contributing significantly to the domestic supply of high-purity quartz.
Simultaneously, DaiLe New Material commenced a project in Lengshuijiang City, Hunan Province, focusing on enhancing the quality and capacity of high-purity quartz sand production. The project spans 107 mu of land and is expected to achieve an annual capacity of 30,000 tons upon full operation.
Additionally, in September 2023, Junde Silicon Industry Co., Ltd. launched a project in Guangdong Province to produce 250,000 tons of low-iron high-purity quartz sand annually, with an investment of 80 million yuan. The project encompasses mining, production, purification, and supporting facilities.
Technological Advancements
China has made notable progress in purification technologies for high-purity quartz. For instance, researchers in Henan Province achieved a silica purity of 99.998% through advanced purification processes, marking a significant milestone in the domestic production of ultra-high purity quartz sand.
Furthermore, innovative purification methods, such as fluorine-free flotation combined with high-temperature calcination and hot-press acid leaching, have been developed. These techniques have successfully reduced impurity levels in quartz sand, achieving SiO₂ content as high as 99.9972%, meeting the stringent requirements for semiconductor and photovoltaic applications.
Implications for Global Supply Chains
Historically, China has relied heavily on imports for high-purity quartz, with over 70% of global imports in 2020. The recent discoveries and technological advancements aim to reduce this dependency, ensuring a stable domestic supply for critical industries.
By bolstering its high-purity quartz production capabilities, China seeks to secure its supply chain for semiconductors and solar panels, industries vital to its economic and technological ambitions. These efforts are expected to enhance China’s competitiveness in the global market and contribute to the stability of international supply chains.