The Sibelco mine in North Carolina is one of the most crucial sites to the global production of semiconductors.

The owner of a North Carolina quartz mine that’s a key source for high-purity quartz used in global semiconductor manufacturing said its operations sustained only minor damage in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Following at least 178 deaths and billions in damage from Hurricane Helene throughout six states in the southeast US, at least one hopeful sign emerged on Wednesday, nearly a week after the storm f | Spruce Pine and Asheville in North Carolina were devastated by floods,

The facilities named as The Quartz Corp and Sibelco, located in Spruce Pine, halted their operations prior to the incoming hurricane that destroyed several parts of West USA and portions of East Tennessee.

Two North Carolina facilities that manufacture the high-purity quartz used for making semiconductors, solar panels and fiber optic cables have been shut down by Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene severely disrupted quartz mining operations in North Carolina, raising concerns across the global tech industry.

However, they remain closed as surrounding communities in a remote mountain region deal with pervasive power and water outages, as well as washed-out roads.