China Discovers 35 Million Tons of High-Purity Quartz: Preparations to end dependence on America
Beijing: China has taken a very big step for its technology industry. A new deposit of 35 million tons of high-purity quartz has been found in the remote areas of Henan and Xinjiang, which is considered to be one of the biggest strategic discoveries till date. Its estimated value is €1.4 billion (approximately ₹12,500 crore) and it can be very important from the Indian point of view as well.
What is High-Purity Quartz and why is it important?
High-purity quartz is a special kind of quartz in which the amount of silicon dioxide is 99.995% or even more. This material is used in industries that make high-end technology – such as semiconductors, solar panels, and optical fibers. This quartz is the base of the silicon wafer required to make semiconductor chips.
Till now, China was mainly dependent on the United States for this quartz, especially the Spruce Pine mine, North Carolina, which supplies 80% of the world’s high-purity quartz. But with the discovery of this new treasure, China’s dependence on the US could end – which could be a game-changer in both geopolitical and economic terms.
China’s Quartz Discovery: A Strategic Masterstroke
According to reports in World-Energy and Global Times, this quartz is not just a geological resource but a strategic asset. China’s Ministry of Natural Resources has also recognized it as a “new mineral species”. This designation shows how much importance China is giving to this discovery.
Earlier, China had to spend more than $1.5 billion every year on imports of high-purity quartz. But now the 35 million tons reserve can not only save money but also strengthen our tech manufacturing ecosystem.
Boost in Semiconductor and Solar Sectors
The biggest uses of high-purity quartz are in the semiconductor and photovoltaic (solar energy) sectors. This mineral has the advantage of being able to tolerate high temperatures and chemical corrosion, making it an ideal material for precision manufacturing.
China has already started some pilot projects where the purity level of quartz has reached even higher than 99.995% – 99.998%. This means that China is not only extracting the raw material, but also processing and refining it to meet advanced global standards.
Preparations to build innovation center
To advance this discovery further, the Chinese government is establishing a National Innovation Center for High-Purity Quartz. Here geologists, mineral engineers, and material scientists will work together on new purification methods.
What does it mean for India and the world?
Huang Xuexiong, director of Mineral Resources Protection and Supervision of the Ministry of Natural Resources, said high-purity quartz has now been added to the national strategic minerals list. This means it will receive government funding and policy support, which is crucial for long-term self-sufficiency.
China’s discovery could have a direct impact on the global supply chain. Where America previously had a monopoly in the quartz market, China has now become a powerful competitor. Its impact will also be felt in countries that are seeing growth in technology and green energy – like India.
For India, which is developing its infrastructure in semiconductor manufacturing and solar panel production, this development could also be a signal that securing its own supply of strategic minerals like quartz has now become even more important.
Conclusion:
China’s discovery is not just a mineral find, but another step towards its global tech leadership. While the world is embroiled in rare-earths and chip wars, China is quietly strengthening its raw material backbone. This storehouse of high-purity quartz may become the basis of both China’s self-sufficiency and dominance in the coming times.