World production of HPQ, an input for semiconductors, is 150,000 t.

Global production of high-purity quartz (HPQ), an input for semiconductors, is less than 150,000 tons, according to Graphene & Solar Technologies (GST).

This is due to two factors: while quartz / silica is the most abundant substance on earth, covering 69% of the earth’s surface, HPQ grade is one of the rarest substances on earth with only a handful of deposits. known all over the world.

Consequently, as a strategically important mineral, in some countries, such as Brazil, the government has prohibited the export of HPQ in order to maintain sufficient quantities for its own use.

Furthermore, as one of GST’s lead scientists confirms that due to the fact that each HPQ deposit has its own particular chemical composition and chemical construction, and different manifestations of impurities, there is no single formula or application for producing quartz sand from high purity.

HPQ

Graphene & Solar Technologies has the right to mine two high-purity silica quartz mineral deposits: White Springs, consisting of approximately 1.5 million tons, and Quartz Hill, consisting of about 14 million tons, all through its subsidiary. wholly owned Solar Quartz Technologies Limited.

Ultra-high purity quartz deposits are found in the state of Queensland, Australia.

The material is ideal for processing into high purity quartz sand (HPQS) with enough reserve to power a minimum of 15-20 years of solar crucible processing and high-end electronic grade HPQS.

Additionally, the Quartz Hill tank is ideal for processing into solar grade polysilicon metal, as well as for the production of solar cell wafers.

Thus, HPQ and HPQS are essential primary raw materials necessary for the manufacture of solar grade monocrystalline silicon, through the Czochralski process, for the crucibles in which the silicon ingots from which solar cells are made are produced.

Also HPQS is an essential ingredient required for semiconductor production.

HPQ is the only suitable material for this process as it shares the same element (silicon) and is almost non-reactive, ensuring high quality silicon ingots.

Apart from this, HPQ also finds main applications in the advanced lighting, telecommunications, optics and microelectronics industry.

HPQ powders are required for the epoxy molding compound used in the manufacture of most electronic semiconductors, and are in a rapidly growing industry, which includes improved automotive electronics for electric vehicles.