Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 11, China has identified a new mineral species, high-purity quartz. This discovery, reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources, is set to bolster industries like semiconductors and photovoltaics by reducing reliance on imported materials. High-purity quartz is defined as rock that can be refined to achieve silicon dioxide with at least 99.995% purity, meeting the strict standards required for advanced technology applications.
The find is significant for its potential to support emerging industries. Mao Jingwen, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated: “The establishment of this new mineral species will contribute to the high-quality development of related strategic emerging industries.” The mineral’s properties, including high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, low thermal expansion, and transparency, make it essential for high-tech manufacturing.
Recent exploration efforts have uncovered high-purity quartz deposits in regions such as eastern Qinling in Henan Province and Altay in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Research institutions and enterprises across China have made strides in processing techniques, achieving pilot-scale products with 4N5 purity levels, and some samples reaching 4N8 purity. A Henan-based researcher noted: “These advancements pave the way for reliable domestic supply chains.”
The discovery strengthens China’s industrial capabilities without affecting consumption patterns, focusing instead on resource development for production. Progress in resource assessment, exploration, and purification technologies marks a step toward industrial-scale production of high-purity quartz. These efforts ensure the material meets the needs of industries driving technological innovation.
Huang Xuexiong, director of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ department of mineral resources protection and supervision, commented: “As a key foundational material for strategic emerging industries, high-purity quartz will be included in the list of strategic mineral resources.” Plans are underway to establish an engineering and technology innovation center dedicated to advancing research in ore formation, exploration techniques, and purification methods.
Further steps include a nationwide survey to assess high-purity quartz reserves, alongside targeted exploration projects to secure domestic supplies. These initiatives aim to enhance resource availability for industries critical to technological progress. A Xinjiang-based project coordinator said: “Our focus is on building a sustainable foundation for high-tech manufacturing.”
The discovery aligns with ongoing efforts to support industrial growth through innovation. By developing domestic sources of high-purity quartz, China aims to meet the demands of advanced technology sectors efficiently. The collaborative work of researchers, enterprises, and government bodies ensures steady progress toward these goals.
