Mining & Processing

How Silicon Is Mined and Processed

Silicon (Si) is a technology metal with global annual production of approximately 8.8 million tonnes (metallurgical grade), primarily from China and Russia. Typical ore grades range from 99%+ SiO2.

Mining Methods

Silicon is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Open-pit quartzite mining
• Submerged arc furnace smelting

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Silicon include:

• Quartzite - SiO2
• Quartz vein deposits

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Silicon ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Carbothermic reduction in submerged arc furnaces
2. Siemens process (polysilicon)
3. Fluidized bed reactor (FBR polysilicon)
4. Czochralski crystal growth (wafers)

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Silicon must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in China where 75% of global production is concentrated.