Silicon
Projects
Major Silicon Projects Worldwide
The development pipeline for Silicon projects spans exploration through production across multiple jurisdictions. These projects that will shape the future supply landscape for this technology metal.
Current Production
8.8 million
tonnes (metallurgical grade)
Top Producer
China
75% share
Projects Tracked
0
Reserves
Essentially unlimited (second most abundant crustal element)
Government Support and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the strategic importance of Silicon, governments in major consuming nations have launched programs to support project development. These include direct financing, loan guarantees, streamlined permitting, and bilateral resource partnerships. As a USGS-listed critical mineral, Silicon projects are eligible for various U.S. government support mechanisms including the Defense Production Act Title III program. EU Critical Raw Materials Act provisions enable fast-track permitting and financing support for Silicon projects within the EU and partner nations.
Key Industry Developments
Recent developments affecting the Silicon project landscape:
Polysilicon prices spiked above $400/kg during the first solar boom due to severe supply shortage; triggered massive Chinese capacity investment
Chinese polysilicon production was disrupted by Xinjiang forced labor allegations and US import restrictions (UFLPA)
Polysilicon prices surged to $40/kg from $10/kg as demand outpaced supply; triggered another wave of Chinese capacity expansion
Massive Chinese polysilicon overcapacity crashed prices below $5/kg, making many non-Chinese producers uneconomic; global solar cell prices hit record lows
US and EU imposed tariffs and anti-circumvention duties on Chinese solar products, attempting to protect domestic manufacturing
More on Silicon
Explore other aspects of the Silicon value chain.
Uses & Applications
Explore uses & applications for Silicon.
Supply Chain
Explore supply chain for Silicon.
Mining & Processing
Explore mining & processing for Silicon.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore refining & grade specs for Silicon.
Recycling
Explore recycling for Silicon.
Substitutes
Explore substitutes for Silicon.
Return to the Silicon hub page or browse the full Mineral Library.