Sinova Global, a silicon metal producer with operations in Canada and the US, announced on Thursday it is re-opening the Sinova quartz quarry near Golden, British Columbia.

The quarry is fully permitted, accessible by road and rail infrastructure for ease of transport to Sinova’s silicon metal plant under construction in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Development of this project is underway with the support of government, and the receipt of permits.

As one of the world’s only 99.8%-pure hard rock quartz deposits, Sinova’s output will be used in the production of high-purity silicon metal to support the drive for North American-sourced critical minerals, the company said.

Silicon metal is an essential component in aluminum and steel manufacturing, grid storage, semiconductor technology and solar energy generation.

After conducting extensive environmental studies, Sinova said its construction and operational plans have been developed to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse environmental impacts. These plans include safety, vegetation, wildlife, soil, erosion and sedimentation, fugitive dust, archaeological chance find procedures, traffic and water.

“We are pleased to be re-opening the quarry after many years of careful planning and permitting,” Sinova Global CEO Jayson Tymko said in a news release. 

“This is a significant step forward in facilitating a secure supply chain for this much needed material in a way that can create lasting value for both our global partners and our local community.”

Sinova said it has engaged Speers Construction, a local contractor with deep ties to the community, to lead the construction and related quartz extraction work.