Mayland Community College is proud to announce the initiation of a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing the supply chain for the mining of high-purity quartz in Spruce Pine. This study, funded by the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, seeks to attract and grow industries that can thrive in western North Carolina, leveraging the region’s unique resources.
The study, conducted by Dale Carroll of Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, will focus on several key areas:
- Identifying Supply Chain Opportunities: Exploring potential industries that can benefit from the high-purity quartz mined in Mitchell County.
- Labor Study: Assessing the existing labor shed to support these industries.
- Economic and Fiscal Impact Model: Developing models to understand the economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed developments.
- Industrial Real Estate: Identifying quality industrial real estate to support new and existing businesses.
- Target Marketing and Recruitment: Assisting with the design of marketing strategies and company recruitment.
These efforts will culminate in an economic development strategic action plan, complete with implementation ideas and timelines.
Dale Carroll, Partner at Sanford Holshouser Economic Development Consulting, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “It is a privilege to lead the Project Supply Chain study and plan development. Exploring how to leverage the best-in-class quartz mined in Mitchell County for future economic development in WNC is exciting. This high-purity quartz is the start of the supply chain globally for manufacturing high-tech products like semiconductor chips, solar panels, and fiber optic wiring.”
Dr. John C. Boyd, President of Mayland Community College, also shared his excitement: “Mayland is excited about working with the local mines and Dale Carroll on completing this needed study. We appreciate the Appalachian Regional Commission’s financial support to move this study forward and believe it will have a positive impact on the economy of our three counties.”
“This study represents a critical step in harnessing the full economic potential of our region’s unique mineral assets. By identifying opportunities to build a stronger supply chain around our high-purity quartz, we’re not only supporting our existing mining industry but also paving the way for new, advanced manufacturing jobs and investment in Mitchell County. We’re grateful to Mayland Community College and our regional partners for their leadership in shaping a more resilient and future-ready local economy,” said Bill Slagle, Mitchell County Economic Development Commission Executive Director.
For more information, please contact: Kelly Smith at Mayland Community College
