Solar Boom Drives Record High Prices for Key Ingredient Silica Sand

Demand for high-purity silica sand used in solar panels and electronics is soaring as China boosts green manufacturing
Prices have nearly doubled in 5 years and are near record highs, but the market is opaque and fragmented
Tight regulations and environmental concerns limit supply in Asia and North America
Australia and Brazil may benefit from demand boom due to plentiful reserves away from settlements
Prices could eventually fall as new supplies come online, but the wait will be uncomfortable for manufacturers