The next frontier: transforming zimbabwe’s silica sand into smart technology
Bibliographic entry
Mbanje, N. The next frontier: transforming zimbabwe’s silica sand into smart technology = / N. Mbanje, J. Govha, P. B. Musiwa // Приборостроение-2025 : материалы 18-й Международной научно-технической конференции, 13–15 ноября 2025 года Минск, Республика Беларусь / редкол.: А. И. Свистун (пред.), О. К. Гусев, Р. И. Воробей [и др.]. – Минск : БНТУ, 2025. – С. 407-408.
Abstract
High-purity silicon is the cornerstone of modern electronics and solar technologies. This study investigates the potential of Zimbabwe’s silica sand as a source of raw material for semiconductor-grade silicon. Samples from Mkoba, Gweru were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) to determine elemental composition and impurity levels. Results show high silica content of 92.38 % with trace impurities such as iron, aluminium, magnesium, calcium and titanium. The findings indicate that, with appropriate purification processes, Zimbabwe’s silica sand can serve as a viable feedstock for local semiconductor production and technological development.