IT experts have deemed sand suitable for the production of silicon chips. The Information Technology Department of Sindh has initiated the preliminary paperwork for the “Chip Wafer Foundry” project. IT Sindh has already sent the paperwork to the relevant ministries emphasizing that Pakistan’s Chip Wafer production can fulfill a significant need in the digital world market.
Experts assert that creating chip wafers requires materials like coal, sand, water and electricity. The ideal sand for Chip Wafer Foundry needs to be of specific quality and a power supply of 250 megawatts is necessary which can be sourced from the Thar region itself.
Estimates suggest that the cost of the Chip Wafer Foundry scheme could reach up to $450 million which can be completed through the CPEC initiative. Additionally, in Tharparkar district, 150 acres of land have been earmarked for the approved Chip Wafer Foundry project. While Pakistan may not possess the technology for chips themselves, it can produce chip wafers.
It’s important to note that aside from saving on imports, the Chip Wafer Foundry could also lead to additional production. This innovative venture holds the potential to not only bolster the economy but also position Pakistan as a significant player in the global technology market.
The transformation of sand into silicon chips marks a significant milestone in the country’s technological journey promising advancements and opportunities on the horizon.
