Helium - critical for modern innovation

From quantum computing to medical imaging, discover how helium drives innovation and why reliable supply matters more than ever

Helium’s strategic importance

One of the most important elements in modern industry and technology

Despite being the second most abundant element in the universe, helium is exceptionally rare on Earth. It is formed over billions of years through the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium, a process that cannot be replicated or accelerated. Once released, helium escapes into space, making every recoverable molecule valuable.

Its unique properties - including being inert, non-renewable, and the coldest known liquid - make helium irreplaceable across a wide range of applications. It cannot be synthesized, stored indefinitely in atmosphere, or replaced by alternative gases in high-tech uses. The European Union and Canada have both classified helium as a critical mineral, underscoring its strategic importance for national security and economic competitiveness.

Helium's crucial role in modern innovation

Healthcare / Medical

  • Approximately 40% of current demand

  • MRI machines (supercooled magnets for cryogenics)

  • NMR spectroscopy and medical research

  • Respiratory therapy treatments (asthma, COPD)

  • Biological sample preservation

  • PET scans and endoscopy

Research / Cryogenics

  • Approximately 23% of current industry demand

  • Scientific research and experimentation

  • Quantum computing and particle accelerators

  • Space exploration (cooling infrared detectors)

  • Nuclear fusion research

Electronics / Semiconductors

  • Approximately 15% of current demand

  • Chip manufacturing and wafer cooling

  • LCD and fiber optic production

  • Maintaining inert environments during fabrication

  • AI and computing infrastructure

Aerospace / Defence

  • Approximately 8% of current industry demand

  • Rocket fuel tank pressurization

  • Satellite systems and space missions

  • Military applications and R&D

  • Precision welding in aerospace manufacturing

Industrial Applications

  • Approximately 7% of current industry demand

  • Leak detection (utilizing helium's small atomic size)

  • Welding and cutting (inert shield gas)

  • Gas chromatography and analytical testing

Other Specialized Uses

  • Approximately 7% of current industry demand

  • Commercial and recreational balloons

  • Deep-sea diving breathing mixtures

  • Nuclear reactor cooling systems

  • Controlled atmosphere applications

  • Surface treatment processes

Market dynamic and challenges

Supply constraints

  • Requires specific geological conditions to accumulate naturally

  • Demands sophisticated extraction and processing technology

  • Geographic concentration in just a few countries (US, Qatar, Russia) creates vulnerabilities

  • Chronic shortages leading to price volatility and supply allocation programs

Market pressures

  • Demand is forecast to nearly double by 2035

  • U.S. remains the largest consumer

  • Industrial gas companies implementing allocation programs due to supply constraints

  • Major industrial users are actively seeking supply diversification strategies

Strategic importance

  • No viable substitutes exist for most high-tech applications today

  • A critical component in the advancement of semiconductors, quantum computing, and medical imaging

  • Price volatility affecting research institutions and commercial applications

  • Growing requirements in manufacturing and technology is driving sustained demand

Production around the world

The global helium production landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, shifting from traditional U.S. dominance to a more diversified international market.

  • Emerging as an important helium frontier with new development in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Weil Group's operations. Canada's helium resources typically contain minimal hydrocarbons, offering environmental advantages.

  • While still a significant producer, the U.S. has seen declining production from the Federal Helium Reserve. Private production in Kansas, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming continues to be important to global supply.

  • Remains a dominant global supplier with the Ras Laffan facility (660 million ft³ annually). Qatar expanded its production capacity with Qatar Helium 2 in 2013, making it one of the world's largest helium producers.

  • The Arzew (Helios) and Skikda (Helison) plants continue operation as joint ventures between Sonatrach and major industrial gas companies including Air Liquide and Linde.

  • The Orenburg facility (230 million ft³ annually) has been supplemented by Gazprom's developing projects. Russia has been working to increase its global market share with new production capacity.

  • The Odolanow plant (approximately 100 million ft³ annually) operated by Polish Oil and Gas Company continues production from fields containing between 0.08% to 0.45% helium.

  • The Darwin plant primarily serves Asian markets. Australia has grown in importance as a Pacific Rim supplier reducing dependence on Middle Eastern and North American sources.

Our approach

We’ve pioneered a different methodology for helium production that addresses market challenges.

Primary focus

We explore and develop helium as our primary target—not as a byproduct—using our proprietary WHIMM technology to achieve the most cost-effective production possible. Our breakthrough modular system enables efficient processing of helium from non-hydrocarbon sources, representing a fundamental advancement in how helium is extracted and purified for industrial applications.

Supply reliability

Our vertically integrated approach controls every step from wellhead to end user, supported by dedicated logistics infrastructure including high-capacity gaseous trailers and liquid ISO containers. This comprehensive control enables us to ensure consistent delivery capability, optimize costs throughout the supply chain, and maintain reliable performance that our customers can depend on.

Collaborative model

We build open and transparent partnerships with independent distributors and end users, creating mutual benefit through our collaborative approach. Rather than competing with existing distribution networks, we work alongside partners to strengthen the entire helium supply ecosystem, offering fair pricing, reliable supply commitments, and shared success that benefits all stakeholders.

Looking forward

As technology advances, helium will only become more critical.

Connect with us to discuss your supply needs or project opportunities.