Although helium is plentiful in the cosmos, terrestrial helium is relatively scarce. It is typically produced as a by-product of natural gas extraction, where it occurs in small concentrations.
The reason helium exists in natural gas fields is that, over geological time, radioactive decay in subsurface rocks generates helium (from alpha-decay of heavy elements), which then accumulates in gas reservoirs under favourable conditions. This process explains why it is found in some, but not all, natural gas wells.

Importance

Why it matters today

Helium plays a critical role in many industries and scientific applications because of its distinct physical properties—low density, inertness (non-reactive nature), extremely low boiling point (about −269 °C or 4 K), and high thermal conductivity.

Key applications include:

• Cryogenics: Cooling superconducting magnets in medical MRI machines and research instruments.

• Industrial manufacturing: Providing inert atmospheres for welding, semiconductor fabrication, fibre-optic production, and pressurising tanks in aerospace.

• Scientific research: Studying quantum phenomena at ultra-low temperatures, particle physics, and leak detection.

• Strategic significance: Because alternative gases cannot fully substitute for helium in many critical uses, supply chain stability is a matter of technological and national importance.

Who it affects and what problems it solves

Helium underpins medical diagnostics (MRI scanners), high-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, fibre optics), scientific discovery (cryogenics, accelerators), aerospace, and defence systems (pressurisation, inert gas use).
Shortages or supply disruptions can have ripple effects across healthcare, electronics, research institutions, national security, and advanced manufacturing. For example, the inability to procure adequate helium could limit MRI operations or slow quantum computing research.
Given its finite recoverable supply and growing demand, managing helium resources also ties into sustainability and strategic resource policy.

Recent Updates

• September 2025: QatarEnergy signed a long-term agreement with Germany’s Messer to supply 100 million cubic feet of high-purity helium annually from its Ras Laffan facility. The company estimates its helium reserves could supply about 25 % of global demand when its plants reach full capacity.

• November 2025: Mendell Helium commenced production at the Kansas “Rost 1-26” well, capturing gas containing about 5 % helium and preparing purification systems to raise helium concentration to 75 %.

• November 2025: Helium One Global Ltd reported a significant helium discovery in its “Southern Rukwa” project, with concentrations above 5 %.

• August 2025: India’s ONGC partnered with Engineers India Limited to establish a helium-recovery demonstration plant in Tamil Nadu, building indigenous capability for helium extraction and purification.

These developments highlight global production efforts, rising demand for cryogenics and advanced technologies, and a growing strategic focus on helium supply security.

Laws or Policies

In the United States, the Helium Act of 1925 authorised the conservation, production, and management of helium as a strategic resource. This act laid the foundation for government oversight of helium extraction and storage.

In India, certain helium isotopes, such as helium-3, fall under the Atomic Energy Act of 1962, which regulates their import and use. Import of helium-3 is restricted and requires government permission.
Additionally, India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (launched in 2025) includes helium among the strategic materials requiring supply-chain security.

Globally, governments are encouraging helium recycling, efficient utilisation, and domestic production to reduce dependency on imports.

Tools and Resources

Here are some useful resources and tools related to helium:

• Gas industry portals: Offer information on helium supply, storage, and transport developments.

• Scientific databases: Contain research on helium sources, applications, and sustainability.

• Technical references: Provide data on helium’s physical properties and cryogenic applications.

• Educational materials: University and laboratory guides on helium handling, liquefaction, and isotope studies.

• Policy documents: Government notifications outlining trade control and safety regulations for helium.

• Industry reports: Include tables and data on helium reserves, production, and projected demand.

These tools can assist educators, students, industry analysts, policymakers, or anyone interested in understanding helium’s role in science and technology.

FAQs

Q1. What makes helium different from other gases?
Helium is inert (chemically non-reactive), one of the lightest elements, and has an exceptionally low boiling point (about −269 °C). These properties mean it remains a gas under conditions where others liquefy, making it ideal for cooling, inert shielding, and pressurisation.

Q2. Why is helium considered a strategic or critical resource?
Many high-tech, medical, and research applications depend on helium, and alternatives are limited. Because terrestrial production is restricted and reserves are difficult to access, ensuring stable supply is essential for many industries.

Q3. Can helium be recycled or reused?
Yes. In many cryogenic and industrial systems, helium recovery and recycling systems are used to reduce waste and manage supply. Major research facilities often incorporate helium recovery loops for sustainability.

Q4. Is helium running out?
Helium is finite from terrestrial reserves, though not immediately exhausted. Global resources are large, but technical and economic extraction challenges make some deposits difficult to access efficiently.

Q5. Why can’t we extract helium from the air?
Helium is present in Earth’s atmosphere in extremely low concentrations (a few parts per million). Extracting it from air would require enormous energy and cost, making it economically impractical compared to natural-gas recovery.

Conclusion

Helium may be best known for filling balloons, but its significance extends far beyond that simple image. It is indispensable in medicine, quantum research, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Because of its unique properties and limited supply, helium has become a critical global resource.
Recent projects and policy initiatives reflect a worldwide push to strengthen helium production, recycling, and sustainability. For scientists, engineers, policymakers, and educators, understanding helium’s properties, uses, and evolving role in global technology is increasingly important for the future of research and innovation.