Helium is vital for science and technology
- 2nd most abundant element in the universe (after hydrogen) and the most stable
- Inert gas to -269 C
- Non-renewable: recoverable quantities only in a few locations globally
- High thermal conductivity helps control silicon temperatures during chip manufacturing & semiconductor miniaturization
Helium cannot be synthesized & has no substitutes
- Demand for helium increasing in the technology industry
- Helium market expected to grow 11.2% (CAGR) 2021-20261
- Several countries, including Canada, have classified helium as a critical mineral2
Technology Manufacturing
Applications:
- Semi-conductor manufacturing
- Micro-chip manufacturing
- LCD panels
- Fiber optic cables
Healthcare
Applications:
- MRI machines
- Helium-ion microscopes
- Laser eye surgery
- Cryogenics
Helium is most commonly known as a safe, non-flammable gas to fill balloons, however helium:
- Cannot be synthesized & has no substitutes
- Is found in recoverable quantities in only a few locations globally
- Escapes into the atmosphere
- Has cooling properties with a boiling point near absolute zero
Aerospace & Defense
Applications:
- Space exploration – fuel purging systems
- Defense guidance systems
- Rocket guidance systems
Industrial Uses
Applications:
- Welding – shield masks
- Gas leak detection
- Nuclear reactor coolant
- Crystal growth
1 Global Helium Market Report; Research and Markets; 2021
2 Critical Minerals; Government of Canada; 2021
A Growing Need for Helium
End uses of helium are expected to substantially outpace global GDP growth.
Key Technological Drivers
As a necessary ingredient for the modern economy and emerging technologies, several countries, including Canada, have now classified helium as a critical mineral.
✓ Medicine
✓ Aerospace
✓ Computing
✓ Green technology
1Global Helium Market Update; Edison Investment Research; 2021
2Helium Marcro View Update; Edison Investment Research; 2019
3Global Helium Market Report; Research & Markets; 2021
As a necessary ingredient for the modern economy and emerging technologies, several countries, including Canada, have now classified helium as a critical mineral.
A Shift in Global Supply
U.S. Strategic Reserve (BLM) now depleted, free market pricing now in effect
From 1996-2018, the US divested substantially all of its strategic helium reserve.
A New Price Environment
As helium market evolves, greater transparency into helium market pricing is expected
Below market pricing by the U.S. Strategic Reserve imposed price suppression for decades that has now been removed.
