Helium is an inert gas for purging hydrogen systems, a pressurising agent for ground and flight fluid systems, a cryogenic agent for cooling various materials, and a commodity used in precision welding applications.
Helium gas can be used to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema – liquid helium is also used medically – as well as in electronic and semiconductor sectors.
However, the MRI market for helium is expected to be surpassed by the semiconductor/electronics segment within the next couple of years. This begs the question: what will be the next big use for helium? At the moment, the answer to that question is unclear.
Western Canada, the Midwest/Southwest US, South Africa and Tanzania are the leading geographies for helium exploration with helium-rich discoveries containing low-mid single digit percentages of helium.
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