1 Jan 2025
Processing Startup for Helium in Qatar
Qatargas expanded liquid helium capacity by 27.7 million cubic meters per year by 2025.
Helium production
Helium
Helium is a rare commodity that's not mined directly but extracted from natural gas deposits. The largest source of helium is the Brady and Cliffside fields in Texas and Oklahoma, USA, which supply around 50% of global production. The extraction process begins with cleaning and cooling natural gas to -450°F, causing the helium to liquefy and separate from other gases. Further purification involves pressure reduction, adsorption, and membrane separation to produce high-purity helium. Helium's unique properties make...
Helium is a rare commodity that's not mined directly but extracted from natural gas deposits. The largest source of helium is the Brady and Cliffside fields in Texas and Oklahoma, USA, which supply around 50% of global production.
The extraction process begins with cleaning and cooling natural gas to -450°F, causing the helium to liquefy and separate from other gases. Further purification involves pressure reduction, adsorption, and membrane separation to produce high-purity helium.
Helium's unique properties make it essential in various applications, including cryogenics, pressurizing systems, welding, leak detection, and manufacturing semiconductors, LCDs, and fiber optics. Its low density, low boiling point, and inertness make it a critical component in many industrial and high-tech sectors.
Global Production History
Global Production Map
Production by Country
Country production pages
Countries Producing Helium
Market intelligence
Relevant Events
1 Jan 2023
Processing Startup for Helium in Russia
Irkutsk Oil Company started liquid helium production in Irkutsk, Russia.
1 Jan 2023
Processing Startup for Helium in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Oil Group commenced liquid helium production in Saudi Arabia.
31 Dec 2021
Processing Shutdown for Helium in United States
Under the Helium Stewardship Act, the BLM was mandated to dispose of all helium assets, including the Cliffside Field storage reservoir and pipeline system, and complete the sale by year‑end 2021.
30 Sep 2021
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
Deadline for disposal of federal helium assets under Phase D of the Helium Stewardship Act.
1 Jan 2021
Processing Startup for Helium in Russia
Gazprom began operating its first liquid helium liquefier in Amur, Russia.
1 Jan 2021
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
BLM expected to dispose of federal helium assets in 2021.
1 Jan 2021
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
BLM and General Services Administration worked to transition federal helium assets to private ownership.
30 Jun 2020
Other for Helium in United States
The USGS was scheduled to publish the results of the national helium gas assessment in 2020, providing updated reserve and resource estimates.
30 Jun 2020
Other for Helium in United States
The BLM planned to publish an update to its Helium Resources of the United States report by mid‑year 2020, offering revised resource assessments.
31 Dec 2019
Other for Helium in United States
In FY 2019, private companies purchased approximately 4.8 million cubic meters of in‑kind crude helium from the BLM, reflecting continued private sector demand.
31 Dec 2019
Other for Helium in United States
During FY 2019, the BLM’s Amarillo Field Office accepted about 3.0 million cubic meters of private helium for storage and re‑delivered nearly 24.2 million cubic meters to customers.
31 Dec 2019
Other for Helium in United States
In 2019, the BLM continued implementation of the Helium Stewardship Act by supplying helium to federal agencies through the in‑kind helium program from the Cliffside Field storage.
31 Dec 2018
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
Beginning of Phase C, providing continued access to federal users after Phase B ended.
1 Jul 2018
Other for Helium in United States
The last federal auction of conservation helium was completed in summer 2018, marking the final sale of helium from the Cliffside Field reserve before planned disposal.
1 Jul 2018
Other for Helium in United States
Last helium auction under Phase B, concluding private helium sales.
1 Oct 2014
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
Phase B of the HSA began, initiating annual auctions of crude helium from the Federal Reserve.
1 Oct 2014
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
Start of Phase B auction implementation for helium sales under the Helium Stewardship Act.
30 Sep 2014
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
End of Phase A allocation transition under the Helium Stewardship Act, concluding the first privatization phase.
1 Jul 2014
Other for Helium in United States
First helium auction conducted by the BLM for deliveries in fiscal year 2015.
2 Oct 2013
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
Congress passed the Helium Stewardship Act, enabling sale of crude helium at market‑driven prices and establishing transition phases.
2 Oct 2013
Regulatory Change for Helium in United States
U.S. Congress passed the Helium Stewardship Act, initiating privatization of federal helium assets.
2013
Processing Startup for Helium in United States
A new noncryogenic helium plant began operations near Otis, Kansas, adding production capacity.
1 Jan 2011
Mine Opening for Helium in United States
A new helium plant was slated to commence operations at Riley Ridge, Wyoming, in 2011‑12, increasing domestic supply.
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