The world's supply of helium is in peril, and Australia could be a key player in its extraction. With the Middle East war disrupting global supplies, the demand for this rare gas is skyrocketing. Helium, known for its use in party balloons and silly voices, is now a critical resource for modern technology and healthcare. Its unique properties, such as being the second-lightest gas and the coldest liquid substance, make it indispensable for various applications.
Arup George, an engineer from the University of New South Wales, highlights the gas's importance in the digital age. Helium is essential for manufacturing microchips and semiconductors, driving the expansion of data centers and artificial intelligence. Its inert nature also makes it ideal for checking gas leaks in microchip labs and clearing hydrogen rocket jets.
However, the scarcity of helium is a concern. It is produced by the breakdown of radioactive elements deep in the Earth's crust and is often found alongside natural gas. Australia's gas industry has an opportunity to capitalize on this co-location. Professor Eric May estimates that helium is likely present in up to six of the country's natural gas plants, yet the only helium operator in Darwin closed in 2023 due to depleted deposits.
The current practice of releasing helium as tail gas during LNG mining is wasteful. Gold Hydrogen, an ASX-listed company, aims to address this by focusing on the discovery and development of natural hydrogen and helium. They have discovered helium with extraordinary purity, and their goal is to achieve commercial production within two years. However, building the necessary extraction technology requires significant investment.
The scarcity of helium and its strategic importance have led to calls for its re-inclusion on the federal government's critical minerals list. Advocates argue that listing helium would unlock government tax breaks and investment supports, incentivizing its production and recovery. Without this listing, Australian LNG operators lack commercial incentives to capture helium, and the global chip supply is at risk.
The removal of helium from the critical minerals list raises concerns about the country's ability to secure this vital resource. Resources Minister Madeleine King's spokesperson acknowledged the government's monitoring of critical supply chains but did not respond to specific helium-related concerns. As the world grapples with the impact of the Middle East war on helium supplies, Australia's potential to extract and utilize this rare gas becomes increasingly significant.
