Helium

Primary Applications

MRI and superconducting magnets, semiconductor manufacturing, leak detection, aerospace, scientific research

Mining Significance

Commercial helium is recovered primarily from helium-bearing natural gas reservoirs rather than from mineral ores. Helium accumulates when radiogenic helium generated in crustal rocks migrates into gas reservoirs and is retained by effective seals. Economic recovery depends on helium concentration, gas composition, reservoir size, processing infrastructure, and the ability to separate helium from methane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Industries

None listed

Helium

4.00

Key Properties

Very light noble gas with extremely low chemical reactivity.
Lowest boiling point of any element.
Remains liquid to exceptionally low temperatures, making it critical for cryogenics.
Nonflammable and inert under ordinary conditions.
Small atomic size makes leak detection and containment important considerations.

Mining Targets

This element is often found in the following Deposit Types and Mineral targets.

Deposit Type: Helium-rich Natural Gas Reservoir - Natural gas reservoirs containing elevated helium concentrations that may support commercial recovery.

No mineral relationship. Helium is recovered from helium-bearing subsurface gas accumulations, commonly natural-gas reservoirs.