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Helium

Helium is a colourless, odourless, inert noble gas and the second-lightest element in the periodic table, with critical industrial and technological applications. It is extracted primarily as a by-product of natural gas production, with major reserves concentrated in the United States, Qatar, Algeria and Russia. The gas is essential for cooling superconducting magnets in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, particle accelerators and nuclear magnetic resonance equipment. Helium's extremely low boiling point of minus 269 degrees Celsius makes it indispensable for cryogenic applications, including the cooling of semiconductors during manufacturing and the operation of quantum computing systems. The semiconductor industry relies on helium as a carrier gas in chemical vapour deposition processes and for leak detection in high-precision manufacturing environments. Demand has surged alongside growth in advanced electronics, data centres and artificial intelligence infrastructure, where helium supports the production and operation of high-performance chips. The global helium market faces supply constraints due to the finite nature of reserves, geopolitical risks affecting key producing regions and the technical challenges of extraction and liquefaction. Prices have experienced significant volatility, prompting efforts to improve recycling, develop alternative cooling technologies and secure long-term supply agreements. Helium is also used in welding, pressurising rocket fuel systems, deep-sea diving gas mixtures and scientific research. The strategic importance of helium has led governments and technology companies to prioritise supply-chain resilience and explore new sources, including helium-rich gas fields in East Africa and North America.

Helium Updates


Lawson natural hydrogen project site in Saskatchewan
Canadian natural hydrogen developer inks MoU to integrate energy, cooling for AI data centres
2nd June 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Canadian energy and resource exploration company Max Power Mining has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an advanced AI infrastructure and distributed energy systems company called... 


Switzerland landscape
Swiss Geo Energy secures three-way permit for energy source exploration in Switzerland
4th May 2026 By: Marleny Arnoldi

Switzerland-focused decarbonised energy solutions company Swiss Geo Energy has been granted a surface exploration permit for its Jorat project, which will mark Switzerland's first initiative... 


Image of Virginia gas project
Virginia gas project, South Africa – update
17th April 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

ASP Isotopes has reported that Phase 1 drilling has been completed ahead of schedule. 


ASP Isotopes expects first shipments of nuclear medicine, electronics isotopes in 2026
13th April 2026 By: Schalk Burger

JSE- and Nasdaq-listed advanced materials company ASP Isotopes expects to dispatch the first commercial shipments of silicon-28 (Si-28), used to produce advanced electronics, and ytterbium-176... 


Tanzania-focused Rift Helium enters final stages of Aim admission
8th April 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

Rift Helium, which is focused on the exploration and development of primary helium in a proven basin in southwest Tanzania, is in the final stages of its application for admission of its ordinary... 


Hormuz disruption of helium supply holds risks for technology production
7th April 2026 By: Schalk Burger

The disruption to the shipping of specialty materials, such as helium, through the Strait of Hormuz is leading to a critical risk to the global technology supply chain and presents an immediate... 


Image of Virginia gas project
Virginia gas project, South Africa – update
27th March 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

ASP Isotopes has completed the drilling of the wells required for Phase 1 of the helium project, about four months ahead of schedule. 


An image of ASP Isotopes CEO and executive chairperson Paul Mann
ASP completes well drilling for first phase of Virginia gas project
23rd March 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

JSE-listed ASP Isotopes has completed the drilling of the wells required for Phase 1 of the Renergen helium project, about four months ahead of schedule. “This marks a watershed moment for our... 


Image of Virginia gas project
Virginia gas project, South Africa – update
6th February 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

ASP Isotopes has reported material operational progress since April 2025, following bridge loan funding provided before completing its acquisition of Renergen.  


ASPI highlights progress on helium project following Renergen acquisition
29th January 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

ASP Isotopes (ASPI) has provided a production update on the Renergen helium project following the company’s acquisition of Renergen on January 6. The update reflects on operational progress since... 


US House votes to overturn Minnesota mining ban, Senate to consider next
US House votes to overturn Minnesota mining ban, Senate to consider next
22nd January 2026 By: Mariaan Webb

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to overturn former President Joe Biden's mining ban in northern Minnesota, giving a boost to Antofagasta's Twin Metals copper, cobalt and nickel... 


ASP Isotopes chairperson Paul Mann
ASP Isotopes completes buyout of Renergen
7th January 2026 By: Creamer Media Reporter

ASP Isotopes has successfully closed its acquisition of South African firm Renergen, creating a combined company that is focused on the production of critical isotopes and helium. This strategic... 


The Virginia gas plant
Renergen to delist in January as ASPI takeover reaches final implementation phase
19th December 2025 By: Mariaan Webb

Natural gas and helium producer Renergen will be delisted from the JSE, A2X and ASX on January 12, following the fulfilment of all conditions to its takeover by Nasdaq- and JSE-listed ASP Isotopes... 


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